Hailey Bolland

Facilities Management

University of the Sunshine Coast

USC Sustainability Report Jan-Dec 2013

Contents

About This Report 2-2

Sustainability at the University of the Sunshine Coast 3-6

Sustainability Parameters for Reporting Performance 7-7

Figure1. Sustainability categories used for indicator development 7-7

Transport Sustainability Performance Snapshot 8-8

Biodiversity & Environment Sustainability Performance Snapshot 9-9

Energy and Greenhouse Gas Sustainability Performance Snapshot 10-11

Figure 2. USC Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2013 11-11

Water Sustainability Performance Snapshot 12-13

Figure 3. Total Water Reuse vs Water Consumption – Sippy Downs Campus 13-13

Waste and Recycling Sustainability Performance Snapshot 14-15

Governance Sustainability Performance Snapshot 16-18

Planning and Development Sustainability Performance Snapshot 19-20

Community engagement and partnerships Sustainability Performance Snapshot 21-22

Teaching Sustainability Performance Snapshot 23-24

Figure 4. Frequency in FoSHEE 24-24

Figure 5. Frequency in FAB 24-24

Research Sustainability Performance Snapshot 25-25

Economic Sustainability Performance Snapshot 25-26

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About this Report This is the University of the Sunshine Coast’s first annual Sustainability Report that informs the University’s sustainability performance for the year of 2013. The purpose of this document is to report on the University’s sustainability performance in alignment with the objectives set out in the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Strategic Plan 2011-2015, Campus Master plan 2012-2016 and the Corporate Sustainability Policy. The Sustainability Report allows the University to track progress against sustainability targets in a consistent and transparent manner providing a tool for communication and decision making. Additionally, the report provides a foundation to developing a USC Sustainability Strategy in the future. The 2013 report provides a summary of the progress that the University is making to improve the sustainability of its operations and assets, as well as the actions towards incorporating sustainability principles across the functions and services the University offers to staff and students. However, it should be noted that all data reported for the 2013 year is for the Sippy Downs campus only which is consistent with TEFMA benchmarking. USC is endeavouring to put mechanisms in place to measure the sustainability performance of all USC campuses and assets moving forward. Over time, the examination of a succession of these reports will allow trends to be analysed and will provide a sound basis for determining whether or not the policies, programs and management activities implemented by the University are achieving success and how they can potentially be refined and improved. Therefore, the University envisages that the format and scope of the annual Sustainability Report will progressively develop as data capture, sustainability goal setting and the reporting process improves over time.

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Sustainability at the University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) is committed to sustainability for the benefit of the students, staff and the wider community, through the delivery of specialised courses and programs, concerted research efforts and the development of the campus. USC also recognises the critical role sustainability (in the broader sense of the word) has on the development and liveability of the Sunshine Coast. This includes the physical and built environments, social capital and community networks, and business and economic impacts. The University is motivated to adopt a leadership role in developing and managing the sustainability of the campus and uses the University’s Strategic Plan 2011-2015, Campus Master plan 2012-2016, and the Corporate Sustainability Policy as drivers for achieving this. The University’s commitment to environmental sustainability has been evident since its inception and the University will continue to enhance its reputation as a leader in the areas of campus planning and development, sub-tropical architecture, conservation of natural resources as well as teaching and research. This section highlights the key attributes and sustainability goals of these documents and activities.

USC Definition of Sustainability

Sustainability is the enhancement of communities into an indefinite future whilst minimising the impact on the intrinsic value of natural systems.

University of the Sunshine Coast Strategic Plan 2011 – 2015.

The role of the strategic plan is to articulate the broad goals and aims of the University for 2011-2015. Specific strategies are set out in four top level plans which have been developed in alignment with the strategic priorities of the plan as shown below. Strategic Priorities The University has four strategic priorities. The University will: 1. Enable access to the USC experience 2. Deliver high quality teaching, learning and graduate outcomes 3. Build research productivity and output significantly 4. Develop USC for a sustainable future

In reference to strategic priority 4: To develop USC for a sustainable future, the key strategies for delivering this are:

4.1 Develop and enable staff to manage change and contribute to achievement of the strategic plan 4.2 Invest in and continuously improve information management systems, business processes and workforce planning 4.3 Advance the University through key strategic partnerships 4.4 Maximise opportunities to develop well designed, technology rich, and sustainable University sites

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2012-2016 Campus Master Plan

The fundamental objective of the 2012 Campus Master Plan is to support the vision of the University of the Sunshine Coast Strategic Plan 2011 – 2015 through offering a comprehensive planning framework for the campus, including its buildings and infrastructure, landscape, transportation network and the natural systems which support the presence of flora and fauna both in and surrounding the University campus’ immediate environment.

Among the values discussed in the Strategic Plan 2011 – 2015, of particular relevance and significance to the 2012 Campus Master Plan are the University’s commitment to developing and supporting the region as an exemplar of environmental sustainability, and making respect for indigenous peoples fundamental to the institution’s broader capacity for fostering a tolerant and inclusive community. Furthermore, it recognises that institutions are in a state of continual growth and change, and as a consequence seeks both short and long term flexibility within the parameters of its key planning goals.

The 2012 Campus Master Plan establishes a broad range of environmental priorities in relationship to the design and operation of its own facilities, as well as in regards to neighbouring ecosystems, and especially the Mooloolah River National Park. These responsibilities include large scale landscape and water management programs, and the extension/restoration of the natural local habitat for native flora and fauna. Buildings are sited away from that portion of the site liable to be impacted by flooding, as well as being designed for climatic sensitivity, with the intention of minimising their long term energy usage.

Sustainability Policy

This policy provides a framework for sustainable and responsible practices, activities and operations at the University of the Sunshine Coast. It has been developed around three key areas:

• environmental management • economic sustainability, and • social wellbeing.

This policy recognises the University’s commitment to continual improvement in campus planning and development, sub-tropical architecture and conservation of natural resources. Additionally, the policy recognises the University and its graduates exist within a global community and will aspire to become a leader in sustainable practices which encompass the management and administration of the University, its funding allocations, its teaching syllabus and its research priorities.

The University will, therefore, provide leadership in the pursuit of sustainability through its core activities of research, teaching and engagement.

The following principles underpin the University’s sustainability policy:

• incorporating sustainability principles into University activities and decision-making at all levels

• creating and promoting a sustainable and responsible culture across the University’s community

• utilising the University’s education, knowledge and research in sustainability to guide and support the regional community to respond to sustainability challenges

• producing graduates who are able to contribute to a knowledge economy and sustainable futures

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Sustainability Management Committee The Sustainability Management Committee was established to ensure that the needs of the current University community could be met without compromising the needs of future students and staff. The Committee, in collaboration with the Sustainability Advisory Committee, advises on and monitors the impact of environmental, social and economic sustainability activities at USC, in order to evaluate success and drive continual improvements in these areas. The Sustainability Management Committee’s major areas of responsibility are:

1. To advise on and provide strategic input into sustainability issues at USC. 2. To facilitate achievement of sustainability goals and KPIs at USC. 3. To oversee the development, review and implementation of sustainability policy at USC and

ensure that the University complies with internal and external sustainability policies. 4. To assist the University in retaining its status as an exemplar campus in sustainability. 5. To foster a culture of sustainability at USC. 6. To drive a collaborative approach to sustainability at USC. 7. To facilitate sustainable USC campuses. 8. To support the embedding of sustainability principles in Research and Learning and

Teaching at USC. Sustainability Advisory Committee A Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) was created to bridge academic excellence in sustainable research to practical outcomes that are relevant to the public and private sectors, business and the broader community.

The key objectives of the SAC are as follows:

1. Support USC as Australia's most sustainable university campus and recommend and champion ways to further advance that objective

2. Support and provide input to USC's research, learning and teaching, and engagement objectives and strategies in the area of sustainability

3. Act as champions for and provide input to the transfer of knowledge and best practice into application in the Sunshine Coast region

4. Assist in the promotion and management of major sustainability events on campus (e.g. lecture series, World Environment Day, etc.).

Sustainability Research Centre The Sustainability Research Centre (SRC) provides significant leadership in the continual challenges between the protection of the natural environment and requirements of urban growth. The Sustainability Research Centre (SRC) was formalised as one of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s flagship research concentrations in September 2007. In 2012 the SRC was also designated as a Tier 1 research centre and has international and national collaborations and partnerships. The SRC's research seeks to understand the social dimensions of regional environmental change, and contributes knowledge in the areas of:

• Sustainability science • Resilience • Adaptive capacity • Social learning • Capacity building

• International development • Institutional and policy analysis • Indigenous knowledge • Adaptive management • Social capital

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While the SRC work encompasses a range of disciplines and undertakes transdisiplinary research, the core focus is aligned with social, behavioural and economic sciences. Focus areas can be applied to a range of sustainability issues such as coastal management, climate change, and water management (recognised as significant at local through to international scales) - in this way real on-the-ground concerns of society and the environment can be addressed. The SRC is also responsible for delivering the undergraduate major and minor in sustainability offered at USC. Enviro development Accreditation In 2011, USC became the first university in Australia to gain full Enviro Development accreditation from the Urban Development Institute of Australia for achieving elements of sustainability across six categories – ecosystems, waste, energy, materials, water and community. The Enviro Development national accreditation program is a scientifically-based branding and certification system which rewards exemplary sustainable development projects. All buildings on campus focus on environmentally sustainable design (ESD) to suit the sub-tropical climate of the Sunshine Coast. Some of the University's ESD strategies include:

• passive lighting and natural ventilation to minimise the use of non-renewable energy • extensive use of screens, fins, sun shelters and tree plantings to reduce direct sunlight on

buildings • chilled water to supply air-conditioning to buildings, where

applicable • integrated building cooling systems, including atriums,

breezeways, louvres, thermal chimneys and high loft ceilings to allow for the movement of warm air away from work and teaching spaces

• locating buildings to take advantage of prevailing breezes • using lightweight building fabric and low maintenance materials

These principles will continue to be an intrinsic factor of all campus development and is at the forefront of all infrastructure planning and design phases.

Compensatory Habitat - Translocation site

The Compensatory Habitat is an innovative translocation project which involved the removal and relocation of 12.2 hectares of a total coastal heath ecosystem of native plants, topsoil and habituating small animals to a recipient site at the University of the Sunshine Coast. This project was one of the largest plant translocations ever conducted in the southern hemisphere, resulting in improved biodiversity outcomes for the region, a vegetation survival rate of around 95 per cent and the preservation of a valuable resource for future generations. Non-standard innovative features that significantly enhanced the project included:

• the unique collaboration between key stakeholders, • the use of a joint steering committee, • ecologists overseeing each component of the process, the “turf” method of translocation, • individual plant GPS location, tagging and monitoring, • the increase in developable land resulting from the translocation.

The habitat has become a living laboratory for students and staff as well as enhancing the natural surrounds of the campus.

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Sustainability Parameters for Reporting Performance

Considering the interrelated social, economic and environmental factors of sustainability, the diagram below shows the eleven key aspects of sustainability at the University of the Sunshine Coast that have been used as categories to develop indicators for reporting our performance. Data and information pertaining to these indicators was collected from a variety of sources across the University Departments and Faculties.

Figure 1. Sustainability categories used for indicator development.

USC SUSTAINABILITY

Social Economic

Environmental

Transport

Energy and Greenhouse

Gas

Governance

Waste and Recycling

Biodiversity and

Environment

Water Planning and Development

Community Engagement

and Partnerships

Economic

Teaching

Research

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TRANSPORT SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT

O

Transport

Performance Indicator Performance 2013

Total number of patrons that used the USC shuttle bus service (includes all trips and all locations)

15371

Weekly average number of students using the USC shuttle bus - Gympie

184

Weekly average number of students using the USC shuttle bus – North Lakes

450

Weekly average number of students using the USC shuttle bus - Noosa

171

Number of GO Cards issued to students by FM 3540

Number of likes on the Travel to USC face book page 353

Number of people that registered in ride to work day 75

Initiatives to promote sustainable transport options to and from University

Ride to Work Day, Jayride, USC Bike Hubs and stations, Cycle and Walkways

UR PERFORMANCE INDICATOR EFERENCE

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Carpool

The University has created a carpooling website to encourage options for choosing sustainable forms of transport to and from Uni. The website www.jayride.com.au enables members of the community to find like-minded people to carpool with to and from work. Initiatives such as carpooling can save money, reduce wear and tear on vehicles, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help minimise the volume of traffic on local roads.

Bicycle facilities

The University has a selection of bicycle racks and end-of-trip facilities on campus. Showers are located on the ground level of the following buildings on campus:

• USC Bike Hub • Sports Tower • Sports Stadium • Building D • Building I • Building K • Building B • Innovation Centre • Uni Club

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BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Compensatory Habitat fire burn

The first planned burn of a section of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s compensatory habitat site was undertaken during August in cooperation with Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Sunshine Coast Regional Council. The burning of less than a third of the 15 hectares of wet and dry heathland is part of USC’S fire management plan for the habitat to assist with the regeneration of endangered plant species like Tiny wattle (Acacia lauera) and the heath generally, as well as reducing wildfire risk by reducing fuel load.

Land for Wildlife USC signed an agreement with Council’s Land for Wildlife program in 2013 to gain further support to protect native plants and animals on campus. The benefits that Land for Wildlife program offer USC are:

• free land management advice tailored to the campus • follow-up property visits and management advice • free specialist workshops and field days • access to technical advice • access to resources, including government grants and other incentives • regular newsletters • opportunities to meet other like-minded landholders.

Biodiversity and Environment

Performance Indicator Performance 2013

Habitats protected or restored. The USC campus is a flora and fauna reserve, spread over 100 hectares (1 km2) adjoining the Mooloolah River National Park.

Compensatory Habitat – A 15 hectare site on campus has been revegetated with rare and endangered Boronia and acacia species, relocated from a nearby residential development site. The habitat is one of the largest projects of its kind in Australia and has involved a PhD research project to monitor the germination and revegetation of the species.

Initiatives that enhance biodiversity and conservation of fauna and flora on campus.

USC campus – a fauna and flora reserve

Compensatory Habitat Fire Burn Land for Wildlife agreement

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ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS

SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT OUR PERFORMANCE INDICATOR RENCE

Energy and Greenhouse Gas

Performance Indicator Performance 2013

Initiatives to provide energy-efficient or renewable energy based products and services, and reductions in energy requirements as a result of these initiatives. .

Variable speed drives on major energy consuming water pumps

Environmental Sustainable Design initiatives in all campus buildings (e.g. energy efficient lighting, automated air-con timers, air-con motion sensors for selected buildings.)

Solar power panels installed at USC bus station

Solar powered buggies

Total electricity emissions (tco2-e/year). 8519 tco2-e/year

Total electricity consumption (kWh) 9682690 kWh

Total electricity cost to the University ($). $1,597,090 inc. GST

Greenhouse gas emissions (tco2-e/year) per EFTSL. 1.17 tco2-e/year

Greenhouse gas emissions (tco2-e/year) per FTE staff. 0.11 tco2-e/year

Total waste emissions (general) (tco2-e/year). 108.73 tco2-e/year

Total LPG/butane emissions (tco2-e/year). 19 tco2-e/year

Total diesel generators emissions (tco2-e/year). 19 tco2-e/year

Total wastewater emissions (tco2-e/year). 297.08 tco2-e/year

Total travel (air miles) emissions (tco2-e/year). 2153.5 tco2-e/year

Total combined fuel use USC fleet vehicles – Diesel, Unleaded, Biodiesel (Litres).

76,635 L

Total fleet emissions – Petrol/Diesel/Biodiesel (tco2-e/year). 187.9 tco2-e/year

Number of vehicles in the University fleet- four cylinder, electric and hybrids.

38 four cylinder vehicles 9 electric buggies 4 petrol hybrids

Total USC Greenhouse Gas Emissions (tco2-e/year). 11,304.2 tco2-e/year

Power usage – maintain 0.55 KJ per m² of GFA. KPI achieved

Carbon Emissions per GFA – maintain 135kg of CO²/m² per annum.

KPI achieved

# Wastewater emissions are defined as methane released from wastewater handling (domestic and commercial)

Solar powered buggy

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Figure 2. USC Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2013 (tco2-e/year)

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

USC awarded as a top three finalist in the 2013 Premier’s Sustainability Awards USC was one of three finalists from 42 nominees in the “Leadership in Sustainability” category of the awards, announced at a gala event hosted by Premier Campbell Newman and Environment Minister Andrew Powell in Brisbane.

USC was praised for its long-term approach to sustainability, which has involved making the environment a primary consideration at every stage of its development. USC’s efforts were particularly recognised for;

• Maintaining its grounds as a flora and fauna reserve • Instilling a philosophy of sustainable operations through its Master Plan • Employing principles of environmentally sustainable design of all buildings to suit the sub-tropical

climate of the Sunshine Coast

The Premier’s Sustainability Awards are the Queensland Government’s highest recognition of community and business leadership in sustainability, innovation and eco-efficiency.

Water

8519

108.73

2153.5

187.9 297.08 38

USC Greenhouse Gas Emssions 2013 (tCO2-e/year)

Total electricity emissions (tCO2-e/year).

Total waste emissions (general)(tCO2-e/year).

Total travel (air miles) emissions(tCO2-e/year).

Total fleet emissions – Petrol/Diesel/Biodiesel (tCO2-e/year).

Total wastewater emissions (tCO2-e/year).

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WATER SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT

Water

Performance Indicator Performance 2013 Total volume of water recycled and reused. (kl)

9364 kl

Recycled water uses across the Sippy Downs campus.

Recycled water is used in the chilling towers connected to the air-con system across campus

Recycled water is used for irrigation of the campus grounds

Total water consumption for Sippy Downs campus (kl).

31,536 kl

Report on initiatives to improve stormwater quality on campus. (Refer to the Campus Master plan 2012-2016 for further details.)

There are two main system types implemented for the management of natural water run-off on campus: ‘Closed' system - water is captured and reused within the system. Collection points (i.e. ponds) are within the central zone and also include run off from hard surfaces such as car parks and roads. The water is directed via a system of channels through vegetated swales and collected. From here the water is recycled to supplement the irrigation system providing for such areas as car parks, ovals and the open campus green. Following these recycling processes, excess water passes through further vegetation treatments and eventually is received in two large lakes. The vegetative filter system assists in slowing down flows, effecting passive irrigation of vegetation, promoting settlement of suspended sediment and adsorbed nutrients and thus improving water quality. ‘Open ended’- involves the wider landscape of the campus. Water run-off is directed to the swale system for treatment before also passing into the main lakes. This system, therefore, acts as a protective interface between the University site and the sensitive ecological system of the Mooloolah River National Park.

Average daily potable water consumption per day - Sippy Downs campus (kl)

88.58 kl

Number of water meters installed across campuses.

25

Initiatives that aim to reduce water consumption.

Water saving devices, recycled water treatment plant

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PERFORMANCE

Figure 3. Total Water Reuse vs Water consumption-Sippy Downs Campus 2013 (kl)

9364

31536

Total Water Reuse vs Water Consumption 2013 (kl)

Total volume of water recycled and reused.(kl)

Total water consumption for Sippy Downscampus (kl).

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WASTE AND RECYCLING SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS USC wins the Good Recycler Award 2013 USC won the Institution category of the 2013 Sunshine Coast Council’s inaugural Good Recycler awards. The award was presented for USC’s rollout of a colour coded waste recovery bin system across the Sippy Downs campus and the introduction of a large composting machine for organic materials. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) Bernard Lillis accepted the award on behalf of the University at the Council’s launch of a Recycle Market at the Buderim Resource Recovery Centre.

Waste and Recycling

Performance Indicator Performance 2013 Total waste to landfill per annum (tonnes) 90.61 tonnes

Total waste (co-mingled) recycled per annum (tonnes) 6.97 tonnes

Total waste composted per annum (tonnes) (To be reported in 2014 Sustainability Report)

Total waste disposal expenditure per annum ($) $105,274

Office paper A4 consumption per annum (no. of reams) 11340 reams

Office paper A3 consumption per annum (no. of reams) 1850 reams

Paper and Cardboard recycled per annum (tonnes) 34.55 tonnes

Initiatives to educate and promote responsible waste disposal on campus

OSCA (Onsite Composting Apparatus) Waste recovery Stations Desktop recycling program

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USC’s integrated waste management In 2013, USC introduced new strategies for managing waste on campus. These included:

1. OSCA – On Site Composting Apparatus machine which turns food and compostable items into nutrient rich compost for the campus gardens. The benefits of using OSCA are:

• Very low energy consumption • Silent operation • Odourless • Reduced costs of transporting waste to landfill and gardening products • Converts organic waste into quality compost

2. The “recycling from the desktop” program was introduced in campus office buildings to encourage staff to dispose of waste responsibly through a colour coded bin collection system. The program includes:

• Providing a “mini-bin” to USC staff for use on their desk - which encourages staff and students to sort their rubbish into the larger coloured bins which are located in communal areas.

• Communal bins include: • A green bin for food and organics which then goes to OSCA • A blue bin for paper and cardboard • A yellow bin for recycling cans, bottles and containers • A red bin for garbage that goes to landfill such as plastic and wrappers

By December 2013 the following buildings were recycling from the desktop and/or using the waste recovery stations: Building D, Building B, Building H, Building H2, Building I, Building M, FM, Library, Café C and Brasserie.

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GOVERNANCE SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT Governance

Performance Indicator Performance 2013

Sustainability - administrative practices

HR and FM staff have embraced the waste recovery initiative (coloured bin collection system)

HR and FM staff turn off lights in meeting rooms when unattended All staff in HR have USC water bottles rather than purchasing water

in bottles Where possible, HR and FM emails the applications and copies of

correspondence (rather than printing) HR and FM staff car-pool where possible to functions Online voting for elections (Academic Board, HSW Committees) Introduction of leave online has reduced use of paper from 3900

pages per annum to 600 pages, a saving of 3300 pieces of paper per year

Introduction of online timesheets – has saved approximately 13,000 pieces of paper per annum.

FM have printers set to double sided default setting FM Security staff administer energy saving reminders to building

rooms if lights and appliances are left on

Number and description of sustainability focused awards, sponsorships, grants, bursaries granted by external donors and by the University. (i.e. social, ethical and environmental performance)

112 external donors listed on the USC website 5 USC awards granted - USC Chancellor’s Scholarships USC Equity Bursaries USC Sports Scholarships USC Vice-Chancellor’s Merit Scholarships USC Vice-Chancellor’s Honours Scholarships Facilities Management Sustainability Champion Award (staff)

Sustainability focused awards, received by the University.

2013 Sunshine Coast Council Good Recycler Awards - Award for 'Institution' Category

2013 Premier's Sustainability Awards - 'Leadership in Sustainability' Finalist

Percentage of PCs, laptops and monitors complying with the Electronic Product Environment Assessment Tool (EPEAT) for Gold ratings.

100%

Percentage of servers utilising virtualisation as compared with physical servers.

85%

Percentage of expired PCs and laptops which are recycled, reused or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

100% For the computers for which IT Services has responsibility for disposal, all end of life equipment is processed through a vendor that certifies that environmentally sustainable practices are used in the disposal of this equipment. This may include resale or the harvesting of parts that are recyclable.

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Reports, plans and procedures that incorporate sustainability principles developed or revised by the University.

The operational plan outlines the key University initiatives to address the top level plan’s key strategies and/or KPI’s

Strategic Asset Management Plan 2014-2016 The operational plan outlines the key University initiatives to

address the top level plan’s key strategies and/or KPI’s Annual cost centre action plans – Identify initiatives for

implementing that address sustainability strategies USC Annual Report Corporate SIAU performance reports

Number of lost time injury incidents and number of days lost as result of these incidents.

10 Incidents in 2013 Average time lost per incident is 9.9 days

Initiatives that promote health, safety and wellbeing of staff and students.

Sustainable HSW consultation through USC HSW committees (FAB, FoSHEE and AST)

Sustainable safe workplaces through ongoing risk assessments, ergonomic loan scheme, incident investigation activities and future implementation of risk assessment software (to standardise and ensure risk assessments are sustainable in the future)

Increased health, safety and wellbeing knowledge and skills for staff and students through ongoing training such as HSW briefings to various departments and student learning groups, risk assessments, Mental Health First Aid

Engaging with external agencies to ensure HSW knowledge and skills are regularly updated e.g. QUSA, SCAN4WHS, SC Council and TAFE Wellbeing group

Conducting/organising wellbeing activities such as Friday stretch, USC Walking group, USC web events calendar, support for national and international events such as White Ribbon Day, International Women’s day

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Walking for Culture The FoSHEE Student Support Office formed a walking group early in 2013 to improve the health and wellbeing of staff as it was noticed that many staff were spending extended periods of time at their workstation. With the detrimental health effects of a sedentary lifestyle, and the sedentary nature of many work environments being widely established as a major contributor to ill health in our society, the group was formed to encourage staff to exercise during their work day.

Since walking together the group have found that a daily team walk is not only contributing to better health, but is enhancing team work and workplace culture.

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FM Sustainability Champion Award The FM Sustainability Champion Award was created to extend appreciation and recognition of staff and contractors who have been outstanding in their efforts of fostering a culture of sustainability in the workplace and improving the sustainability performance of USC.

The inaugural 2013 winner was Joy Dillion from Biniris Group who has shown outstanding enthusiasm and leadership in her efforts to implement the rollout of USC’S “Recycling from the Desktop” initiative as part of the Total Waste Management Strategy. Furthermore, Joy has shown initiative and commitment to improving waste management practices through a variety of actions and practices on campus.

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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT Planning and Development Performance Indicator Performance 2013 Report on new and existing Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) initiatives/ projects annually.

See page 20 for details.

Gross floor area (m2) (total Sippy Downs campus). 57850 m2

Useable floor area (m2) (total Sippy Downs campus). 32570 m2

EFTSL (total). 7225.3

FTE Staff (total). 905

Number of students enrolled (total). 8904

Report on sport and recreational spaces/services available on campus.

The Sports Precinct includes an athletics track, indoor sports stadium, Olympic pool, gym, playing fields, outdoor hard courts and a café. As a commercial division within the Facilities Management department, USC Sport designs and delivers to the staff and students of the University and the broader community a range of programs, facilities and activities that lead to the enhancement of the University’s profile and improve the experience of all staff and students. Some of the sport and recreational services offered include:

- Intervarsity sport - Social sport - Group Exercise Classes - First Aid Courses - Swim squad

Strategic plans and policies that incorporate sustainability principles developed or revised by the University.

USC Strategic Plan 2011-2015 Campus Master plan 2012-2016 Strategic Assets Management Plan

2014-2016 USC Sustainability Policy

Average frequency of room usage (All day) Semester 1. Average Frequency of room usage (All day) Semester 2.

69.94% 58.29%

Average occupancy of room (All day) Semester 1. Average occupancy of room (All day) Semester 2.

40.24% 36.09%

Average reported utilisation (All day) Semester 1. Average reported utilisation (All day) Semester 2 .

34.28% 24.32%

* FTE – Full-time equivalent * EFTSL – Equivalent Full-time Student Load

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Environmental Sustainable Design 2013

Project ESD principles

Gympie Learning Hub • Use of building shading to reduce solar heat gain from glazing provides potential energy savings by reducing artificial lighting needs.

• Use of native vegetation to reduce the associated future maintenance cost for the space, and minimise watering

• Creation of enhanced outdoor areas to contribute to the overall quality of the environment and human health and well-being

• Use of natural ventilation to enable energy savings • Use of hydraulic fittings and fixtures with certified WELS rating to reduce water use • Use of rainwater and stormwater capture to provide water to supply amenities

Art Gallery Upgrade • New energy efficient lighting installation

Car parking strategies • Implementation of paid parking to assist in reducing number of sole occupant vehicle trips to campus, and change mode share to meet master plan and local Council targets

• Resurfacing and improvements to drainage in existing car parks, to redirect stormwater into campus system

• Installation of solar-powered ticketless parking meters, to reduce reliance on mains power

• Installation of vehicle management system (VMS) to reduce vehicle movements on campus

• Introduction of new civil works and garden beds to minimise potential for vehicle damage to landscaped areas, and enhance habitat for native flora and fauna.

USC Sports Stadium • Added shade to Air-conditioning condensers

USC buildings maintenance

• Annual cleaning of Air –conditioning coils to reduce energy use and improve air quality indoors

Shared cycle and walkways

• Completion of a shared cycle and walkway connecting the Sports Precinct to the free carpark

Gympie Learning Hub

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT

Community Engagement and Partnerships Performance Indicator Performance 2013

Community engagement plans or activities implemented by the University.

Regional Engagement Advisory Committee (meets 4x Per annum)

Sustainability Advisory Committee (meets 2x per annum)

UDIA/USC Advisory Committee (meets 2x per annum)

List community festivals/events hosted by or sponsored by the University.

Noosa Long Weekend World Environment Day Living Smart Awards Sunshine Coast Futures Conference

List USC sustainability partners and research partners N/A

Number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled at USC at Semester One 2013.

161

Number of Indigenous cadetships, scholarships or bursaries awarded to students.

14 indigenous cadetships (five of them internal and nine were external)

160 scholarships and bursaries

List services and support provided by the University to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who identify are eligible for:

Indigenous Tutorial Assistance ( 2 hours per week per subject)

Scholarships and cadetships Use of the Buranga Centre study

area and its facilities The Buranga Centre Educational strategy aims to:

Focus on our students in our neighbouring shires (Moreton, Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie)

Attract more mature aged students Increase our enrolments and improve

our retention Develop our capacities

Number of likes on the Sustainable Sunshine Coast Portal face book page.

201

Number of visitors to the Sustainable Sunshine Coast Portal 14060

Percentage of Alumni that USC has contact detail records (Postal and Email).

Postal 77% Email 67%

Number of people registered with USC gym and pool memberships per annum.

1630 gym and pool memberships. Of these, 1233 were students and 254 staff

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Sustainable Sunshine Coast The University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE and the Sunshine Coast Council have combined resources to develop a website/portal which provides valuable information for community groups, businesses, households and individuals who require quick access to quality current information on sustainability topics. The Sustainable Sunshine Coast website (www.sustainablesunshinecoast.com.au) is particularly useful for students, for those looking for ‘how to’ guides and, indeed, for anyone wishing to ‘Do More’, ‘Know More’ or ‘Discover More’ about sustainability. The website recently expanded to include an invaluable directory of sustainable community groups.

USC staff charity swimming carnival

The first annual staff charity swimming carnival splashed down on Friday 29 November 2013.

80 people competed in a series of serious and fun races culminating in the 1km charity event which saw over 60 swimmers compete across 10 teams. Kickboards, flippers, floaties and fancy dress were all on show as over 50 spectators cheered the teams as they completed the 20 lap event.

Staff raised over $1500 for the Salvation Army and contributed plenty of gifts, toy and food hamper donations for their Christmas Appeal.

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TEACHING SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT Teaching

Performance Indicator Performance 2013

Number of students who enrolled in atleast one SUS coded course by each Program Faculty

Faculty of Arts and Business Faculty of Science - 52

Health, Education and Engineering - 50

Faculty of Arts and Business / Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering - 8

University -19 Total USC program enrolments

10,811

Percentage of SUS coded course enrolments out of the total USC program enrolments

1.2%

Percentage of FoSHEE courses with learning outcomes aligned to the sustainability focussed graduate attributes (%)

24%

Percentage of FAB courses with learning outcomes aligned to the sustainability focussed graduate attributes (%)

45%

Percentage of the number of learning outcomes mapped to the sustainability focussed graduate attributes across all FoSHEE courses (%)

8%

Percentage of the number of learning outcomes mapped to the sustainability focussed graduate attributes across FAB courses (%)

12%

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Sustainability Community of Practice for Educators (SCOPE)

This project acknowledged the commitment to sustainability across the Sunshine Coast Region and supported the development of a Regional Community of Practice for sustainability and climate change education (SCOPE). SCOPE aims to enhance the quality of sustainability & climate change courses, build the professional capacity of educators & strengthen links between education providers & employers to improve graduate outcomes. The development of SCOPE has been supported by a variety of supporters including the University of the Sunshine Coast, the University of Tasmania & an extension grant from the Australian Government Office of Learning and Teaching, USC students, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE, industry practitioners across the Sunshine Coast & educators from other institutions. SCOPE has conducted a range of activities including two regional workshops, a survey of practitioners & the development of online teaching materials available from the USC website and the national Learning and Teaching Sustainability website www.sustainability.edu.au. Input from SCOPE members has also inspired the development of new, outcomes-focused sustainability courses, including an applied capstone course (SUS310) where students can work on project areas identified by industry representatives & researchers.

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Sustainability Focussed aligned courses

Overall ‘Sustainability Focussed’ is found in every program across USC as per The USC Learning and Teaching – Academic Policy and is mapped to almost a quarter of all courses in FoSHEE, and almost fifty percent of the courses in FAB. In comparison to the other five Graduate Qualities (Creative and Critical Thinking, Empowered, Engaged, Ethical and Knowledgeable) it has the lowest occurrence rate in courses (see figures below)

Figure 4. Frequency in FoSHEE courses

Figure 5. Frequency in FAB courses

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RESEARCH SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT Research

Performance Indicator Performance 2013

Sustainability Research Centre – External research income $ 992,397

Sustainability-related HERDC acceptable publications generated by USC

22.95 HERDC points

Sustainability Research Centre - PhD students enrolled at USC 29

Sustainability Research Centre - PhD student completions at USC

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ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT Economic

Performance Indicator Performance 2013 Key initiatives that continue to maintain the University’s active support of economic development in the region.

Sunshine Coast Futures Conference 2013 Co – developer of: Sunshine Coast — The Natural

Advantage: Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033

The Innovation Centre holds a number of business events throughout the year, designed to encourage entrepreneurial approaches to business.

Describe procurement policy of the institution as relates to sustainable development (focuses on how these policies specifically address sustainability issues).

USC’s procurement strategy is guided by the State Government’s Procurement Policy. – One of the 6 key principles of this policy directly relating to sustainability is:

Principle 4: We use our procurement to advance the government’s economic, environmental and social objectives and support the long-term wellbeing of our community

4.1 We do business with ethical and socially responsible suppliers.

4.2 We consider government’s objectives from a whole-of-government and category perspective, prioritising these for application in our procurement decision making.

To action these principles USC includes sustainability as an evaluation criteria wherever possible, that is in the area of environment and support for local business.

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033

Working together, the University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast business, industry, and Council leaders have developed Sunshine Coast — The Natural Advantage: Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033 with four clear goals for the next 20 years:

• A $33 billion economy - nearly triple what it is now • 100,000 new jobs in high value industries - such as health and

well-being; education and research; professional services and knowledge industries; tourism, sport and leisure; agribusiness; clean technologies; and aviation and aerospace

• 20% of goods and services produced for export • Household incomes to exceed the average household income

level for Queensland

USC has been an active participant in bringing this plan together and is a major player in two of the five major game changers to the region - the Sunshine Coast University of Hospital (SCUH) through the Skills, Academic and Research Centre (SARC) and expansion of its campus with the new building in Sippy Downs Learning Hub and the Engineering Faculty Building. Visit the Sunshine Coast Council's website to view the full Strategy.

Sunshine Coast Futures Conference 2013

Jointly presented by the University of the Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast Council, the Sunshine Coast Futures Conference was held on Friday 8 November 2013 at the University of the Sunshine Coast. The conference themed as 'The Sunshine Coast region - its place in South-east Queensland’ focussed on the opportunities and challenges created by the region’s close proximity to Brisbane and its location in South-East Queensland.

To view the presentations provided at the Conference please visit the Sunshine Coast Futures website.

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