MU Student Union Ltd is committed to environmental sustainability and has implemented a number of environmental friendly programs within Union House through the ideas and initiatives of staff and students. These strategic initiatives are tangible evidence of the Student Unions ongoing commitment to a sustainable local and global community.
Consumables
Coffee
All tenancies are encouraged to use Fair Trade coffee.
Copiers/Printers
All copiers/printers that are purchased by MU Student Union Limited must contain the ability to do double sided printing.
All paper purchased for copiers is 100% recycled.
For staff, where possible email over hard copy printing is encouraged
Toilets
Where possible we have replaced hand towel dispensers with hand dryers to reduce paper wastage.
Toilet paper is either manufactured from recycled paper or plantation forest peper
Lighting
All tungsten globes have been replaced with energy efficient light fixtures
Energy Conservation
Building Control
A computerised building management system has been installed which allows optimal scheduling of heating and cooling for only those hours needed.
Electrical Equipment
Stickers are placed on electrical switches such as lighting and computers to remind staff to turn off when not in use
Security are instructed to turn of all electrical equipment including heating/cooling systems, fans, lights etc on the final patrol of the building to ensure nothing is left on overnight.
An energy audit was completed in 2007 to determine the energy consumption of major plant items within the building including lifts, lighting and heating/cooling and proposed solutions.
All staff computer monitors revert to sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity to save energy use
Pre-Purchasing Checklists
This form must be completed and authorised by the departments senior manager for all purchases that breach any EH&S Policy.
Recycling
Cardboard/Paper
The Student Union has a contract with Visy to provide paper and cardboard recycling. Visy bins are provided to all staff that require them (desk sized), with bigger units for common areas. Tenant cardboard is collected and recycled.
Glass, Plastic and Cans
Co-mingle bins are provided to food court areas, and the items are sent for recycling.
Oil
Tenants are provided with a facility to deposit used cooking oil, which is recycled.
Printer Toners
Toners are recycled through Fuji Xerox/IT Services.
Mobile Phones
A Mobile Muster phone recycling station can be found in the main lobby
Transport
Bike Racks
The Student Union supports the use of Bicycles as a preferred mode of transport. We have leased space to a bicycle retailer. We have also developed a landscape plan for the Union House surrounds, and are lobbying for additional bicycle racks to encourage use.
Public Transportation
Human Resources is encouraging staff to switch from Private to Public Transport by organising discounted Metcards for staff that require them.
Water Conservation
Flow Regulation
Flow regulators have been fitted to most taps and showers within Union House to reduce the volume of water utilised whilst not compromising pressure. Leaking or inefficient fixtures were replaced where needed
Toilets/Urinals
All single flush toilets have been replaced with dual flush systems while single flush urinals and waterless urinals have been replaced with timed release mechanisms.
Water Tanks
The use of rainwater tanks to supply the basement toilets will greatly reduce mains water consumption and is considered an integral phase of the water conservation plan. Talks are currently underway with the University to enable tanks to be installed.
Paint Interceptors
Installed in the Arts Lab, theatres and loading bay and are used to capture paints, clays and other wastes and stop them from entering into the sewerage system.
Trade Waste
Grease Traps
Grease traps provided to retail tenancies to prevent waste from entering into the sewerage system.
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Posted Tuesday 15 January, 2008. Updated Friday 25 September, 2009.
