Sustainable Development Initiative at Macquarie University

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

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
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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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
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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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
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