In recent years, Australian university managers have increasingly put pen to paper to articulate their various approaches to the environment, and sustainability more broadly. Australian universities are operating in a difficult context of...
moreIn recent years, Australian university managers have increasingly put pen to paper to articulate their various approaches to the environment, and sustainability more broadly. Australian universities are operating in a difficult context of increasing regulation, reporting and accountability requirements concerning their environmental and sustainability-related activities and obligations. Concurrently, they are facing increasing calls to provide solutions reflecting myriad and potentially conflicting priorities of staff, students, and the broader community. In response, a plethora of planning, design and policy instruments have been produced to scope, evidence, guide and monitor these ambitious endeavours. This presentation will explore how a number of Australian universities have responded. In particular, the research will examine Australian universities’ approaches in areas spanning: the natural environment; the built environment and precincts; use of natural resources; sustainability-focused teaching, learning and research; and the relationship between the physical and cultural environment. Publicly available governance documentation, principally including plans and policies, will provide the lens for the research. The presentation aims to communicate key findings to practitioners, including examples of good practice, to support ongoing development and documentation of effective planning and policy solutions.
