University signs UN commitment to sustainable practices
university-of-waikato
Mon Jul 02 2012 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)
University signs UN commitment to sustainable practices
Monday, 2 July 2012, 3:32 pm
Press Release: University of Waikato
2 July 2012**
University of Waikato signs UN commitment to sustainable practices**
The University of Waikato has signed the United Nations Commitment to Sustainable Practices of Higher Education. The declaration, to which more than 200 universities around the world have pledged, was formally ratified this month at the UN Rio + 20 Conference on Sustainable Development.
The commitment pledges the University of Waikato to further incorporate sustainability into its teaching, research, operations and community outreach.
“We are already committed to a number of environmental sustainability initiatives,” says Waikato University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford. “So it seemed a natural step to commit to the UN declaration. I think universities have a key role to play in the pursuit of sustainability.”
The University conducts regular audits on carbon emissions, waste production, travel and energy use. “We have a travel plan, environmental policy and a five-star green rated Student Centre. In addition we are exploring a number of initiatives that we’ll refine and implement over the next three years.”
In the longer term, the University is considering possibilities for collaboration with local and regional councils on organic waste minimisation in the region and opportunities with businesses and city leaders for campaigns and strategies that promote sustainability.
The UN declaration was launched in conjunction with the Secretariat of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) and the Global Compact Office, in partnership with the Rio+20 Forum.
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
The University of Waikato Management School is already a partner of PRME and will be hosting their 2013 conference.
“The Management and Science & Engineering Faculties have led the way in our sustainability initiatives and we are working at ways to implement aspects of sustainability into more of our courses” says Professor Crawford. “We are also engaging in research to advance sustainability.”
Professor Crawford says the international connections made through signing the declaration will benefit all the signatories. “There will be opportunities to exchange knowledge and experiences which can then be passed on to students, business and the wider community.”
ENDS
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}
Using Scoop for work?
Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.
Join Pro Individual Find out more
Find more from University of Waikato on InfoPages.