Our Environment
As part of Kangan Batman TAFE's commitment to environmental initiatives, this page will give you information on our latest environmental projects, events, awards and funding grants.
Background
After signing a Sustainability Covenant with the Environment Protection Authority of Victoria (EPA) in December 2004, Kangan Batman TAFE embarked on unique, award-winning environmentally focused projects. As Kangan Batman TAFE was the first Victorian TAFE institute to enter into a Sustainability Covenant, this model has become the benchmark for other VET sector organisations looking to improve their environmental performance.
The Sustainability Covenant outlines five objectives to aid in the creation of a model of sustainable business practice, with projects including an Environmental Management System restructure, an upgrade of the Coburg campus' dynamometer to test for diesel emission particles, and the incorporation of environmental and sustainability components into curriculum.
Sustainable Campus Group
With the Sustainability Covenant now closed after the very productive and successful three year period, the final report has just been produced and approved. Throughout the course of the Covenant, it was found that there was a need to tailor a model of sustainable development, specific to the Education Sector. Kangan Batman TAFE, along with other members of the Sustainable Campus Group (a conglomerate of education providers), are now embarking on a new mission; a Pilot Program with the aim of developing a sustainable model of operations, including a Campus Rating System, and data monitoring and reporting scheme for the Education Sector.
Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE is the only TAFE Institute participating in the Pilot Program; our Institute is seen as the leader in perpetuating Environmentally Sustainable outcomes in the TAFE Sector.
More information regarding the Sustainable Campus Group and the progress of the model will be posted on the website in the near future.
Sustainability Reporting
Kangan Batman TAFE was one of the first educational institutes in Victoria to produce a stand-alone Sustainability Report, Making the Connection, in 2004, and has continued to report annually on Triple Bottom Line principles in its annual reports.
What's On?
Events
On the 12th of May, 2008, James Drougas was appointed as the Environmental Coordinator for the Institute. He comes to us from the private sector and has a wealth of knowledge regarding contemporary environmental issues, the development and implementation of environmental awareness campaigns, developing sustainable work practice programs, Environmental Management Systems, and compliance auditing.
James is currently undertaking a Masters Degree in Environmental Management and also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biological Sciences from RMIT University.
New Projects
Travel Access Maps
Travel access maps are currently being developed for Kangan Batman TAFE campuses. These maps will make it easier for staff, students and visitors to choose sustainable travel options such as catching public transport, cycling or walking. All of our campuses are easily access via public transport. For timetables and routes visit Metlink.
Car Pooling
We are currently investigating setting up a car pooling system to cut the number of car trips that are used to access our sites. While this system will be for staff initially, we aim to extend it to students as well.
Environmental Sustainability Course
The Institute is currently developing new environmental courses which will be incorporated into its course portfolio. More information will be provided as things develop.
Useful Links
- Environment Protection Authority
- Sustainability Victoria
- Greenhouse Challenge
- Automotive Centre of Excellence
Contact Us
Contact James Drougas, Workplace Environmental Coordinator, on 9279 2566 or jdrougas@kangan.edu.au for more information on Kangan Batman TAFE's environmental initiatives.
