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The University of Western Australia is adopting a sustainable development approach which it hopes will provide an example of good practice in the community - and its new policy has the potential to affect as many people as the population of a WA regional centre.

UWA's Sustainable Development Plan 2011-2014 , to be launched today (Friday 11 November), aims to recycle 100 per cent of the University's waste by 2020.

The University has set a target of 20 per cent reductions in greenhouse emissions and water consumption by 2020, compared with 2008 levels.

With almost 24,000 students and about 3,500 staff members, the University is a major employer, consumer and leading educational institution in Western Australia.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the University was acutely aware of its responsibility to act as a community role model in environmental sustainability.

"Our University is also in a unique position to influence current and future thinking on climate change and to respond to it through our curriculum and research," Professor Robson said.

The plan covers all aspects of UWA life and encourages staff and student involvement through sustainability-related events and programs.

Focus areas include energy, water, recycling, transport, buildings, landscape, communication and engagement.

Media references

Dr Helen Whitbread (UWA Associate Director Built Environment)  (+61 8)  6488 4776
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716