| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.71 |
| Liaison | Andrea Bradley |
| Submission Date | Nov. 28, 2023 |
TAFE Queensland Robina Campus
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Bianca
Mandalios Manager, Communication & Engagement TQGC |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1. Measurable sustainability objectives
Academics
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Robina Campus has developed its own Sustainability Strategy document to align its work to meet the selected UN SDGs. The campus strategy is in line with the TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Operation Plan which includes the goal of 'A Sustainable and Socially Responsible TAFE Queensland' as the umbrella of 'Connecting with our stakeholders to continue to achieve financial, social and environmental sustainability goals'. The regional plan aligns with the TAFE Queensland Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) action plan which is aligned to the broader TAFE Queensland Strategic and Operational Plans.
*ROBINA CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
The relevant goals aligned with 'Academics' include:
No.1. Embed sustainability into every aspect of campus operations and curriculum.
No.3. Create facilities with flexible rooms and the latest technology.
No.4. Transform service delivery models to deliver seamless virtual and blended training experiences.
No.5. Successfully deliver five (5) eco-friendly live training facilities.
In our strategy document, the activities under the pillar 'Curriculum and Training' include:
• Promote teacher engagement and lesson planning to incorporate the use of active learning spaces with modern and flexible room design, moveable furniture and desks, and collaboration spaces and breakout booths.
• Continue to improve and broaden our educators’ collaboration and project-based teaching skills.
• Continued upskilling of staff to be able to use technology effectively for delivery.
• All learning spaces will be fitted out with the latest technology including high-resolution cameras and virtual delivery technology.
• Teachers will have the latest tablet technology.
• Continue to embed sustainability into every unit of every course and to build educators’ knowledge and understanding of sustainability.
• Continue to develop and offer short courses focused on sustainability.
*ROBINA CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
The relevant goals aligned with 'Academics' include:
No.1. Embed sustainability into every aspect of campus operations and curriculum.
No.3. Create facilities with flexible rooms and the latest technology.
No.4. Transform service delivery models to deliver seamless virtual and blended training experiences.
No.5. Successfully deliver five (5) eco-friendly live training facilities.
In our strategy document, the activities under the pillar 'Curriculum and Training' include:
• Promote teacher engagement and lesson planning to incorporate the use of active learning spaces with modern and flexible room design, moveable furniture and desks, and collaboration spaces and breakout booths.
• Continue to improve and broaden our educators’ collaboration and project-based teaching skills.
• Continued upskilling of staff to be able to use technology effectively for delivery.
• All learning spaces will be fitted out with the latest technology including high-resolution cameras and virtual delivery technology.
• Teachers will have the latest tablet technology.
• Continue to embed sustainability into every unit of every course and to build educators’ knowledge and understanding of sustainability.
• Continue to develop and offer short courses focused on sustainability.
Engagement
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Robina Campus has developed its own Sustainability Strategy document to align its work to meet the selected UN SDGs. The campus strategy is in line with the TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Operation Plan which includes the goal of 'A Sustainable and Socially Responsible TAFE Queensland' as the umbrella of 'Connecting with our stakeholders to continue to achieve financial, social and environmental sustainability goals'. The regional plan aligns with the TAFE Queensland Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) action plan which is aligned to the broader TAFE Queensland Strategic and Operational Plans.
*ROBINA CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
The relevant goals aligned with 'Engagement' include:
No.1. Embed sustainability into every aspect of campus operations and curriculum.
No.2. Create a culture of sustainability, where staff and students are actively involved in sustainability activities.
No.7. Collaborate with like-minded local partners.
In our strategy document, the activities under the pillar 'Culture' include:
• Sustainability will continue to be embedded into every aspect of campus operation.
• Our culture will continue to be shaped, by encouraging staff and students to share sustainability best practice through our community of practice by:
– Encouraging and acting on ideas from staff and students;
– Creating opportunities for shared experiences by conducting regular and ongoing information sessions;
– New staff completing the online sustainability orientation;
– Actively involving our senior leaders;
– Recognising and celebrating our achievements;
– Providing transparent, current information on progress towards goals;
– Facilitating tours of the campus to promote communications and what’s happening at the campus.
*ROBINA CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
The relevant goals aligned with 'Engagement' include:
No.1. Embed sustainability into every aspect of campus operations and curriculum.
No.2. Create a culture of sustainability, where staff and students are actively involved in sustainability activities.
No.7. Collaborate with like-minded local partners.
In our strategy document, the activities under the pillar 'Culture' include:
• Sustainability will continue to be embedded into every aspect of campus operation.
• Our culture will continue to be shaped, by encouraging staff and students to share sustainability best practice through our community of practice by:
– Encouraging and acting on ideas from staff and students;
– Creating opportunities for shared experiences by conducting regular and ongoing information sessions;
– New staff completing the online sustainability orientation;
– Actively involving our senior leaders;
– Recognising and celebrating our achievements;
– Providing transparent, current information on progress towards goals;
– Facilitating tours of the campus to promote communications and what’s happening at the campus.
Operations
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Robina Campus has developed its own Sustainability Strategy document to align its work to meet the selected UN SDGs. The campus strategy is in line with the TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Operation Plan which includes the goal of 'A Sustainable and Socially Responsible TAFE Queensland' as the umbrella of 'Connecting with our stakeholders to continue to achieve financial, social and environmental sustainability goals'. The regional plan aligns with the TAFE Queensland Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) action plan which is aligned to the broader TAFE Queensland Strategic and Operational Plans.
*ROBINA CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
The relevant goals aligned with 'Operations' include:
No.1. Embed sustainability into every aspect of campus operations and curriculum.
No.5. Successfully deliver five (5) eco-friendly live training facilities.
No.6. Measure everything we do to appraise our performance and improve.
No.7. Collaborate with like-minded local partners.
In our strategy document, the activities under pillar 'Campus' include:
• Sustainability will be embedded into every aspect of campus operation, including waste management and recycling practices.
• Modern design and construction practices are to be maintained and further developed i.e. solar power, solar glass, and a Building Maintenance System (BMS).
• The Active Transportation Strategy will be promoted.
• Use of carbon-neutral, ethical, and local small and medium suppliers will be encouraged.
• Convey information about sustainability through student engagement and immersion using infographics, QR codes, billboards, TV screens, student communique, and activities like weekly lunchbox sessions.
Although we do not have a separate climate action plan, the SDG13 'Act to combat climate change and its impact' is one of the six selected SDGs included in our sustainability strategy document. Robina Campus takes a holistic approach to using a circular economy by incorporating principles of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration into our building, fit-out, procurement, curriculum, operations, governance, and culture. By fully immersing our community and embedding sustainability, we are making a systemic shift to go beyond recycling or reducing waste, by rethinking everything we do. We have:
• Used modern design and construction practices, from initial research, planning, development, design, commercial contracts, procurement, build, and fit out, to meet sustainability ambitions and reduce greenhouse emissions. The building features recycled materials and ecological finishing, including acoustic screens/partitions to minimise noise; recycled timbers in table tops, furniture, and bar area; and use of paints, carpets, sealants, etc., low in volatile organic compounds.
• Implemented a closed-loop system where waste is reused and repurposed within the campus, such as composting food waste to create fertilizer, and capturing rainwater for use
• Designed technology-enabled active learning (TEAL) spaces and encouraged students to BYOD (bring your own devices); the increased access to technology reduces the need for paper-based resources.
• Worked with our identified local suppliers to ensure that the products and services we purchase are designed for circularity, with a focus on durability, repairability, and recyclability
• Developed collaboration and partnerships with community stakeholders across the value chain, including industry, government, and community organisations, to develop and implement circular economy solutions
• Raised awareness and education about the circular economy through educator professional development, events, weekly lunchbox workshops, marketing collateral, and sustainability-embedded educational programs to encourage all to adopt more sustainable practices.
• Featured regular communique, billboards, and TV screens to highlight energy consumption and savings to educate staff and students learn how to divert food material waste along with methods to minimise food waste plus signage throughout the building.
• Conducted waste management through the utilisation of segregated bins i.e. landfill, 10c refundable, compostable organics. Procuring sustainable and compostable single-use food and beverage packaging for venues. The preference is for customers to bring their keep item, but if this is not possible then we use products that fit the closed loop system. Products purchased in takeaway containers or PET bottles are tracked through the point of sale with discounts offered. This information is readily available in reports on a daily/monthly and yearly basis.
• Implemented a process of continual improvement using the STARS accreditation process to continuously evaluate and improve our circular economy initiatives, setting targets and measuring progress to ensure we are making a positive impact.
TAFE Queensland celebrates and values the diversity of its community and is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunity and treatment of staff through the full employee life cycle. The Equity and Diversity policy for staff is based on four (4) principles:
1. Provide equal opportunity and access
2. Create a positive, safe work environment
3. Foster and promote a respectful and inclusive workplace culture
4. Develop a workforce that represents and reflects diverse views, experiences, and backgrounds.
Students are also informed that TAFE Queensland is committed to creating a positive learning environment for students that promotes equality, is free from discrimination and harassment, and is supportive of the specific needs of individuals. Further information is available on the website https://tafeqld.edu.au/about/policy-and-governance/student-rules-and-policies/equity-and-diversity#accordion-ae73140866-item-50703ed774.
The TAFE Queensland Strategic Plan includes a pillar (1 of 4) focused on 'Creating great people'. This focus is reflected in the TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Operational Plan and then specifically in the Robina Sustainability Strategy. Robina Campus has invested heavily in:
* supporting equity and diversity in our staff recruitment
* professional development (PD) of all staff through an online 'Introduction to Sustainability' unit
* further intensive PD of our educators to equip them with the knowledge and skills to embed sustainability into all units delivered including mapping the units to the SDGs.
*ROBINA CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
The relevant goals aligned with 'Operations' include:
No.1. Embed sustainability into every aspect of campus operations and curriculum.
No.5. Successfully deliver five (5) eco-friendly live training facilities.
No.6. Measure everything we do to appraise our performance and improve.
No.7. Collaborate with like-minded local partners.
In our strategy document, the activities under pillar 'Campus' include:
• Sustainability will be embedded into every aspect of campus operation, including waste management and recycling practices.
• Modern design and construction practices are to be maintained and further developed i.e. solar power, solar glass, and a Building Maintenance System (BMS).
• The Active Transportation Strategy will be promoted.
• Use of carbon-neutral, ethical, and local small and medium suppliers will be encouraged.
• Convey information about sustainability through student engagement and immersion using infographics, QR codes, billboards, TV screens, student communique, and activities like weekly lunchbox sessions.
Although we do not have a separate climate action plan, the SDG13 'Act to combat climate change and its impact' is one of the six selected SDGs included in our sustainability strategy document. Robina Campus takes a holistic approach to using a circular economy by incorporating principles of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration into our building, fit-out, procurement, curriculum, operations, governance, and culture. By fully immersing our community and embedding sustainability, we are making a systemic shift to go beyond recycling or reducing waste, by rethinking everything we do. We have:
• Used modern design and construction practices, from initial research, planning, development, design, commercial contracts, procurement, build, and fit out, to meet sustainability ambitions and reduce greenhouse emissions. The building features recycled materials and ecological finishing, including acoustic screens/partitions to minimise noise; recycled timbers in table tops, furniture, and bar area; and use of paints, carpets, sealants, etc., low in volatile organic compounds.
• Implemented a closed-loop system where waste is reused and repurposed within the campus, such as composting food waste to create fertilizer, and capturing rainwater for use
• Designed technology-enabled active learning (TEAL) spaces and encouraged students to BYOD (bring your own devices); the increased access to technology reduces the need for paper-based resources.
• Worked with our identified local suppliers to ensure that the products and services we purchase are designed for circularity, with a focus on durability, repairability, and recyclability
• Developed collaboration and partnerships with community stakeholders across the value chain, including industry, government, and community organisations, to develop and implement circular economy solutions
• Raised awareness and education about the circular economy through educator professional development, events, weekly lunchbox workshops, marketing collateral, and sustainability-embedded educational programs to encourage all to adopt more sustainable practices.
• Featured regular communique, billboards, and TV screens to highlight energy consumption and savings to educate staff and students learn how to divert food material waste along with methods to minimise food waste plus signage throughout the building.
• Conducted waste management through the utilisation of segregated bins i.e. landfill, 10c refundable, compostable organics. Procuring sustainable and compostable single-use food and beverage packaging for venues. The preference is for customers to bring their keep item, but if this is not possible then we use products that fit the closed loop system. Products purchased in takeaway containers or PET bottles are tracked through the point of sale with discounts offered. This information is readily available in reports on a daily/monthly and yearly basis.
• Implemented a process of continual improvement using the STARS accreditation process to continuously evaluate and improve our circular economy initiatives, setting targets and measuring progress to ensure we are making a positive impact.
TAFE Queensland celebrates and values the diversity of its community and is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunity and treatment of staff through the full employee life cycle. The Equity and Diversity policy for staff is based on four (4) principles:
1. Provide equal opportunity and access
2. Create a positive, safe work environment
3. Foster and promote a respectful and inclusive workplace culture
4. Develop a workforce that represents and reflects diverse views, experiences, and backgrounds.
Students are also informed that TAFE Queensland is committed to creating a positive learning environment for students that promotes equality, is free from discrimination and harassment, and is supportive of the specific needs of individuals. Further information is available on the website https://tafeqld.edu.au/about/policy-and-governance/student-rules-and-policies/equity-and-diversity#accordion-ae73140866-item-50703ed774.
The TAFE Queensland Strategic Plan includes a pillar (1 of 4) focused on 'Creating great people'. This focus is reflected in the TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Operational Plan and then specifically in the Robina Sustainability Strategy. Robina Campus has invested heavily in:
* supporting equity and diversity in our staff recruitment
* professional development (PD) of all staff through an online 'Introduction to Sustainability' unit
* further intensive PD of our educators to equip them with the knowledge and skills to embed sustainability into all units delivered including mapping the units to the SDGs.
Administration
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Robina Campus has developed its own Sustainability Strategy document to align its work to meet the selected UN SDGs. The campus strategy is in line with the TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Operation Plan which includes the goal of 'A Sustainable and Socially Responsible TAFE Queensland' as the umbrella of 'Connecting with our stakeholders to continue to achieve financial, social and environmental sustainability goals'. The regional plan aligns with the TAFE Queensland Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) action plan which is aligned to the broader TAFE Queensland Strategic and Operational Plans.
For administration staff, the SDF 3 of 'Health and well-being of our staff and students is represented by the goals from the Robina Campus Sustainability Strategy and include:
No.2. Create a culture of sustainability, where staff and students are actively involved in sustainability activities. Measure: the Robina staff survey aimed at checking the sustainability literacy and culture of staff is the main tool to assess level of involvement. Attendance records at weekly lunchbox sessions and larger scale events also assists to measure level of involvement.
No.5. Successfully deliver five (5) eco-friendly live training facilities. Measure: When staff order or book any services or purchase products from the live training facilities, it is noted in the booking systems and the concessions applied for staff purchases. These records overtime will provide a summary of staff level of connectivity with the products and services from the commercial facilities.
No.6. Measure everything we do to appraise our performance and improve. Measure: this is an area still under development. Items as per No. 2 and 5 above, plus orientation and professional development are being measured. Areas such as transportation, community involvement, and diversity/affordability items are under development.
In our strategy document, the activities under the pillar 'Community and Workplace' include:
• Our staff and students drive the sustainability committee which meets regularly to progress initiatives.
• We will operate and develop our five (5) eco-friendly training venues (café, restaurant, event centre, hair, barber and beauty salons, and gym) to grow and improve interactions with our community; continuing to share our story and collaborate further.
• Faculties will continue to build collaborative partnerships with local agencies; promoting and taking greening/sustainability initiatives forward.
• Our sustainability goals and achievements at the Robina campus will be promoted via conferences, awards, and tours of the campus.
For administration staff, the SDF 3 of 'Health and well-being of our staff and students is represented by the goals from the Robina Campus Sustainability Strategy and include:
No.2. Create a culture of sustainability, where staff and students are actively involved in sustainability activities. Measure: the Robina staff survey aimed at checking the sustainability literacy and culture of staff is the main tool to assess level of involvement. Attendance records at weekly lunchbox sessions and larger scale events also assists to measure level of involvement.
No.5. Successfully deliver five (5) eco-friendly live training facilities. Measure: When staff order or book any services or purchase products from the live training facilities, it is noted in the booking systems and the concessions applied for staff purchases. These records overtime will provide a summary of staff level of connectivity with the products and services from the commercial facilities.
No.6. Measure everything we do to appraise our performance and improve. Measure: this is an area still under development. Items as per No. 2 and 5 above, plus orientation and professional development are being measured. Areas such as transportation, community involvement, and diversity/affordability items are under development.
In our strategy document, the activities under the pillar 'Community and Workplace' include:
• Our staff and students drive the sustainability committee which meets regularly to progress initiatives.
• We will operate and develop our five (5) eco-friendly training venues (café, restaurant, event centre, hair, barber and beauty salons, and gym) to grow and improve interactions with our community; continuing to share our story and collaborate further.
• Faculties will continue to build collaborative partnerships with local agencies; promoting and taking greening/sustainability initiatives forward.
• Our sustainability goals and achievements at the Robina campus will be promoted via conferences, awards, and tours of the campus.
Part 2. Sustainability in institution’s highest guiding document
Yes
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
---
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Major theme
Optional Fields
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
---
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
Yes
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
At TAFE Queensland we believe that vocational education and training have a key role to play in the achievement of the Global Goals and to make sure we leave a better planet for future generations.
We will connect with our students, communities, industries, and government agencies to provide a platform to build and grow our social and environmental sustainability commitments.
TAFE Queensland’s vision for sustainability is underpinned by our mission to deliver quality education and training that enables the careers of our students and the development of the industries and communities we serve.
We will connect with our students, communities, industries, and government agencies to provide a platform to build and grow our social and environmental sustainability commitments.
TAFE Queensland’s vision for sustainability is underpinned by our mission to deliver quality education and training that enables the careers of our students and the development of the industries and communities we serve.
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Sustainability can be defined as maintaining healthy environmental, social, and economic systems in balance, indefinitely, on a global and local scale.
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | --- |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | --- |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | --- |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | --- |
| SDG Accord | Yes |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | --- |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | --- |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
TAFE Queensland (TQ) is a signatory to the United Nations SDGs. As part of this alliance, TQ has developed a Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) plan to provide an overview and direction for each of its 60 campuses. The purpose of the TAFE Queensland Social and Environmental Sustainability Committee is to:
*Encourage and promote discussion around TAFE Queensland’s social and environmental sustainability practices
*Identify and discuss matters for areas of improvement in sustainable practices
*Provide a regular forum for the exchange of ideas, opinions, and information
*Provide updates on ongoing projects relating to the TAFE Queensland Social and Environmental *Sustainability Action Plan.
In addition, to ensure a local approach, Robina Campus, as TQ's flagship campus for sustainability, has developed its own action plan in line with the TQ SES plan.
*Encourage and promote discussion around TAFE Queensland’s social and environmental sustainability practices
*Identify and discuss matters for areas of improvement in sustainable practices
*Provide a regular forum for the exchange of ideas, opinions, and information
*Provide updates on ongoing projects relating to the TAFE Queensland Social and Environmental *Sustainability Action Plan.
In addition, to ensure a local approach, Robina Campus, as TQ's flagship campus for sustainability, has developed its own action plan in line with the TQ SES plan.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The attachment shows the TQ plan, the regional plan, the campus-specific plan, and also the TQ Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) action plan. All of these documents show how the main TQ strategic plan is reflected and contextualised to the regional and then local campus. level.
Website for TQ Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) action plan:
https://tafeqld.edu.au/about/who-we-are/social-and-environmental-sustainability-action-plan
Website for TQ Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) action plan:
https://tafeqld.edu.au/about/who-we-are/social-and-environmental-sustainability-action-plan
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.