(1) As a signatory to the Talloires Declaration, the University has a clear obligation to plan and implement actions for a more sustainable future, and a clear role of leadership in the future sustainability of Western Sydney. (2) The University recognises its obligations under the law in regard to the need to effectively manage its activities in a way that protects and enhances the environment, as well as the potential implications for its reputation, image and future standing. The University also recognises that it has a duty of care to provide a safe environment for its employees, in this regard not only protecting them from potential environmental hazards, alerting them to possible damage to reputation and the possibility of prosecution. (3) In relation to environmental management and pollution prevention, legislative compliance and the demonstration of due diligence is required by legislation and common law. NSW Legislation includes the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and related regulations and amendments. (4) Along with local and regional issues of environmental quality, the international agenda of sustainable development and global issues such as climate change have led to a recognised need for broad sustainability targets. These include conceptions such as carbon neutrality, and reductions in our ecological footprint. (5) The implementation of an Environmental Management System assists the University in its due diligence in relation to statutory requirements for environmental management, along with supporting broad ranging sustainability programs and actions. (6) The purpose of this policy is to: (7) For the purpose of this policy: (8) Western Sydney University is committed to minimising the impacts of its activities on the environment and conserving and continually improving the natural, built and social environment of its campuses. In stating this commitment the University recognises that it has an ethical and legal responsibility to protect and enhance the environment and that this responsibility extends to the University's staff, students and visitors. (9) The University will, as a minimum, meet its statutory requirements under the relevant legislation. (10) Toward the fulfilment of its stated commitment the University will: (11) The University expects its staff, students and visitors to comply with the principles of this policy and to support fulfilment of the University's stated environmental management objectives. To this end staff, students and visitors are expected to familiarise themselves with and support the efficient implementation of the University's Environmental Management System, and to take appropriate action to ensure that their activities are carried out in an environmentally friendly manner. (12) Individuals and/or groups who participate in activities that contravene this policy or the governing legislation may find themselves subject to disciplinary and/or legal proceedings. Individuals should be aware that they can be personally pursued for crimes against the environment and those penalties for crimes against the environment include significant fines and incarceration. (13) The University has developed an Environmental Management System that documents in detail the requirements placed on the University by relevant legislation. The Environmental Management System provides a detailed schedule of strategies to ensure that the University's practices are examined regularly with a view to compliance. Supplementary Environmental Procedures , guidelines and explanatory material related to specific areas of environmental management within the University will continue to be produced in accordance with the directions set in the Environmental Management System. (14) The Environmental Management System also contains links to relevant University procedures as well as information on how to achieve compliance on environmental management issues within the University. Where specific procedures are available they must be followed. (15) Further information about environmental management at the University can be obtained via the University's Environmental Sustainability web page.Environmental Management Policy
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Top of PageSection 2 - Definitions
Top of Page
Section 3 - Policy Statement
Section 4 - Procedures
Section 5 - Guidelines
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