Sustainability+Matters

** Development of the Aquinas College Sustainability Management Plan ** The Aquinas College sustainability management plan //- **Sustainability Matters 2011**// provides a framework for the Aquinas community to move towards a position of sustainability. The initial plan has been developed using the AussiVic [1] Resource Smart modules to audit current practices and establish areas for consideration as we move forward. There are a range of broad goals which have been developed across five themes: areas of environmental importance critical to the achievement of sustainability.
 * Sustainability Matters 2011 Aquinas College**
 * []**


 * Theme || Goals ||
 * Biodiversity || improve biodiversity

increase in tree canopy and understorey cover extend the area of mulched garden beds provide information about biodiversity to the school community || increase renewable energy usage provide information about energy use to the school community || enhance paper recycling systems
 * Energy || reduce per capita energy consumption
 * Waste || reduce waste to land fill

maintain and publlish information about paper usage in the College || manage water collection and usage sustainably through water tanks maintain network of pipes and taps to eliminate leaks publish information || implement practices and processes to prepare for climate change ||
 * Water || reduce potable water for toilet flushing and cleaning
 * Sustainable practice || use environmentally sensitive goods and services

Each of the goals establishes a longer term direction for the College with each of the goals being achieved through a number of approaches. The approaches identified should enable the College to measure the progress towards sustainability and achieving the goals. Approaches for each of the goals are outlined in a number of best practice activities within each of the AussiVic Resource Smart modules. At some point in the future the College should consider trying to achieve AussiVic certification around each of the modules. The College embarked on a major building development program throughout 2010. The new senior school building incorporating many features designed to incorporate best practice in sustainable building design and technological developments. As the College moves forward there will be challenges ahead to develop more sustainable buildings especially as our society moves towards implementing a carbon tax. Energy costs will increase and this is likely to have significant impacts on the finances of the College. Details of where the College currently stands and potential for new developments are outlined in the audit section of this report. The plan will be implemented and updated regularly and monitored for performance by the Environment and Sustainability Co-ordinator. New actions will build on existing work and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. It is hoped that this report will be adopted by the College Board as its sustainability management plan.

AussiVic Resource Smart Modules : []
 * References **

//Looking Ahead - DEECD’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy -// DEECD: []

[1] Australian Schools Sustainability Initiative –Victoria code

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