Environmental sustainability at VU
We are committed to improving our environmental sustainability performance across all our campuses and fostering education for sustainability in our teaching, learning and research.
On this page
Reducing our water usage
We have reduced our water consumption by approximately 75,000 kilolitres during 2006-2010. This is equivalent to 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
The following stories are some of the initiatives that have resulted in such significant water savings, with over $100,000 support from City West Water.
Rainwater tanks outside the Aquatic and Fitness Centre and Footscray Park Campus.
Rainwater and recycled water in swimming pool
A state-of-the-art rainwater harvesting and backwash treatment facility at our Footscray Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre will save approximately 2 million litres of water annually. The rainwater harvested will provide water for the pool balance tank and change room toilets.
In addition the pool backwash water will be filtered and treated for re-use in the pool. More information about this system can be found here: Pool rainwater tanks and backwash treatment facility.
Single flush toilets
Our education campaigns encourage water use reduction. Toilets across all campuses have progressively been upgraded from single to dual flush, with signage included in all bathrooms to encourage water saving behaviour. All building refurbishments include toilet standards to ensure maximum water savings are achieved.
Water metering
The installation of water sub-metering has greatly improved monitoring of water use across our campuses. This has resulted in improved water management and detection of leaks in buildings and facilities.
Water saving award
VU Staff win a Green Gown Award at the 2011 ACTS Conference
At the 2011 Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) Conference, Victoria University received a highly commended award for its water saving program in the 2011 Green Gown Awards Australasia in the Continuous Improvement – Specific Area category.
Energy and greenhouse gas initiatives
Energy and greenhouse gas efficiency projects are ongoing at VU. Some of the highlights are:
New energy efficient buildings
All new buildings at VU are designed to a minimum 5 Star Green Star-Education rating. The Sport and Learning Precinct building at Footscray Park not only features state-of-the-art sport and exercise science facilities and student learning spaces, but also boasts an array of sustainable design features.
Renewable energy
The 10kW solar panel system at our St Albans Campus produces approximately 13,000 kWhr per year. This is enough renewable electricity to offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated by 54 lights in one of the new car parks at St Albans.
Ride to Work Day
Staff and students participating in Ride to Work Day.
We encourage our staff and students to participate in the annual Australia-wide Ride to Work Day. Our Ride to Work Day breakfasts encourage them to get on their bike and ride to work or class. Fewer cars on the road mean fewer emissions, improved air quality and healthy staff and students.
IT sustainability
One of many IT sustainability initiatives, the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Data Centre and IT Facilities at the Sunshine Campus reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 600 tonnes CO2-e per year, saving approximately $40,000 annually on energy bills.
Waste and recycling
Almost everything can be re-used or recycled at VU!
At all VU offices we recycle:
- paper
- cardboard
- bottles
- cans
- toner cartridges
We also re-use office furniture during relocations.
There are recycle bins for students all around campus, and mobile phones and batteries are collected at every student service centre.
Over 2,000 computers have been donated to PCs For Kids for refurbishment and re-use.
Organics recycling
Our cafeterias support waste reduction by providing a discount when you bring your own cup or a VU KeepCup.
We have established a composting system at St Albans Campus, reducing waste going to landfill and turning the cafeteria waste into nutrient rich compost for the gardens.
Sustainability in our courses
An Education for Sustainability program is underway to embed sustainability into all Victoria University courses. This will help our graduates contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of our local and global communities.
More information on our Education for Sustainability program or contact
Robert Ford
Project Officer, Curriculum Innovation Unit
Phone: +61 3 9919 8471
Email: Robert.Ford@vu.edu.au
Courses and units about sustainability
Take a look at our sustainability courses and sustainability units.
Student environmental sustainability projects
Students running activities to encourage sustainability action on campus - recycled fashion parade.
Our students have the opportunity to participate in Environmental Sustainability programs on campus and as part of their course work.
Our Masters of Applied Psychology students developed a 'No butts' campaign to promote the responsible disposal of cigarette butts.
A mixture of Multimedia, Communications and Public Relations students ran an Environment Day as part of their coursework to promote environmental awareness on campus. The successful events included a recycled fashion parade, a 'green police' video and a signing ceremony of an environmental pledge by the Pro Vice-Chancellor Greg Baxter.
Research into environmental sustainability
Our Institute for Sustainability and Innovation (ISI) conducts environmental sustainability research. ISI has a key focus on water research, in particular research on membranes.
Research in the area of environmental sustainability is also conducted by:
- Centre for Environmental Safety and Risk Engineering (CESARE)
- Centre for Tourism and Service Research (CTSR)
- Centre for Strategic Economic Studies (CSES)
- Institute for Supply Chain and Logistics (ISCL)
- College of Engineering & Science
Our environmental sustainability plans and policies
We have university-wide plans and policies to improve our environmental sustainability performance:
Contact us
If you would like any further information about environment and sustainability programs at Victoria University please contact Environment@vu.edu.au or:
Rachael Keefe
Manager Environment and Sustainability, Facilities Department
Phone: +61 3 9919 4934
Email: Rachael.Keefe@vu.edu.au