Continuous Improvement Winner: University of Southern Queensland

Embedding sustainability at USQ

Since 2009, USQ has adopted a holistic, enterprise wide approach to sustainability. From integrating sustainability into strategic planning (goals and KPIs), policy and procedures (PDs and Procurement), to significant renewable energy, waste and water solutions. Outcomes include: 32% reduction in waste; 25% increase in recycling & resource recovery; 4000+ signatories Sustainability Pledge; 2016 awarded 6 Star Green Star Rating – Springfield Building B; initiated 2MW Sustainable Energy Solution (stage 1 Australia’s largest integrated solar carpark) reducing CO2-e by 20%; energy efficiency lighting upgrades savings of 195,228kWh/yr; 84% reduction in bore water; 15% decrease vehicle emissions, 2014 launched intercampus shuttle.

“The University of Southern Queensland is delighted to receive its very first Green Gown Award for Continuous Improvement (Institutional Change) in recognition for its commitment to embedding sustainability across the organisation. The win in many ways recognises the significant and important initiatives implemented by staff and students at USQ towards ‘being green’. We are proud of our achievements in driving change and in creating a continued awareness to make a real difference and to lead the way in climate change response and improvement across our community.”
Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, Vice-Chancellor

Top 3 learnings:

1. Be tenacious, never give up on doing the right thing, but do it smart.
2. Understand what the various decision makers are likely to view as beneficial from the project and pitch accordingly.
3. Always provide a quality business case, as credibility is easily lost and negative bias created.

Videos

• Video #1 (click to hide)