Charles Sturt University (CSU) has won fresh acclaim for its long-term commitment to environmental sustainability by winning a major award at the Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability conference in Melbourne last night, Thursday 30 September.

 

CSU was awarded a competitive Green Gown in the category ‘Continuous Improvement - Institutional Change’ for its overall commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability, even during times of drought, bushfire and climate change.

 

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of CSU, Professor Ross Chambers, said the prize was welcome recognition for the University’s progress in achieving its goal, set in 2005, to make the University a national leader in environmental sustainability.

 

“We have committed substantial funds and staff to ensure new and existing buildings and infrastructure can meet the highest ‘green’ standards, even in challenging times. For example, we built the first six ‘green star’ rated building in regional Australia on the University’s campus in Albury-Wodonga,” Professor Chambers said.

 

“However, I think the most pleasing aspect of this award is that it reflects the commitment by our staff and students to make our campus communities showcases of sustainable development.

 

“As places of higher learning, the nation’s universities have a responsibility to demonstrate and lead the way in sustainable living.”

 

CSU was judged the winner by a national and international panel gathered by the national Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) group, which is holding its annual conference in Melbourne until Friday 1 October.

 

In winning the award, CSU highlighted its targets to decrease its water use by 25 per cent by 2011, energy use by 25 per cent by 2015, be carbon neutral by 2015, allocate 20 per cent of its area to protect biodiversity by 2015, as well as decrease waste to landfill by 70 per cent by 2015.

 

Mr William Adlong, manager of CSU Green, said, “We have rigorous systems in place to track and report against our ambitious targets, and are exceeding our water target already. The University has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy and water efficiency projects, with good benefit.