Policy University Management Environmental Policy

Environmental Policy

Policy
Procedures
Other related documents

Intent

The Environmental Policy formalises James Cook University's (JCU; the University) commitment to supporting the principles of environmental sustainability and recognises that a sustainable environment is central to our lives and our work. JCU acknowledges that its activities have an impact on the global and local environment and that we can modify our operations to reduce our negative environmental impacts. JCU is committed to improving its environmental performance and reducing its contribution to climate change and environmental degradation. By integrating sustainable environmental practices in our daily activities the University aims to be a leader in environmentally sustainable infrastructure development and operations.

Scope

This Policy applies to all staff, students, visitors and contractors of the University across all campuses (domestic and international), sites, centres and controlled entities.

Definitions

Terms mentioned in this document and not defined here are defined in the Policy Glossary.

Environmental Aspects - elements of an organisation's activities, products or services that can interact with the environment.

Environmental Impacts - any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an organisation's environmental aspects.

Policy

JCU respects our relationship with the natural environment and its life-sustaining ecosystems and recognises the need to maintain and restore a rich biodiversity. The University acknowledges the adverse impacts that human activity can impose and takes actions to prevent degradation of our natural systems, while supporting the repair and recovery of those systems. As a signatory to the Talloires Declaration, the University commits to the following principles and practices:

Fostering the sustainable use of the Earth’s resources by “treading lightly”, recognising the approach of Australia’s Indigenous people in minimising our impact on the land.
Managing, monitoring and measuring environmental performance and establishing objectives and targets to minimise these impacts.
Communicating our environmental performance through the annual report and other internal and external reports.
Reducing the consumption of resources associated with operations (e.g. energy, water, paper).
Minimising the production of greenhouse gases, particularly those associated with energy consumption, the vehicle fleet and air travel.
Minimising waste production and maximising the amount reused and recycled.
Considering environmental aspects in the procurement of products and services, and endeavouring to ensure suppliers meet high standards of environmental performance.
Ensuring that all new capital works programs incorporate comprehensive environmental sustainability principles.
Committing to the principles of pollution prevention and continual improvement.
Recognising that all staff have a responsibility to assist the University to meet the commitments in this policy.
Empowering staff to minimise our environmental impacts through raising staff awareness and encouraging participation in environmental management practices (particularly through the TropEco program).
Working closely with our employees, contractors, suppliers, clients, students and the community to develop and implement environmental initiatives.
Providing leadership to the community and industry by demonstrating best practice methods of delivering sustainable initiatives.
Complying with relevant Commonwealth and State Government environmental policy, practices, regulations and legislation.
Communicating this policy to all employees, contractors and other stakeholders as well as making this policy available to the general public.
Maintaining and enhancing biodiversity at our campuses and sites, particularly in natural areas.

Related policy instruments

On-campus Environmental Procedure (under development)

FMPM 710 Procurement Policy

Work Health and Safety Policy

WHS-PRO-008 Asbestos Management Procedure

WHS-PRO-009 Biosafety Procedure

WHS-PRO-010 Hazardous Chemicals Procedure

WHS-PRO-013 Laboratory Safety Procedure

JCU Design Guidelines - Section 21 - Environmental Management

JCU Design Guidelines – Section 22 – Ecological Sustainable Design

JCU Design Guidelines – Section 31 – Landscape

Living Collection Curatorial Plan 2024 – 2034 (under development)

Natural Assets Management Plan

Schedules/Appendices

Nil

Administration

NOTE: Printed copies of this policy are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.

Approval Details

Policy Domain	University Management
Policy Sub-domain	Estate and Facility Management
Policy Custodian	Chief Operating Officer
Approval Authority	Vice Chancellor
Date for next Major Review	16/06/2021

Revision History

Version	Approval date	Approval authority	Implementation date	Details	Author
25-1	03/11/2030	Vice Chancellor	15/01/2026	Major review – minor updates to related policy documents and legislation.	Supervisor, Environment and Grounds
16-1	16/06/2016		5/07/2016	Policy established	Manager, Environment - Estate Directorate

Keywords	Environmental, sustainability
Contact person	Supervisor, Envionment and Grounds