• Section 1 - Purpose
• Background
• Scope
• Section 2 - Policy
• Roles and Responsibilities for Sustainability Implementation
• Section 3 -  Procedures
• Embed Principles
• Engagement
• Reporting
• Section 4 - Guidelines
• Section 5 - Definitions

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) This Policy outlines how Macquarie University will embed sustainability into its business practices whilst also complying with relevant legislation.

Background

(2) Macquarie University (the University) is committed to incorporating sustainability into its actions and practices as part of its responsibility to the community and the environment, as well as promoting a healthy workplace and campus for staff and students to create sustainable futures together.

Scope

(3) This Policy applies to the activities of the University and its controlled entities and all staff, students, visitors and contractors (the University Community).

Section 2 - Policy

(4) The University is committed to undertaking world changing and impactful research that contributes to solving and addressing global challenges, ensuring students leave the University prepared to contribute as active citizens to an environmentally healthy and equitable society.

(5) The following are core principles that the University wants to lead the way towards a regenerative future where environmental, social and economic areas thrive in harmony:

1. transitioning to net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the University campus and supply chain;
2. playing a role as a steward to support ecosystem restoration and connection to place and Country;
3. building resilience of the University Community to respond to a changing world; and
4. conducting and sharing impactful education and research that supports the global sustainability agenda.

(6) Transparent governance and respect for Indigenous knowledge underpin the University’s core sustainability principles.

(7) The Sustainability-Strategy 2024 - 2030 is a foundation document and key to the development of this Policy. Both the Strategy and the Policy are regularly reviewed and evaluated to ensure efficacy.

Roles and Responsibilities for Sustainability Implementation

(8) The Sustainability Team are responsible for supporting the implementation of sustainability initiatives across the University and monitoring progress against established goals.

(9) Professional Staff should ensure that campus operations, procedures, and policies are aligned with the University’s sustainability objectives.

(10) Academic Staff will contribute to sustainability initiatives by sharing knowledge and integrating sustainability principles into curricula and research projects where appropriate.

(11) All Students and Staff should actively participate in sustainability programs and adhere to sustainable practices in all University-related activities.

(12) Visitors and Contractors should comply with University sustainability policies and procedures during their engagement on campus.

(13) The University will form a Sustainability Committee whose members will include a minimum of two University Executive team representatives, and the committee will be sponsored by the Vice-President, Finance and Resources.

Compliance and Breaches

(14) The University may commence applicable disciplinary procedures for breaches of this Policy.

Section 3 -  Procedures

Embed Principles

(15) The University Community will work with and support the Sustainability team, University Property and any other units involved in delivering the Sustainability Strategy or Sustainable Finance initiatives to embed the Sustainability-Strategy 2024 - 2030 into University policies, procedures and day-to-day operations. This includes (though is not limited to) sustainability in:

1. resource efficiency: strive for optimal resource efficiency in use of water and energy and minimise the use of finite resources. Minimise the production of waste, pollution and carbon emissions and embrace opportunities to reduce resource use through implementation of resource management plans. Investigate and incorporate possibilities for generation of resources on campus;
2. biodiversity: protect, minimise damage to and enhance biodiversity across the campus through utilisation of knowledge and expertise found amongst students and staff and the implementation of good management practices;
3. transport: facilitate, promote and encourage the use of transport that reduces reliance on private motor vehicles through the implementation of a sustainable transport strategy. Encourage a reduction in air travel by students and staff through providing alternatives such as video conferencing. Ensure travel-related carbon emissions are offset;
4. planning and development: ensure new buildings and refurbishments across campus meet the highest possible sustainability standards in building materials, the impact on the landscape is minimised, and resource efficiency is maximised in their operation. This is achieved through appropriate procurement and tendering procedures and ensuring that staff using these buildings are aware of how to maximise sustainability benefits in day-to-day operations;
5. Indigenous Knowledge Integration: respect and embed First Nations knowledge where appropriate; and
6. transparency: public reporting aligned with global standards.

Engagement

(16) Online Sustainability and Manawari modules will be incorporated into staff and student induction/training and made accessible via the relevant portal for training. Staff and students are required to complete these modules as directed.

(17) Staff and students are encouraged to participate in sustainability-related activities wherever possible and seek opportunities to deepen their understanding of sustainability principles.

(18) The University will actively engage internal and external stakeholders in sustainability actions through:

1. Communication – Regularly consult and share knowledge on local and global sustainability issues via the sustainability website, University publications, forums, meetings, and internal communication channels.
2. Education and Awareness – Promote awareness and understanding of sustainability by educating students, staff, and the community on initiatives, actions, policies, and practices, including integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. Partnerships – Develop and maintain partnerships with businesses, community organisations, and non-government organisations to create networks for learning and collaboration that deliver mutual benefits.

(19) Executives, Executive Deans, Directors and Heads of Offices are required to work with the University community to support delivery of responsibilities outlined in this Procedure and the Sustainability Strategy.

(20) Sustainability principles should be embedded into planning and execution of minor and major projects, refurbishments and new builds. This includes resource efficiency, biodiversity considerations, transport planning and incorporating Indigenous design principles into new buildings (once developed).

(21) All contracts for goods and services, including materials, food, and equipment should be based on whole-of-life value for money and in accordance with purchasing requirements.

(22) Purchasing decisions that follow the hierarchy of rethink/avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover should be encouraged wherever possible.

(23) The sustainable procurement strategy must be integrated into relevant processes once developed.

Reporting

Data Provision and Reporting Requirements

(24) University units must provide the Sustainability Team with all necessary data to support sustainability reporting, mandatory disclosures, and other related requirements by:

1. designing, implementing and documenting appropriate data collection systems in alignment with sustainability reporting obligations;
2. updating staff position descriptions, where necessary, to include responsibilities for collecting sustainability-related data;
3. ensuring relevant staff are informed of the data requirements and the prescribed format for submission; and
4. submitting required data to the Sustainability Team within specified timeframes.

(25) The Sustainability Team will prepare an annual written report detailing progress on sustainability actions for submission to the University Executive and other relevant committees. A summary of progress will also be published annually on the University’s sustainability website.

Committee Review and Continuous Improvement

(26) The Sustainability Committee will:

1. review progress against targets set in the Sustainability Strategy on an annual basis, or more frequently as required; and
2. review this Procedure regularly and recommend updates to ensure continuous improvement.

Section 4 - Guidelines

(27) Nil.

Section 5 - Definitions

(28) The following definitions apply for the purpose of this Policy:

1. Sustainability Initiatives: Programs, projects, and actions designed to reduce environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and support economic viability.
2. Sustainability Committee: A governance body responsible for oversight and strategic direction of the implementation and reporting of the Sustainability Strategy for Macquarie University.