Sustainable Development, Facilities Management
Green Building Program
Ensuring sustainable work practices on campus
Table of contents
Introducing Green Building
3
Why do we need it?
4
University vision for sustainability
6
Steps you can take
7
Reducing your impact
Energy
10
12
Waste and recycling
Transport
16
Paper use
19
Green purchasing
20
Laboratories
21
Greening your work space
22
Information and assistance
23
Green Building is an initiative of the
Sustainable Development section
of Facilities Management
The University of Western Australia
M458, 35 Stirling Highway,
Crawley WA 6009
Tel
+61 8 6488 1700
Fax
+61 8 6488 7534
[email protected]
Webwww.sd.fm.uwa.edu.au
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Published May 2011
2
Introducing Green Building
Thank you for taking an interest in improving the sustainability of your University and
work place. This manual suggests ways you can make your building more
environmentally friendly and sustainable. Whether your department is small or large,
there are many things you can do to green your space and make a positive
difference right now and into the future.
Every day in every workspace across the
University decisions are made that impact
heavily on the state of our environment.
Should I put that old report in recycling or in
general waste? Should I shut down my
computer while I’m at this afternoon’s two
hour meeting? Is it up to me to report that
dripping tap? Should I turn out the lights as I
leave the meeting room?
The Green Building Program, through the
Sustainable Development section of Facilities
Management, acknowledges the need for a
holistic approach to better sustainable
practices and operations.
The Program endeavours to work with
technical support personnel, campus
sections, Schools and students to deliver a
cooperative approach toward this goal.
These might seem like small matters, but multiplied by
3500 staff and 20,000 students, these small factors
become a very large environmental footprint.
By taking a close look at your building
procedures, identifying possible
improvements and implementing and
communicating changes, you and your
co-workers can significantly reduce your
building’s impact on the environment.
Reducing our impact on the environment is
one of the major social priorities for
Australians in the new century. Achieving this
is the responsibility of every individual person
and organisation.
Many people have begun to make changes
that will reduce the environmental
consequences of their every day actions. The
University aims to join this movement.
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3
Why do we need it?
1. Achieve University objectives
The Green Building program is vital in
achieving the University’s Operational
Objective PR6:
• Significantly reduce costs by reducing
energy, paper and water consumption
and increasing recycling.
To make UWA an environmentally
sustainable community.
• Prepare for price rises
Resource prices, such as energy and
fuel, are increasing dramatically.
Sustainable business practices make the
University more financially resilient.
DID YOU KNOW?
Australian average temperatures have
increased by 0.9°C since 1950 according
to the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology.
Their research shows it’s very likely this is
due to human activities that have
increased greenhouse gas levels.
Global warming can be slowed through
large reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions, however some warming is
unavoidable and adaptation is needed.
www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au
4
2. It’s good for business
• Ensure future resources
If businesses don’t operate sustainably,
the services that are freely available
today will become much more costly, or
cease, in the near future.
3. Protect our environment
The University community can act now to
reduce global warming, preserve
resources, improve air and water quality,
protect flora and fauna and reduce landfills.
4. University image
• Environmental stewardship
Universities are expected to be leaders
in sustainability practices and education.
• Corporate image
Adopting sustainable practices can
improve reputation, attract positive
media coverage, improve goodwill and
attract more students and staff.
5. Be a big part of the solution
• People power
With 3500 staff and 20,000 students the
University has the human resources to
make an immediate, significant change
to the health of our environment.
• Educating by example
As an institution that shapes the
attitudes and behaviours of our future
community it is imperative that the
University leads by example in
sustainable practices.
6. Stay ahead of:
• Legislation and other influencers
Climate change and environmental
degradation influences Government
policies and legislation, regulatory
regimes such as Councils, economics
and employee well-being.
The University can better adapt to
changes by implementing sustainable
business practices now.
• Other educational institutions
There is a strong movement amongst
universities around the world to improve
their sustainable practices.
The University embraces this direction.
7. Morale and teamwork
• Making positive changes to protect
our environment as a team improves
employee and student morale.
DID YOU KNOW?
The University has a
Vice Chanceller’s
Committee for
Sustainable
Development. Their
major project in 2010
was working with the
Sustainable Development
section in developing a
Sustainable Development
Plan for the University.
FACT!
University
scientists are the
most trusted source
of truthful information
about climate change.
Source: CSIRO’s 2010 survey of Australian
attitudes to climate change.
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5
University vision
The University of Western Australia has addressed the importance of sustainability on
campus in its code of ethics and conduct and Operational Priorities Plan 2009 - 2013.
Extract from the University’s
A Code of Ethics and a Code of
Conduct for all University Staff
and Students
3. Personal and professional responsibility
3.4 Sustainability
A world-class organisation is recognised
by its capacity to develop and harness
the capabilities of its staff and resources
through effective management with a
commitment to sustainability principles
and practices. The University embraces
this direction. The the University’s
Operational Priorities Plan for 2009-2013
establishes objectives for a sustainable
future for the University. The University
aims to:
• Minimise the University’s impact on
world climate change;
• Minimise use of finite resources;
• Better manage and reduce overall
resource use;
• Identify and address service problems
highlighted by energy and water
conservation projects;
• Set an example for leadership in
sustainability and responsibility toward
the environment;
• Provide a healthier workplace; and,
• Record and promulgate all
sustainability achievements.
6
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Under the direction of the Vice
Chancellor’s Committee for Sustainable
Development, environmental sustainability
becomes the responsibility of all
managers, staff and students. This
includes the management and planning in
areas of energy, recycling, water,
transport, built form, landscape,
communication, and engagement and
opportunities to engage with teaching
and research.
Extract from the University’s
Operational Priorities Plan 2009 2013:
3.0 Overarching Considerations
3.6 Sustainability
The community increasingly expects
public and private organisations to
operate on a sustainable basis. The
University embraces this direction. The
OPP therefore articulates strategies for a
sustainable future for the University,
which have been formulated with due
consideration to the expected impacts on
the University’s triple bottom line (social,
environmental and economic). More
specifically, the OPP includes a separate
operational objective specifically aimed at
making the University environmentally
sustainable with a focus on meeting the
requirements of the National Greenhouse
and Energy Reporting Act 2007.
Steps you can take
The following pages of this guide offer
simple steps you can take to contribute to
a sustainable campus. They’re presented
in an easy-to-use table of steps where
you can tick off actions you already take
and flag actions you should start taking.
DID YOU KNOW?
Just by being energy efficient we can
reduce our carbon emissions by 30%.
As an individual
1.
As you read through the following
pages, use the tables to mark off steps
you currently do and don’t take.
2.
Pat yourself on the back for the positive
actions you already take.
3.
Now identify the improvements you can
make, to be more sustainable.
4.
Organise these improvements in order
of priority:
FACT!
• what changes will make the biggest
positive impact?
The 65-hectare Crawley campus is home
to more than 200 species of plants and
trees and more than 55 species of birds.
• what changes can be implemented
quickly to make an impact now?
5.
Set goals to ensure changes are made.
6.
Review regularly.
7.
Where an improvement is out of your
control, suggest solutions to the person
responsible.
8.
Keep Sustainable Development
informed of your actions, we’d love to
hear about them.
9.
Become a Sustainability Coordinator for
your building (see below)
7
Steps you can take (continued)
As part of the Green
Building program
Commitment
• School or section joins the Green Building
Program through the Sustainable
Development section (SD) of Facilities
Management.
• School or section elects Sustainability
Coordinators to work with SD to improve
their sustainable practices.
• Sustainability Coordinators and staff
identify areas of improvement. The tables
on the following pages are a useful guide.
• Sort possible improvements in order of
priority and set goals:- what changes will make the biggest
positive impact?
- what changes can be implemented
quickly to make an impact now?
The keys to efficient resource use are
the 4 R’s of waste management:
Rethink:Is it necessary to purchase extra
equipment/material? Can things be done in
a more sustainable manner?
Reduce:Wherever possible, it is best to
reduce materials, energy and water
consumption.
Reuse: If a product or material still has
value in its existing form, every effort
should be made to reuse it.
Recycle:Recycle only materials that
cannot be reused in their existing form.
Never put in general waste anything that
can be recycled
• Circulate to all staff and students and
encourage uptake.
• Review regularly.
Policies and best practices
Induct new staff and students
• Work with management to formulate
sustainability policies and/or best practices
for your school/section/building which will
achieve your goals.
• Ensure new staff and students are familiar
with your department’s involvement in the
Green Building program and the steps you
are taking.
SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS
Assign sustainability coordinators in your school or section to work with the
Sustainable Development section
Develop a Policy for Sustainability for your school or section addressing the
topics in this booklet.
8
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CURRENTLY
TAKEN?
YES NO PRIORITY
Reducing your impact: Water
CURRENTLY
TAKEN?
SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS
YES NO PRIORITY
WATER
Report leaks in toilets or taps immediately to FM Jobs ext 2025.
Use dishwasher only when it is full and on the shortest cycle possible.
Don’t leave the water running while soaping your hands.
Limit showers to three minutes and turn water off while soaping. Put a
timer in your workplace’s shower.
FACT!
Average litres per annum added to the
University’s water use and bill by:
• Single leaking toilet: 34,000
• Leaking sink tap: 13,500
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2010 the Crawley campus consumed
almost 100 Olympic-sized swimming
pools of water, a total cost of $710,000.
Winter rainfall in our state’s south-west has
declined markedly resulting in a 50 per cent
drop in annual inflows to reservoirs supplying
the city of Perth since the mid-20th century.
This has been accompanied by a 20 per cent
increase in domestic usage in 20 years, and
annual population growth of 1.7 per cent. It is
believed that at least some of the observed
drying was related to climate change.
CSIRO and Australian Bureau of Meteorology
DID YOU KNOW?
When refurbishing your building Facilities
Management can install water-efficient
fixtures to decrease your water and energy
consumption. Examples include:
• Single lever mixer taps – pre-select
rather than run water to choose temperature.
• Flow restrictors – reduce water flow on
mixer taps and showerheads.
• Dual flush and ultra low flow toilet
cisterns and waterless urinals.
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9
Reducing your impact: Energy
SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS
CURRENTLY
TAKEN?
YES NO PRIORITY
Turn off lights when not in use e.g. when leaving a meeting room.
LIGHTING
Turn off office lights at end of the work day (security lights, which cannot
be turned off are sufficient after workplaces are vacant).
Place stickers on light switches to remind colleagues to switch off when
not in use.
Use daylight where possible and switch off or dim unnecessary lights.
Enlist the help of Facilities Management Jobs (ext 2025) with the following:
Notify of incandescent lights for possible future replacement
Notify of dirty lamps and fittings
Delamp fixtures (e.g. from every second fixture) where appropriate
HEATING AND COOLING
Dress for the season rather than relying on heating and cooling
Check for and report drafts in doors and windows to FM Jobs ext 2025
If you can’t manually control your heating and cooling phone Central Plant on ext 2009
to assist with the steps below. If you do have control feel free to:
In winter try turning on the heating only first thing in the morning
Report air-conditioning that is too cold or heating that is too hot
Turn of air-conditioning or heating if noone is in the room eg. meeting rooms
Reduce cooling and heating by one degree and save up to 10% in
cooling/heating energy.
Turn off monitor if you’ll be away from desk for 20 minutes or more.
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
Shut down computer if away from desk for one hour or more.
10
Shut down computer and turn off monitor (so stand-by light is off) at the
end of the work day.
If you are the last to leave the office turn off all shared equipment OR
Elect a staff member to be responsible for turning off shared equipment
eg printers and photocopiers at the end of the work day.
Set a ‘stand-by’ mode on your equipment, we recommend 10 ­– 15 minutes
Purchase only equipment with Energy Star1 power-saving options and have
them enabled by the supplier upon delivery.
Students of the University participate
in the global environmental
campaign Earth Hour.
Photo: Sam Chesterfield-Evans
Fact: The University’s 2009 Energy Audit identified the following areas of energy usage:
Equipment (including computers) 42.5%, heating and cooling 39.7% and lighting 17.8%.
TIP!
DID YOU KNOW?
Many buildings on the Crawley Campus
are metered and Sustainable Development
can provide monthly energy use reports to
your section.
A typical printer in stand-by mode will
consume only 10% of its standard
operational energy.
If your building pays for its own power its
usage can be monitored on each bill.
FACT!
Reporting to staff any significant changes
in power use can be an excellent way to
reward efforts or encourage positive
changes in behaviour.
One computer (CRT) left on in full power
mode overnight and weekends for one
year can result in 400kg of carbon being
released into the atmosphere. It’s quick,
cheap and green to switch them off.
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11
Reducing your impact: Waste and recycling
Before discarding of any waste ask yourself the following questions:
1. Reuse:
If a product or material still has value in its
existing form, every effort should be made
to reuse it (even over recycling).
2. Recycle:
Recycle only materials that cannot be
reused in their existing form. Never put
recyclables into general waste.
Recycling in offices and buildings
• plastics labelled 1-7
If your building doesn’t utilise recycling bins at
each work station, kitchen or lab make it your
first step to contact Sustainable Development
to arrange. They provide a simple, easy-touse recycling service to all buildings, free of
charge.
• aluminium and steel cans
Recycling bins are commingled, which means
all recyclables are placed in the one bin.
Materials acceptable for recycling bins are:• cardboard and paper (including gloss)
– print-outs, newspaper, magazines,
brochures, newsletters, junk mail,
envelopes, post-it notes, cartons
• paper hand towels and
serviettes – lightly soiled
• cardboard takeaway
coffee cups (rinse)
• glass bottles and jars
(rinse)
• plastic beverage
bottles (empty)
Items recyclable
in the University’s
office recycling bins.
12
• milk and juice cartons
• polystyrene cups (but not packaging)
To order recycling bins for your section email
[email protected] or phone Sustainable
Development.
DID YOU KNOW?
The collection of a recycling bin costs the
University up to 30% less than a general
waste bin. Considering how easy it is to
recycle, throwing recyclables into landfill
is money wasted (pun intended).
2010 bill: $200,000, 53% recycled
A recycling rate of
90% is achievable,
which would
have saved
up to
$22,600.
Photo: Magdeline Lum
Members of the 2011 UWA Clean Up Australia Day team
Electronic waste recycling
Arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and nickel,
all toxic to humans and the environment, can
leach out of discarded electronic waste.
Electronic equipment contains valuable
materials that can be reused and recycled
such as metals, plastics, copper and silver.
How to recycle:
All computers and associated equipment
should be re-used or recycled and must not
be placed in skip bins for landfill.
1.Ensure that the University procedures for
data removal have been followed. Check
with your IT staff.
2.If the electronic equipment is on the Asset
Register then ensure Financial Services
procedures have been followed by
completing an Asset Retirement Form
3.If the equipment is in good condition
consider if it could be used elsewhere on
campus, sold or donated to charity. You
could advertise it in UWA News.
4.For relatively small amounts of e-waste
contact [email protected]
5.For large volumes visit these websites:
www.zerowastewa.com.au/recovery/
community/ewaste or
www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/computers
DID YOU KNOW?
You save enough energy to run your tv
for three hours by recycling just one can.
13
Reducing your impact: Waste and recycling (cont)
Battery recycling
Large sheets of cardboard
The heavy metals present in disposed
batteries leak into the ground upon erosion,
contributing to soil and water pollution and
endangering wildlife.
To recycle cardboard too large for office bins:
The solution is to purchase rechargable
battery kits and batteries or recycle your
small batteries.
Batteries suitable for recycling at the
University are:
• cylindrical AAA, AA, C, D sizes
• Flatten cardboard and make sure all
polystyrene and plastic is removed.
• Place in the 240L recycle wheelie bin
(green bin with yellow lid) located outside
your building.
• For large amounts there is a skip dedicated
to cardboard, located in car park 8 (south).
If you are unable to deliver it yourself
contact Cleaning ext 2004.
• rectangular 6 volt and 9 volt
Toner cartridge recycling
• button batteries
To reduce landfill caused by toner cartridges:-
How to recycle batteries:
• Purchase printers that use reusable
cartridges
Designate a small bin at work to batteries.
When full take the bin to one of the battery
recycling stations on campus:
• Mechanical Engineering South (Level 2,
near the stairwell)
• MCS foyer
• Physiology foyer
• Facilities Management Workshop
FACT!
Recycling cardboard (vs new
production): Uses up to 99% less
water and up to 50% less energy. Each
kg saves up to 1kg of greenhouse
gases. One tonne saves 13 trees, 2.5
barrels of oil, 4100 kWh of electricity
and 31,780 litres of water.
14
• Buy remanufactured toner and printer
cartridges instead of new ones
• Recycle cartridges
How to recycle toner cartridges:
The following preferred suppliers offer toner
recycling services and are easy to set-up.
Services are either free of charge or offer
discounted toner cartridges.
• Corporate Express
Ph 13 26 44
• Kyocera
www.kyoceramita.com.au/environment
• Ricoh
www.ricoh.com.au/services-solutions/
environmental
• Laser Exchange
www.laserex.com.au
2010’s rubbish would
half fill Winthrop Hall
FACT! The University discarded 7,750
cubic metres of office waste in 2010, enough to
half-fill Winthrop Hall. 53% of this was recycled.
Through staff and student participation we can
potentially recycle 90% and reduce our land fill.
Mobile phones
How to recycle:
Place your phone in the mobile phone
recycling box near the Reid Library coffee
shop or contact mobile recycling services:
• Mobile Muster
www.mobilemuster.com.au
• The Centre for Cerebral Palsy
www.tccp.com.au
Did you know?
1000 laser cartridges saved from landfill
are the equivalent of saving the metal and
plastic from 9 fridges.
CURRENTLY
TAKEN?
SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS
YES NO PRIORITY
Reduce waste wherever possible eg. use re-usable drink bottles
Before discarding any item consider if it can be first reused, then recycled
WASTE AND RECYCLING
Purchase products with minimal packaging
Report a lack of recycling bins in your workplace to Sustainable
Development who will arrange their provision free of charge
Use the University’s recycling bins wherever possible to reduce landfill
Use rechargeable batteries or recycle batteries at the University’s battery
recycling stations
Recycle mobile phones at the University’s mobile phone recycling station
Arrange for toner cartridge recycling in your office
Recycle all electronic equipment
Recycle large cardboard items in the yellow-topped wheelie bin or
designated cardboard skip
Never contaminate recycle bins (or the whole bin might go to landfill)
Dispose of hazardous waste responsibily and according to policy
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15
Reducing your impact: Transport
University staff and students can show environmental and social leadership, while
gaining valuable benefits, by reducing their use of the private motor vehicle.
Benefits of alternative
transport to:
Your resources - time, money and health
• Save money in fuel, vehicle wear and tear,
parking and possibly insurance
FACT!
A standard vehicle, travelling a 17km
round trip to work will emit
approximately 340kgs of carbon into
the atmosphere each year.
• Use your time effectively by combining
your travel with other activities such as
reading a book or exercising
The environment
• Improve your health through increased
physical activity
• Reduce global warming
• Avoid the stress of driving in traffic and
wasted time finding parking
• Ditch the family’s second vehicle and save
on registration, maintenance and insurance
The University
• Improve local air quality
• Protect local water-ways from pollution
(lead, oil and grease in road runoff)
• Preserve energy resources
• Reduce land sacrifice to infrastructure
• Reduce noise
• Relieve the pressure of limited parking
• Preserve wildlife and biodiversity, and
reduce wildlife disturbance.
• A higher demand in public transport will
likely result in improved services to campus
The following alternative transport options
are available to you.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
• Download handy maps which include public transport routes and safe cycle paths from
the University’s parking and transport web page www.parking.uwa.edu.au/transport
• Public transport routes and timetables: www.transperth.wa.gov.au
• Car pooling: http://uwa.sharemycar.com
• Upcoming transport related events: www.sd.fm.uwa.edu.au
• UWA Bicycle Users Group (BUG): http://sponsored.uwa.edu.au/bug/welcome
• Department of Transport WA: www.transport.wa.gov.au
16
The dual-use paths along the Swan River offer a
scenic, safe and easy bike ride to the University.
Bus and train
The Crawley campus is well placed for public
transport access and is regularly serviced
along its northern edge by the #102, #107,
#78 and #23 buses which connect with trains
at the Esplanade Busport/Train Station.
The very popular ‘Circle Route’ buses (#98 /
#99) also regularly service the University.
You can avoid the city by catching the train to
Subiaco and hopping aboard the #97 bus
service. It’s also a stress-free way to visit
Subiaco at lunch without parking.
Car pooling
The University offers a car pooling service
which connects travellers and grants access
to car pooling bays on campus.
Image courtesy City of Perth
Cycling
Situated on the picturesque banks of Matilda
Bay, the University is easily accessed by bike
along the river. Good quality dual-use
pathways offer a fairly easy and scenic ride.
Walking
If you live within one or two kilometres of the
University, walking may be the ideal way for
you to commute.
Walking at a medium pace for 30 minutes will
take you over a distance of almost 3 km.
17
Reducing your impact: Transport (continued)
CURRENTLY
TAKEN?
SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS
YES NO PRIORITY
TRANSPORT
When upgrading your vehicle consider fuel-efficiency
Use alternative transport, including walking and cycling when possible
If you need to drive a vehicle, car pool when possible
Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and regularly serviced
Remove roof racks and weight from your vehicle to improve fuel efficiency
Drive smoothly and steadily to increase fuel efficiency
Use air conditioning only when necessary
Walking
Time
Speed
10 mins 20 mins
30 mins
SLOW
0.6km
1.2km
1.8km
MEDIUM 0.9km
1.8km
2.7km
FAST
2.2km
3.3km
1.1km
The Crawley campus is
well-placed for public
transport access.
Images courtesy Transperth.
18
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Reducing your impact: Paper
CURRENTLY
TAKEN?
SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS
YES NO PRIORITY
Think before you print - does this document need printing or can it be
read on screen?
PAPER UISE
On your computer, set your default printer to print double-sided. Even
better choose black and white or eco printing as your default as well. For
instructions contact Sustainable Development.
Photocopy doubled-sided. You may even be able to make this a default
preset – contact your supplier for assistance.
Purchase paper with at least 70% recycled content.
Purchase unbleached paper or non-chemical bleached paper.
Use paper that is printed one-sided as scrap for notepads. Keep a tray
near printers and encourage staff to use them. Staple them together or
arrange for Uniprint to ‘gum’ them into pads at a minimal cost.
Install a recycling bin in your printing / copying room. Contact Sustainable
Development to arrange.
FACT!
Roughly the area of the ACT
in native forests are logged
unsustainably every year
in Australia. Half is for
producing paper. Buying
recycled paper decreases
habitat destruction and
biodiversity decline.
Source: Wilderness Society
DID YOU
KNOW?
The conventional
bleaching process
used to make pure
white and coloured
paper creates
dioxin, a highly
toxic carcinogenic
and pollutant.
TIP: With improvements to processes and
equipment the quality of recycled paper is on par
with virgin paper. A wide range of recycled paper
well suited to modern printing equipment is available.
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19
Reducing your impact: Green purchasing
By considering the environmental-friendliness of products before purchasing University staff not
only reduce environmental impact, but educate suppliers to provide sustainable alternatives.
They’ll also increase demand for environmentally-friendly products, which has the eventual
benefit of reduced costs and a wider variety of choice.
Before making your next purchase consider the criteria in the following table. If you refer to it
regularly when purchasing it will soon become second nature.
PURCHASING CRITERIA
RECONSIDER THE PURCHASE:
Can you hire borrow the product or source unused equipment elsewhere on
campus? Can the old product be repaired to avoid a purchase?
Can the product be purchased second-hand?
Is the product made using mainly recycled or raw materials?
Does production or extraction of the product avoid environmental damage, such as
loss of habitats or pollution?
Can the product be re-used, refilled, recharged or reconditioned to extend its life?
Is packaging made from recycled materials?
Are there alternatives that will do the same job but create less damage?
Can the product be recycled through the University’s recycling program?
Is the product energy efficient?
Is the product accredited with a recognised environmental standard?
Does the supplier have an environmental management system to maximise the
sustainability of their product/s?
Is the item easily upgraded?
Is the product manufactured and / or supplied locally?
Can product packaging be reduced or eliminated?
Is the product or its components toxic or hazardous? Does it come with a material
safety data sheet (MSDS)? Are there less toxic alternatives?
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
• Corporate Express Go Green Guide: www.ce.com.au
• View supplier and purchasing information at www.sd.fm.uwa.edu.au/programs/
procurement
20
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YES NO
Reducing you impact: Laboratories
CURRENTLY
TAKEN?
SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS
YES NO PRIORITY
Close the sash on energy-greedy fume hoods when not in use
Defrost and clean refrigerator/freezer coils and filters
Eliminate old samples from your freezer
Turn off overhead lights when not needed
LABORATORIES
Use a task light if alone in the lab
Turn off equipment, ovens, chilled centrifuges when not in use
Dispose of hazardous waste
Eliminate water vacuum aspirators
Reduce single pass cooling
Use timers for water valves
Use appropriate water for each task
Wash lab ware efficiently
Use most efficient systems for water de-ionisation and filtration
Do certain experiments need to be carried out or can computerised
simulations be utilised?
Use chemical substitutes when designing microscale experiments
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21
Greening your work space
Research shows that introducing vegetation into your work space has significant benefits
for you and your co-workers.
Better building air
Apart from capturing carbon emissions and
increasing oxygen levels, office plants also
extract harmful chemicals from the air.
Modern office and teaching facilities tend to
contain large amounts of synthetic materials
which emit a variety of toxic vapours
dangerous to human health.
NASA research has conclusively shown that
houseplants physically extract volatile organic
chemicals from the air.
Chemicals found in high concentrations in
building environments that were significantly
reduced when plants were introduced include
• formaldehyde
• benzene
• xylene
• toluene
• ammonia
Healthy and productive people
• Improvements to air quality in your
workspace will significantly reduce
absenteeism, commonly associated with
‘sick building syndrome’.
• Concentration levels will increase as
ambient carbon dioxide levels decrease.
• One study found that houseplants reduce
fatigue, coughs, sore throats and other
cold-related symptoms by more than 30%.
• Plants look nice and improve your mood.
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22
FACT
According to a NASA study, one six
inch houseplant per 100 square feet
acts as an efficient air filter, and makes
a significant difference to air quality.
Choosing and sourcing appropriate
species
While Sustainable Development recommends
using local native plant species in outdoor
landscaping, successful indoor planting often
requires the use of exotic species hybrids
that are capable of living in light-deprived, air
conditioned environments.
Provided you never let your building plant
loose in your garden or bushland, it is unlikely
to ever pose an environmental problem.
A list of hardy container species that might
be suited to your office space can be found
at www.sd.fm.uwa.edu.au/staff/greenbuilding/guide/greening-your-space
Even the hardiest of indoor plants may find it
difficult to survive in some building
environments.
To ensure plant health is maintained in these
areas, your office could consider using a local
plant hire company who will swap your office
plants every few weeks for fresh versions.
Information and assistance
Sustainable campus operations &
Green Building development
The University’s Sustainable Development
section of Facilities Management provides
advice, practical assistance and some
funding for Sustainable campus operations
and Green Building development initiatives.
If you would like to make your workspace
more sustainable but are not sure where to
start, please contact us –
Email [email protected], phone 6488 1700
or visit the website www.sd.fm.uwa.edu.au
Energy conservation
Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO)
www.greenhouse.gov.au
Energy Smart
www.energysmart.com.au
Western Australian Office of Energy
www.energy.wa.gov.au
Appliance Energy Rating
www.energyrating.gov.au
Green Power (for at home)
www.greenpower.com.au
Recycling
Water conservation
Our Water Future
www.ourwaterfuture.com.au
Water Corporation
www.watercorporation.com.au
Department of Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities
www.environment.gov.au/water
Climate Change
Department of Climate Change and
Energy Efficiency
www.climatechange.gov.au
CSIRO Climate Change in Australia
Includes the 2007 climate change technical
report developed by CSIRO and the Bureau
of Meteorology through the Australian
Climate Change Science Program
www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au
Environmental protection
Department of Environment and
Conservation WA
www.dec.wa.gov.au
Department of Fisheries WA
www.fish.wa.gov.au
Waste Authority WA
www.zerowastewa.com.au
Swan River Trust
www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au
Wastewise WA
www.wastewise.wa.gov.au
Sustainable Living
Western Australian Government’s web
portal for sustainable living
www.actnow.wa.gov.au
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23
Green Building is an initiative of the
Sustainable Development section of Facilities Management
The University of Western Australia
M458, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009
Tel
+61 8 6488 1700
Fax
+61 8 6488 7534
[email protected]
Webwww.sd.fm.uwa.edu.au
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Published May 2011