Staff and students at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) are sipping their way towards a goal of being carbon neutral by 2020.
More than 800 people have already signed USQ’s Sustainability Pledge — a way to show their commitment to creating a more sustainable future by pledging to make changes in their daily activities both on campus and in the home.
As a bonus, all those who sign the pledge are gifted a free KeepCup (a reusable coffee cup) that is compatible with professional coffee machines, such as the machine in The Hub at USQ.
Environmental Officer Alicia Logan said it was all about getting the USQ community to think about a few simple actions that could make their lives more sustainable.
‘It’s been exciting,’ Mrs Logan said. ‘The Pledge has really got people thinking.’
‘It’s the little things that people can do in their everyday lives that can make a big difference.’
Some of the strategies to reduce the University’s carbon footprint include car pooling or having a ‘car-free day’ by either walking, cycling or taking public transport, avoiding business travel where possible and opting for a teleconference instead, and turning off lights and computers when they’re not in use.
Mrs Logan said she hoped the KeepCups would spark a new way of thinking for staff and students in sighting a social shift away from the throwaway culture and a move towards adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.
‘The feeling amongst the staff is really positive, it’s uplifting,’ Mrs Logan said.
Over the next two years the University will undertake a series of demand reduction initiatives (retrofitting and engagement) as well as implement renewable energy and low carbon technology on campus.
With the implementation of the recently endorsed Carbon Reduction Strategy 2012-2014, the University will significantly reduce its carbon footprint and be much closer to achieving its strategic goal of carbon neutrality across all three campuses by 2020.
The Sustainability Pledge is an initiative of The Lilypad — USQ’s Environmental Program. For further information on how you can support the journey to carbon neutrality contact the Environmental Office on 4631 1362 or email environment@usq.edu.au.
To view and sign the sustainability pledge, visit www.usq.edu.au/environment/pledge.
Contact Details:
Jim Campbell, USQ Media ,+61 7 46 31 2977
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