ORANGE’S Charles Sturt University (CSU) campus has gone green.
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Certifiably green.
On Tuesday CSU was certified as carbon neutral in accordance with the National Carbon Offset Standard, which is overseen by the Federal Department of the Environment.
CSU is currently the only Australian university – and one of only 27 organisations nationwide – to reach this standard.
The accreditation applies to all nine campuses in New South Wales and Victoria, including Orange.
CSU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann has called the official status a just reward for years of planning and investment in people, systems and infrastructure that have reduced the university’s ‘carbon footprint’.
“With this accreditation, we hope we can inspire other organisations, both regional and national, to seek to achieve these standards and do their bit for the planet,” Professor Vann said.
“This award shows we don’t just claim to be sustainable, we are recognised as doing the hard work and investment to earn this status.”
CSU reached the milestone by reducing and offsetting its carbon emissions so that, according to the Department of Environment, “the net emissions of the organisation are equal to zero”.
“The award demonstrates that Charles Sturt University lives by the Wiradjuri phrase Yindyamarra Winhanganha, or ‘the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in’,” professor Vann said.
“Through this certification Charles Sturt University is showing all Australian communities how we can live more sustainable lives in our unique environment.
“We have shown how an organisation with nine campuses spread over a thousand kilometres in regional New South Wales and Victoria can operate and thrive while being aware of and showing care for the places where we live and learn.
Professor Vann is determined that CSU will maintain its reputation as a leader in economic, social and environmental sustainability.
“The university will continue its commitment to reducing its current emissions, particularly by reducing energy use using more efficient lighting and air conditioning,” he said.
