Governance and reporting
Governance is considered essential to our commitment to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We regularly review the structure and processes around governance to ensure sustainability principles remain at the heart of decision-making.
The University Committee on Environmental Sustainability (UCES) was established in November 2007 by the University Council to investigate and coordinate the University’s ongoing action and progress towards environmental sustainability. The Committee provides advice to the Vice-Chancellor on environmental matters related to the development of the University’s campuses and surrounds; the implementation and maintenance of environmentally sensitive and sustainable practices; and strategies to build environmental awareness across the University and its communities. It has membership from senior management, staff, students and the community and is responsible for guiding the development of this ESP, and the implementation of actions across the University.
We are held responsible under local, state and national environmental legislation and we report under the voluntary Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association (TEFMA) on functioning performance.
Priority actions
- Develop and implement a University-wide Environmental Sustainability Charter by December 2019 (incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals) to ensure environmental sustainability is embedded at the highest levels
- Review the function, structure and effectiveness of the University Committee on Environmental Sustainability (UCES) by end 2020
- Integrate environmental incident reporting requirements into our All Incident Management System (AIMS) by December 2019
- Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal environmental legislation and reporting requirements
- Report environmental data annually to Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association (TEFMA)
Measures of success
- Make certain that environmental sustainability is embedded across the highest levels of the University
- Report publicly on the University’s environmental sustainability impacts via our Annual Report
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.