As universities continue to do their fair share in implementing sustainable practices, which have shown to not only reduces generated waste but also help cut costs, an award-giving body has acknowledged the education sector’s actions in achieving sustainability.
La Trobe University is one institution making strides in this area. Recently, it was named a finalist for Green University of the Year at the 2020 Asia Pacific Triple E Awards, which globally recognise “Entrepreneurship and Engagement Excellence” in higher education, and aim to foster change in universities to emphasise their role in their communities and ecosystems.
The Green University of the Year Award recognises a university that is highly committed to the protection of the environment through resource planning and usage, and where environmental protection is a part of the university’s values and culture.
La Trobe is one of five finalists in this category alongside Chiba University of Commerce (Japan), Central Agricultural University (India), IIT Guwahati (India) and Ozyegin University (Turkey). The winner will be announced on 10 January 2020.
By 2029 La Trobe will become Victoria’s first zero-emissions university through its. ambitious Net Zero program.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the University is also encouraging students to think creatively about sustainability through the La Trobe Essentials in Sustainability Thinking project.
“The shortlisting recognises the University’s commitment to addressing one of the biggest issues of our time,” Professor Dewar said.
The University recently launched the eco-corridor Nangak Tamboree. Nangak Tamboree (nan-nyack tam-bor-ee) means respecting/sharing/looking after the waterway in Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.
The new area provides a ‘living laboratory’ for students, staff and the wider community.
Its biodiverse waterway corridor links La Trobe University to the wider community and environment.
Connecting with Darebin Creek in the south, it runs through the Bundoora campus to the Wildlife Sanctuary, the agricultural reserve and beyond to the north.
A long-term project as part of the University’s Master Plan will see this neighbourhood enhanced and protected over the coming years for the benefit of the University and its neighbours.
“Environmental protection and sustainability are at the heart of La Trobe’s vision and culture,” Professor Dewar said.
“We’re backing up this commitment with firm actions aimed at minimising the impact on our environment”.