Arc Environmental Management

Environment Policy 3
1. Policy Statement 3
1.1 Background 3
2. Scope and Priorities 4
3. Implementation 4
4. Roles and Responsibilities 4
4.1 Board of Arc 4
4.2 Manager of Corporate Services 4
4.3 Arc Environment Committee 4
4.3.1 Purpose 4
4.3.2 Structure 4
4.4 Arc Department Managers 5
5. Review 5
6. Acknowledgements 5

Corporate Services
Environment Action Plan 2010 6

1. Environment Action Plan 2010 6

2. Structure of the Plan 6
3. Objectives and Targets 7
Management Systems 7
Knowledge Systems 7-8
Energy Management 8
Water Management 8
Materials Management 8
Planning, Design and Development 9
Compliance and Pollution Prevention 9
Transport 9
Biodiversity 9
Timeline 9

Environment Committee
Terms of Reference 11
1. Role 11
2. Composition 11
3. Meetings 11
4. Responsibilities 11
5. Communication 11
6. Acknowledgements 11

2 Arc @ UNSW Environment Doc ....

 Environment Policy
Responsible Officer Manager of Corporate Services
Contact Officer Student Environment Intern
Approved by Arc Board
Approval Date 26th October 2009
Effective Date 16th March 2010
Superseded Documents N/A
Review 31 May 2010
Associated Documents Environment Management Plan

1. Policy Statement
Arc recognises the importance of minimising its environmental impact while encouraging
environmental sustainability in all activities in an open and transparent manner.
Arc also recognises the necessity of having an Environmental Policy in addition to the
UNSW Environmental Policy in order to provide direct leadership in an area of major
concern to Arc and its stakeholders.
Arc is committed to reaching out, engaging with, informing and empowering its
stakeholders to become environmentally aware and active in their lives.
Arc aims for environmental best practice and the integration of environmental
responsibility throughout all aspects of Arc’s activities. This Policy provides a framework
for establishing environmental:
• Objectives
• Targets
• Action plans
• Procedures, and
• A mechanism for review and evaluation.

1.1 Background
The Arc Environment Policy and Environment Management Plan were developed through
collaboration between Arc student members and management. The overall goal was to
achieve a common understanding about how to work with environment-related questions
from a short and long term perspective.

2. Scope and Priorities

The scope of this Policy embraces all Arc activities, including;
• Corporate Services
• Clubs and Societies
• Retail
• Venues and Events
• Student Support
• Marketing and Membership.

Arc @ UNSW Environment Doc .... 3

 3. Implementation
The Arc Environment Policy provides a framework for the development of a one year EMP
(Environmental Management Plan) for 2010 and a two year EMP from 2011 onwards. The
EMP will allow for the creation of yearly action plans with an annual cycle of review and
budget allocation, which in turn provides the mechanism for implementation of the policy.
The EMP will:
• Identify and prioritise objectives
• Establish targets
• Document specific actions and timeframes to achieve targets
• Allocate resources and responsibilities to enable the realisation of the EMP through
the Arc budget process
• Set performance indicators and mechanisms to monitor and report the progress.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

The Environment Management Plan requires an implemented work process between Arc
and the SRC Environment Officers to safeguard student participation. The process will
support the identification of objectives, targets, action plans, procedures and evaluation
mechanism.

4.1 Board of Arc

• Responsible for the ultimate approval of the environment policy.
• Ensure that sufficient resources are allocated for the implementation of
environment policy and Environmental Management Plan.

4.2 Manager of Corporate Services

• Accountable to the Board of Arc for achieving the goals and objectives set out in
the Environment Policy, EMP and yearly Action Plans
• Allocate resources to enable departments within Arc to achieve relevant goals and
objectives of the EMP and yearly Action Plans
• Ensure that the Environment Committee meets at least once a semester, prepares
an agenda and circulates minutes within one month of the meeting
• Prepare and distribute the annual Environment Report.

4.3 Arc Environment Committee

4.3.1 Purpose
• To provide leadership in environment related questions at Arc
• Develop and review the Environment Policy
• Annually prepare and review the Environment Management Plan and recommend it
to the Board
• Prepare and review yearly Environment Action Plans
• Report to the Membership and Services Subcommittee on a quarterly basis
• Meet at least once a semester.

4.3.2 Structure
• To be made up of four student members population (including the SRC
Environment Officer) and four Arc staff members
• The four student members will be appointed by the SRC with a recommendation
from the Environment Officer with voting rights
• The four Arc Staff members will be appointed by the Arc board with the
recommendation of the Corporate Services Manager

4 Arc Environmental Management

 • To be co-chaired by a student and the Corporate Services Manager. The Chair
will be elected at the first meeting. The Chair will not have the casting vote.
The SRC Environment Officer is responsible for ensuring adherence to this policy.

4.4 Arc Department Managers

• Accountable to the Corporate Services Manager for planning and budgeting
for the Environment Management Plan, yearly Action Plans and reporting on
the outcomes to inform the Environment Committee and annual Environment
Report.

5. Review
The policy will be reviewed and evaluated in 2010 and every second year thereafter.
The Environment Management Plan will be evaluated at the conclusion of its term and
yearly Environment Action Plans will be reviewed and evaluated every year by the Arc
Environment Committee.

6. Acknowledgements
• UNSW Environment Policy
• UNSW Environment Management Plan
• 2009 SRC Environment Officer
• UNSW Environment Collective

Version Date Author Approval Sections Details of

modified amendments
1.0 26/10/2009 2009 Environment Arc Board N/A New policy
Officer 26/10/2009

Manager of
Corporate Services

Arc Environmental Management 5

 Corporate Services
Environment Action Plan 2010

Responsible Officer Manager of Corporate Services

Contact Officer Student Environment Intern
Approved by Manager of Corporate Services
Approval Date 26/10/2009
Effective Date 01/01/2010
Associated Documents Environment Policy

1. Environment Action Plan 2010

The purpose of this Environment Action Plan is to:
• Identify priorities
• Set objectives and targets
• Define performance indicators
• Document strategies and time frames to achieve targets, and
• Establish mechanisms to monitor evaluate and report progress.
The achievements of this Environment Action Plan will provide direction for the
establishment of future targets and objectives which will be developed through the
Environment Committee.

2. Structure of the Plan

To facilitate implementation the Environmental Action Plan is divided into nine functional
areas, under each of the headings identified below. At the same time it is recognised these
areas are interconnected and adverse or beneficial environmental impacts in one area will
affect others.

Biodiversity and Open Space

Those aspects of management and maintenance which support conservation and
enhancement of biodiversity and environmentally sustainable use of open space around
Arc buildings.

Management System
Those systems employed through the management of Arc’s operational activities.
Includes financial systems, engagement and supervision of contractor,
purchasing policies, etc.

Knowledge System
Those processes which build knowledge and capacity on environmental issues, principles
and sustainable behaviours. Includes training, communications, campaigns, links with
faculties and schools on campus, etc.

Energy Management
The energy-related aspects of planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance
of Arc’s facilities.

Water Management
Aspects of supply, usage and disposal of water pertinent to the planning, design,
construction, operation and maintenance of Arc’s facilities.

6 Arc Environmental Management

 Materials Management
Those services and activities which support the avoidance, resource recovery (eg reuse and
recycling) and environmentally responsible disposal of solid and liquid waste materials.

Planning, Design and Development

The planning, design and development of Arc’s built form and associated infrastructure.

Compliance and Pollution Prevention

Those aspects of planning and management which support minimisation of air and water
pollution and contamination of land resulting from Arc activities.

Transport
Programs, projects, systems and procedures which promote and support walking, cycling
and public transport for work trips and other Arc-related travel.

3. Objectives and Targets

To facilitate efficient and effective environmental management, objectives and targets are
set out for each section, together with environmental performance indicators to monitor
Arc’s progress towards achieving its targets.

Functional Performance Indicators Objectives and Targets

Areas

Management Have an environmental audit S1. Conduct a full environmental

Systems carried out. audit of Arc to help the future
development of Arc’s Environment
Policy, EAP and Action Plans by
01/03/10.

Arc providing ongoing S2. Provide environmental leadership

opportunities for UNSW
students to be involved with
auditing and reporting of Arc’s
environmental activities by the
completion of 2010.
through the development of
environmental auditing and reporting
opportunities for students at UNSW
through research, coursework or on a
volunteer basis.

Proportion of plant and S3. Pass an environmentally

equipment purchased compliant preferred purchasing policy by
with environmentally preferred February 2010.
selection criteria.

Proportion of Arc suppliers and S4. Manage supply chain so that by

contractors with, or working end of 2010, 50% of Arc’s preferred
towards, a recognised EMS providers comprise organisations
(environmental management which have, or are working towards,
system) or equivalent. a recognised EMS or equivalent.

Savings resulting from S5. Ensure that environmental action

environmental initiatives are which saves Arc money directly or
included in the environment indirectly is identified and
report. quantified.

Knowledge Measured awareness of Arc’s K1. Achieve 75% staff and 50%
Systems environmental credentials. student member awareness of Arc
Environment Policy.

Arc Environmental Management 7

 Number of visitors to
environment@Arc Website p.a.
Proportion of Arc members
participating in environment-
related campaigns or initiatives
(eg Bike Club, Stationary initiatives.
Re-use Centre, environment
related clubs and societies).
All new staff are aware and have
working knowledge of Arc’s
Environment Policy, EAP, Action
Plans and relevant initiatives.
Which documents have been
circulated to Arc, or reasons
given why it has not been
possible.
Energy Proportion of Arc energy
M anagement consumption derived from
renewable sources.
Percentage reduction in energy
use in the Blockhouse by the
end of 2010 based on 2009
figures.
Percentage of existing
equipment and fixtures that
are replaced with 5-star energy
rated alternatives or higher.
www.energyrating.gov.au
Water Percentage of existing
Management equipment and fixtures that are equipment and fixtures are minimum
replaced with 5-star water rated 5-star water rated.
alternatives or higher.
www.waterrating.gov.au
Materials Percentage of paper products
Management purchased which are
manufactured from 100% post-
consumer fibre.
Percentage of publications
released which are printed on
100% post-consumer fibre.
Percentage of green cleaning
practices used or provided provided by Arc to use green
by Arc.
8 Arc Environmental Management
K2. Achieve 5000 unique visitors to
Environment Section of the Arc
website by the end of 2010.
K3. Achieve 20% of staff and 5% of
student member involvement in
environmental campaigns and
K4. Ensure induction of all new staff
includes information on Environment
Policy, EAP, Action Plans and other
relevant initiatives.
K5. Send all members a copy of the
UNSW Environment Policy,
Environment Management Plan,
Action Plans and annual Environment
Report, or explain why it is not
possible.
E1. For 2010, meet 7.5% of Arc’s
electrical usage in the Blockhouse
and Roundhouse from renewable
sources.
E2. Reduce energy use in the
Blockhouse by 10% by end of 2010.
E3. Ensure that all new energy
related equipment and fixtures are
minimum 5-star energy rated.
W1. Ensure that all new water related
M1. Ensure that 75% of all paper and
paper products purchased by
Arc is manufactured from 100% post-
consumer fibre
M2. Ensure that 75% of all
publications released by Arc are
printed on 100% post-consumer
fibre.
M3. All cleaning services used or
cleaning practices.
 Number of drop-off zones
available for recycling batteries,
mobile phones, printer
cartridges/toners and other
e-waste.
Planning, Number of new buildings used
design and by Arc rated as 5 star or better
development under the Green Star rating
system.
Accuracy of information
conveyed to students during
any design orconstruction
of new buildings or major
refurbishments.
www.gbca.org.au
Compliance Compliance with legal/
and Pollution regulatory requirements.
Prevention
Transport Amount of clubs, campaigns or
initiatives underway to promote
this objective by Arc or UNSW.
M4. Provide e-waste drop-off zones
at suitable Arc premises.
D1. Actively request (and keep
students up to date) UNSW to
design and construction all new and
major refurbishments built for
Arc to be rated 5 stars or better
under the Green Star rating
scheme.
P1. Achieve full compliance with all
environmental legislative and
regulatory requirements and assist
the university in achieving the same,
where applicable.
T1. Students to be provided with
information and opportunities to
actively travel to and from university
by methods other than single-
occupier vehicles.

Biodiversity Amount of plants in Arc offices B1. Each work area to have a plant.
and venues.

Timeline
The Plan will be implemented according to the following timeline:

Year of Date Action

Plan
Year 0 Sept EAP finalised and approved by SLT including rolling action plan

Year 0 Oct Funding for year 1 of action plan embedded in Arc budget
for 2010; development of projects for rollout in Year 1 and
implementation of existing projects.
Year 0 Jan – Dec Implementation of funded projects as per action plan.

Year 1 June Evaluation of year one (1/2 Year)

Year 1 July Objectives and actions for 2011 developed

Year 1 Sept EAP finalised and approved by SLT

including rolling action plan.

Arc Environmental Management 9

 Version Date Author Approval Sections Details of
modified amendments

1.0 01/01/2010 2009 Manager of N/A New Plan

Environment Corporate
Officer Services
Corporate
Services
Manager

10 Arc Environmental Management

 Environment Committee
Terms of Reference
Responsible officer Manager of Corporate Services
Contact officer Manager of Corporate Services
Approved by Manager of Corporate Services
Approval date 08/04/2010
Effective date 08/04/2010
Associated documents Arc Environment Policy

1. Role
The Environment Committee provides an opportunity for Arc student members and Arc
staff to come together and provide leadership on environmental questions relevant to Arc
and its stakeholders.

Key tasks:
• Develop and review Arc’s Environment Policy
• Prepare and review Arc’s Environment Management Plan (2011 – 2012)
• Prepare and review Arc’s Environment Action Plans.

2. Composition
• To be made up of four student members population (including the SRC Environment
Officer) and four Arc Staff members.
• The four student members will be appointed by the SRC with a recommendation from
the Environment Officer with voting rights.
• The four Arc Staff members will be appointed by the Arc Board with the
recommendation of the Corporate Services Manager.
• To be co-chaired by a student and the Corporate Services Manager. The Chair will be
elected at the first meeting. The Chair will not have the casting vote. The SRC
Environment Officer is responsible for ensuring adherence to this policy.

3. Meetings
Meet at least once a semester.

4. Responsibilities
Manager of Corporate Services is responsible for generating an agenda and circulating
minutes within one month of the meeting.

5. Communication
The Environment Committees’ Terms of Reference will be communicated in the same
manner as Arc’s Environment Policy.

6. Acknowledgements
Arc Environment Policy

Version Date Author Approval Sections Details of

modified amendments
1.0 08/04/2010 Student Manager of N/A New terms
Environment Intern Corporate Services of reference
08/04/2010

Arc Environmental Management 11