Sustainable universities #5: Macquarie Uni and sustainability

Universities and ecological footprint. This time is the turn of Macquarie University (which I'm a proud alumni of). MQ has risen to the challenge by establishing the Sustainability Office as a first step in its change towards sustainability. A very clean and lean website, with all the right info at the right place, very user friendly. I personally know some of the people involved in the project and I can say the best thing about MQ and the Graduate School of the Environment is that they are passionate about their job, and surely do what they do because they believe in change. That's the greatest teaching they gave me. Believing in change and act for it.

Some interesting initiatives taking place at MQ:

• Replacement of all automated continual flush urinals with sensor activated urinals,
• The installation of waterless urinals in the Aquatic Centre saving approximately 500 000 litres of water annually,
• geothermal air-conditioning of one of MQ buildings,
• the soon to be constructed Library Building will be completed to a predicted 5 - 6 Green Star Office Design rating.

No matter what your relationship to MQ is, everyone is encouraged to get involved in making MQ more sustainable. Find out more on MQ Sustainability website