The Academic Operations Sustainability Integration Program (AOSIP) outlines how UTAS infrastructure and operational activities can improve environmental performance and provide the UTAS academic program with an active learning laboratory in environmental sustainability.
AOSIP projects have involved students from a number of schools and institutes, including the School of Architecture and Design, the School of Geography and Environmental Studies, and the Faculty of Business. Some recent AOSIP projects:
Supported by data-gathering infrastructure paid for and installed by UTAS Sustainability, a third-year student from the School of Engineering investigated the theoretical output of a wind turbine for possible use at UTAS Accommodation Services. The WindSpot 3.5kW¡ turbine had been donated to the University and the student was investigating whether or not the wind turbine would be viable if it were installed on the Sandy Bay Accommodation Services site.
Active UTAS and students from the Environmental Management unit (School of Geography and Environmental Studies) organised activities to promote uptake of sustainable transport options by the UTAS community. These events included a Metro Tasmania bus orientation activity on World Car-free Day (22 September 2011) and a carbon reduction measurement activity on Ride to Work Day (14 October 2011).
In 2011 School of Geography & Environmental Studies Masters students conducted data entry and analysis of sustainable transport data from Sandy Bay campus which informed the development of the UTAS Sustainable Transport Strategy 2012-2016.
In 2011,the Natural Resource Management (NRM) North/UTAS Sustainability Eco-efficiency Fellowship project, supported two students to develop a sustainability management plan for an Australian Maritime College building and case study for Tasmanian businesses.
In 2011 and 2012, students from the School of Geography and Environmental Studies conducted a waste audit on rubbish and recycling bins from around the UTAS Sandy Bay campus.
Students from the School of Architecture and Design, based in the Launceston Assistance and Research Centre, were given a brief to design bike lockers for installation on UTAS campuses. The students worked through the process from concept design through to manufacture; the first set of working bike lockers was installed on the Sandy Bay campus in February 2012, and are available for hire by UTAS staff and students.
A more extensive bike hub was completed in August. The bike hub project includes a photovoltaic system and electric bike recharging stations and was considered innovative enough to attract the maximum possible ($10,000) from the State Government cycling infrastructure grant fund.
The bike hub was formally opened by the Honourable Nick McKim, Minister for Sustainable Transport at an event hosted by the Vice-Chancellor. Read more about the bike hub launch event.
This is a case study for a UTAS Natural Environment Strategy. It is due for completion in June 2012 and is designed to provide a guiding document for UTAS operational staff in managing the University Reserve on the Sandy Bay campus to maximise its biodiversity and educational potential.
If you have ideas for projects or activities, or would like to find out more about the Academic Operations Sustainability Integration Program, please contact Corey Peterson, Sustainability Manager on +61 3 6226 6203.