| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.44 |
| Liaison | William Van Ausdal |
| Submission Date | July 9, 2024 |
Flinders University
OP-11: Materials Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
11.1 Surplus and reuse programs
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s surplus program:
The Property, Facilities, and Development division utilises the Warp It network to distribute reusable furniture, equipment, fixtures, and fittings within the university. This has provided various environmental and financial savings. According to the data provided by Warp It, we have so far saved 2,916 kg of CO2 emissions, avoided 1,381 kg of waste, and saved $14,644 by keeping items in circulation.
One of the University's minor works building contractors has partnered with Habitat for Humanity South Australia to donate furniture prior to demolition works. Through this initiative, 304 kg of furniture has been diverted from landfill.
Does the institution have or participate in a reuse program through which employees and/or students can donate personal items for redistribution?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s reuse program:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
11.2 Single-use disposable plastics program
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s composting program:
All organic and certified compostable single-use disposable items (AS4736, AS5810) generated on campus are commercially composted by Jefferies, a local organic recycling business.The final product is then utilised by farmers, viticulturalists, landscapers and home gardeners.
Does the institution have or participate in a reusable container program designed to reduce the use of single-use disposable plastic?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s reusable container program:
Has the institution eliminated the on-site use of at least one form of single-use disposable plastic?:
Has the institution eliminated the on-site sales and distribution of all single-use disposable plastic food containers, utensils, and beverage cups?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s single-use disposable plastics program:
In 2021 and 2022, the South Australian Government placed a single-use plastic ban on items such as plastic straws and cutlery and expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and containers. As such, Flinders University's food retailers only provide compostable versions of paper straws and cutlery. We are also in the process of working with retailers to phase out remaining non-compostable drink and food containers on campus.
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
11.3 Electronic waste management
Does the institution have or participate in a program designed to collect e-waste from students for recycling and/or preparation for reuse? (required):
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s e-waste collection programs:
Battery Recycling
In partnership with B-cycle, an Australian government backed battery recycling stewardship scheme, Flinders University has provided three battery drop-off points accessible to all staff and students. When the battery storage pallet has been filled up with over 75kg worth of used collected batteries, Envirostream who is our battery recycler comes and collects them to be recycled.
E-Waste Recycling
For e-waste generated by the Information and Digital Services (IDS) division, this is currently being collected and recycled by Electronic Recycling Australia
For more information, visit our resource recovery website: https://www.flinders.edu.au/campus/sustainability/resource-recovery
Does the institution use an e-waste recycler that is certified to a qualifying standard?:
Standard to which the institution’s e-waste recycler is certified:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
11.4 Hazardous waste management and disclosure
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s hazardous waste management program or protocol:
The Hazardous Chemical Safety Procedures sets out the requirements for managing the health and safety risks associated with the use of hazardous chemicals in the University. In accordance to section 13 on Purchasing Hazardous Chemicals of the procedure, it is advised that "the minimal amount that is needed should be purchased and amounts purchased must not exceed the allowed legal storage limits for the chemical type"
Does the institution publish information about the specific types of hazardous waste it generates and how they are disposed of, recycled, and/or prepared for reuse?:
Online resource that provides information about the specific types of hazardous waste managed by the institution:
Document that provides information about the specific types of hazardous waste managed by the institution:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
Optional documentation
Additional documentation for this credit:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.