Sustainable Development Initiative at Macquarie University

This essay is a case study of an Australian-based sustainability initiative taken up by Macquarie University. The content discusses the decision-making process involved in the design and implementation of the initiative, priorities, and recommendations for improving the sustainability initiative. The paper makes use of the concepts of environmental management and a suitable understanding of the theory of sustainability.

Running Head: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
Sustainable Development Initiative
Name of Student
Name of University
Author note

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Introduction
The essay is a case study of an Australian-based sustainability initiative. The chosen topic
for the case study is Macquarie University and the initiatives taken by the university faculty for a
sustainable development. The content of the essay discusses the decision-making process
involved in the design and implementation of the initiative analyses the relationships between
different stakeholders concerned with executing the action of the initiative. The purpose of this
assignment is to provide an opportunity to the student to carry out independent research and
review the environmental management case study. For analyzing the success, or the potential
success of the mentioned sustainability initiative taken up by the university, the paper make use
of the concepts of environmental management and a suitable understanding of the theory of
sustainability. Finally, the paper concludes with three key recommendations for improving the
sustainability initiative for addressing the critiques that have been offered in the paper.
Sustainability
Sustainability as concept is as simple as it can be; it merely requires a sympathetic
understanding of the self, of others and especially the planet. It can be approached by
understanding the interconnectivity of environment, society and economy and how the regular
actions of human beings directly and indirectly affect the balance between the three, both in the
present and for the future (Kates 2018). The aim of sustainable development is to improve and
protect the environment simultaneously, for securing a brighter future. For achieving this
purpose, the initiatives taken by Macquarie University aligns the expansive understanding of the
principles of sustainability with Sustainable Development Goals. This has to be developed by an
extensive consultative process, preferably assisted by the United Nations an involving the
government, industry, business, academia and civil society. The following goals represent the

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future the University is aiming to secure in terms of sustainability: affordable and clean energy,
sustainable cities and communities, responsible production and consumption, climate action, no
poverty and zero hunger, sanitation and access to clean water, quality education, health and well-
being, maintenance of peace and economic growth.
Priorities and decision making process
The facilities concerned with the program is determined to safeguard the planet from
degrading, through sustainable strategies of production and consumption and the sustainable
managing of natural resources. First and foremost, this calls for an urgent action for controlling
the drastic climatic changes, for supporting the basic needs of the current and the future
generation. The University believes that partnerships create immense mutual benefit and power,
and attempts to look for identifying and mobilizing these partnerships, as they are crucial
elements in attaining the sustainability goals. The initiatives intend to foster a just, peaceful and
inclusive society, which is free from the perils of fear and violence. The proponents of the
initiative realizes that sustainable development and peace are inextricably related to each other.
The program further aims to ensure that all beings on the planet rightfully enjoy fulfilling and
prosperous lives and the social, technological and economic progress is in accordance and
harmony with nature. The indispensability of eradicating hunger and poverty is another crucial
priority of the program since sustainable development means every human being in a society
must be able to fulfil their potential in equality and dignity within a healthy environment (Doh
and Tashman 2014).
The Macquarie University has established five basic principles of sustainable
development:

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Planet: Sustainable development starts with the planet and ends with it. Any developmental
program must first consider the well-being of the planet and work towards conserving and
protecting it against degradation for further developments in economy and society. The decision
making process of the initiative at the University prioritizes the conservation of the environment
and considers it as the pillar of sustainable development.
People: The initiative is for the welfare of the common people and the interest and well-being of
all human beings is a matter of primary concern for sustainable development (Ehnert et al 2013).
Access to water, food, shelter and clothes are fundamental rights of all human beings, and all
initiatives aimed at sustainable development should ensure that everyone in the society has
access to the basic needs and are able to utilize their full potential.
Prosperity: The extent of the progress of sustainable development is judged in terms of
prosperity. In other words, a prosperous society is a sustainable society. The activities of the
initiative is aimed at striking a balance and harmony between people and the environment they
live in. Sustainable development requires the economy, society and environment prosper in
harmony with each other.
Peace: There will not be any progress towards the attainment of goals unless there is peace.
Peace is also the ultimate desirable goal of the initiatives taken for sustainable development. All
activities carried out in the interest of human beings and the environment should be done in
peace and with full compliance from the communities involved in and affected by the activities.
Leads of the initiative ensure that all the undertaken actions are performed peacefully with
healthy participation of activists and partners.
Partnerships: For the promotion and success of an initiative, alignment with resourceful
organizations and assistance of eminent personalities is crucial. Macquarie University has

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established alignments with eminent personalities, sponsors and activists groups and it has
helped the University to grow more awareness among the common mass regarding the initiative.
The main objective of the sustainable initiative is to bring people together for achieving
something impactful, innovative and substantial. The sustainable team of Macquarie University
is aiming to build a brighter future with the help of the following design and decision making
processes associated with it:
Leadership and governance- The council of Macquarie University take full responsibility for
the management of the University affairs. The council is also entitled to making rules and by-
laws relating to the University management. Executives of the initiative carry out the leadership
roles. For creating a sustainable culture, effective governance is indispensable. The sustainable
strategy of the governance, puts forth a systematic approach to the University’s commitment to
abiding by the principles of sustainability with all the actions involved in the initiative. Several
procedures and policies are being developed for including sustainability principles like water and
resource management procedure, fair trade and purchasing policy.
The commitment of the sustainable initiative include engaging students in impactful
research for addressing global challenges. It also ensures that students are goading themselves
for contributing as active citizens for the creation of an environmentally healthy and equitable
society.
Sustainable financing
The framework of sustainable financing is developed for demonstrating the University’s
SFT in matters concerning expenditures and projects, refinances that has positive social and
environmental outcomes, supporting the vision and strategy of the initiative (Panayotou 2013).
The Green Loan Principles aligned with the current body of framework, along with social and

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green bond principles for achieving the sustainable goals. Some of the steps taken towards
sustainable financing include:
Green building: The initiative aims to proliferate the construction or renovation of buildings,
strictly following the design principles of ecological sustainability. The alignment with the Green
Building Council of India is established with the objective of upgrading existing buildings and
reducing the intensity of carbon emissions (Strezov and Evans 2014).
Energy efficiency and alternative energy: Installing facilities with alternative energy like solar
heat, wind energy, energy storage, hydrogen systems, industrial automation are valuable sources
of alternative energy. For efficiency improvement, the leaders of the initiative are taking special
care of control systems, management systems and energy distribution.
Pollution prevention and control- Some of the notable actions under this category are recycling
demolition and construction materials, installing appropriate technology of air filtering for
reducing air emissions. Proper disposal and treatment of lethal waste and remediation of land and
soil are integral to management and control of pollution.
Sustainable water and wastewater management- A sustainable infrastructure is being
developed for enabling people to avail clean and drinking water. The treatment facilities
developed for the management of water and wastewater is a crucial step towards sustainability.
The initiative if further undertaking projects on water conservation and the flood mitigation
along with urban drainage systems are potential aspects of sustainability.
Management of land use and natural resources for environmental sustainability- Restoring
and preserving natural landscapes, including the conservation of biodiversity are taken care of by
wetland projects like Bushcare programs and Mars Creek. The upgrades of infrastructure and
facilities make contributions to the conservation of seas and oceans. The new facilities are

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working towards the preservation and sustainable use of biomes, reducing and reversal land
degradation with the help of biological science research.
Access to fundamental services- The initiative aims to build new buildings and upgrade
facilities that provide medical service. It also raises funds for aiding access to services and
facilities that are gender and disability sensitive and provide safe, effective and inclusive
environments for everyone. Enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological
possibilities will ensure universal access to fundamental needs and encourage research,
development and innovation.
Socio-economic empowerment and advancement- This includes expenditures concerning
facilities and programs that offer students the opportunity to acquire relevant knowledge and
skills for employment. It also includes expenses to facilities providing opportunities to learners
for learning the necessary skills required for the promotion of sustainability. Financing
scholarship programs that address issues of equality, concerning people with disability,
disadvantaged and indigenous students.
M power
The concept of M power is associated with the creation of a positive movement. The
strategy is designed to engage and empower the campus community for making a difference with
the help of target sustainability themes. Effective yet simple functions encouraged in a
meaningful way for reaching a collective and measurable impact. The MQ ethical fashion is an
innovative and effective way of attaining sustainable development goals. The concept propagates
the practice of choosing ethical brands of clothing. Choosing fashion brands that doesn’t use
micro-plastic and engage in overconsumption is an effective step towards sustainability. The
practice also encourages travelers to consider alternative, less biodegradable means of transport.

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Switching to bike rides, carpools or any public transport lays off congestion on road and helps
individuals be peaceful and physically active. One of the past initiatives of M-power was the
using of reusable cups instead of disposable cups. It helps to save money and reduces waste.
Target for better futures
This was formulated as an accreditation framework designed for helping offices and
departments for working towards sustainability as part of their regular business activities. The
University rewards: the Bronze level to offices that have identified and established a strong
connection with the sustainability development initiatives, the Silver level to departments that
has developed an exclusive sustainability value, reaffirmed the purpose with a networking map,
the gold level to offices that have undertaken strategic planning for filling the gaps in the support
system and drafted an implementation plan.
Education for sustainability initiative
To ensure that the students are well equipped for meeting the expectations of the
business, and dealing with the challenges and complications of today’s society, Macquarie has
resolved to inculcating sustainability into all facets of learning and teaching. The education for
sustainability conducts researches for developing improved strategies, one of the researches
indicated that 44% of students would prefer working for an eco-friendly organization for lesser
salary. The sustainability team sits with the students to learn about their units for understanding
existing connections and suggesting simple ways to enhance the connections. The team assists
and works with the student, creating valuable content for them (Tibury 2014).
Recommendations:
Concrete activities- More people inside and outside the campus need to be aware of the
initiative. Activities like campaigns, marathons and promotions will help spread the word among

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the common crowd. The team should hold business meetings more often for addressing core
issues.
Continuous measurement of impact- The outcomes and the objectives should be tallied after
the execution of each activity for measuring the impact of the initiatives. This can be done by
conducting surveys, developing feedback forums and using scientific methods of impact
measurement.
Knowledge and technology- Each team member should be the thorough with the policies and
programs of the initiative and back them up with relevant learnings of sustainable development.
The use of adequate technology is crucial to the successful execution of the development plans.
Incentives- It is important that initiators remain encouraged in their pursuit as it ensures growth
and advancement. Proving incentives to efficient workers will motivate them to reach higher
targets.

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References:
Doh, J.P. and Tashman, P., 2014. Half a world away: The integration and assimilation of
corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and sustainable development in business school
curricula. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 21(3), pp.131-142.
Ehnert, I., Harry, W. and Zink, K.J. eds., 2013. Sustainability and human resource management:
Developing sustainable business organizations. Springer Science & Business Media.
Ehnert, I., Harry, W. and Zink, K.J. eds., 2013. Sustainability and human resource management:
Developing sustainable business organizations. Springer Science & Business Media.
Kates, R.W., 2018. What is sustainable development?.
Panayotou, T., 2013. Instruments of change: motivating and financing sustainable development.
Routledge.
Sauvé, S., Bernard, S. and Sloan, P., 2016. Environmental sciences, sustainable development and
circular economy: Alternative concepts for trans-disciplinary research. Environmental
Development, 17, pp.48-56.
Strezov, V. and Evans, T.J. eds., 2014. Biomass processing technologies. CRC Press.
Tilbury, D., 2004. Environmental education for sustainability: A force for change in higher
education. In Higher education and the challenge of sustainability (pp. 97-112). Springer,
Dordrecht.
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