PROGRAMMES TO IMPLEMENT THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

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University of Waikato RideLink Programme

Initiated by the Facilities Management Division and UniSafe, RideLink is a web-based programme that matches staff and students for regular ridesharing/car pooling or one-off trips. Created by our own ITS staff, the software searches daily for matches among rides submitted by registrants. RideLink was launched in May 2003 and also provides preferential parking in Gates 1 and 10.

University Waste Audits

Baseline data on University rubbish was collected on a subset of bins throughout 2002 and again in 2007. A further waste audit was conducted in 2011 on organic waste and recycling. Waste audits will also be carried out in 2012. The data allows the University to gauge its progress in recycling and reducing waste over time.

The waste audits on campus have revealed that 74% of waste is either recyclable or compostable. In response to this, a large worm farm called 'The Faculty of Worms' has been established behind Oranga, and will contend with 4 tonnes of organic waste each year. If the system is successful, we will look at establishing further organic waste reduction approaches.

Why focus on organic waste? It is this component in the rubbish that causes methane and carbon dioxide to be produced by bacteria decomposing the matter in landfills. Greenhouse gases can continue to be produced from landfills for 30 years.

Initiatives to Improve the Campus Environment (ICE) Award

This award was established by the Vice Chancellor in 1999 to encourage initiatives to improve the quality of the campus environment.  The ICE Award has gone to initiatives ranging from campus paper recycling to more environmentally-friendly laboratory procedures to landscaping a campus crèche to improve outdoor learning opportunities.  The awards are not being held at the moment and are awaiting a budget allocation.

Energy Conservation

The University of Waikato is fortunate to have a part-time Energy Manager to champion energy efficiency on campus. Initiatives thus far include but are not limited to: Upgrading campus infrastructure from light bulbs/fixtures to plant equipment, developing policies to promote energy efficiency, enacting education and awareness campaigns/training, establishing energy monitoring devices, and engaging in peer review processes.

Expansion of University Recycling

Opportunities to improve and expand our recycling programme are currently being investigated, including the inclusion of organic, and construction waste. A limited number of sites on campus collect some of these materials already. Current efforts are focused on making these sites function more effectively and expanding to new, trial-basis sites.

There are currently 11 external recycling stations around campus. These take glass, plastics 1 & 2, cans and aluminium. It is important to only put the correct recyclables in each bin as mixing waste can contaminate the recyclables which are likely to be dumped to landfill, rather than be reused.

A Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy is currently being developed, which will consider internal collection of recyclables and further ways to reduce waste.

Environmental Management System (EMS)

Like any other business practice, improving the environmental performance of the University requires a plan of action. The Environmental Policy Committee, is currently investigating the most appropriate scope and format for the University to assess and report its environmental impacts as a first step to establishing an EMS. An EMS would help define the size and extent of the University's environmental "footprint", the priority of different impacts and to identify opportunities to improve current practices.  Tools such as Enviro-Mark may be helpful.