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:
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. The information collected was useful in determining recycling infrastructure service levels and developing the scope of works for a waste services tender.
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 case study was completed in December 2012 and serves as a guiding document for UTAS operational staff in managing the University Reserve on the Sandy Bay campus to maximise its biodiversity and educational potential.
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.
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.