Sustainable Operations at Otago Polytechnic
Otago Polytechnic is continuing to 'put our own house in order' by implementing policies and procedures that reflect our goal of becoming a sustainable operation.
Living Campus
Otago Polytechnic’s Living Campus project is under way! Read more here
Polybikes
Otago Polytechnic have a set of ‘poly-bikes’ for staff to use to commute around town. These bikes have proven to be popular and we expect them to be in hot demand over summer! BikeWise month (February) will be keenly contested by Polytechnic staff!
Buses
Improved bus services to campus and the introduction of the City Loop bus make taking the bus more attractive than ever. Bus passes are available for staff journeys.
Coal Fired Boilers
The Polytechnic is reviewing the use of coal in its three boilers, with a view to switching to woodchips.
Otago Polytechnic Waste Exchange
The staff waste exchange is open for business at Otago Polytechnic. Things too good to throw away can be deposited and collected by staff for either Polytechnic or personal use.
Otago Polytechnic Recycling
Otago Polytechnic has recycling in place for:
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Glass
- Aluminium & steel cans
- Plastic Type 1, 2 & 4
- Aluminium
- Steel
- Cooking Oil
- Organic waste
Green paper recycling trays are in place in each office, Staff are urged to monitor their paper waste and re-use 'goose' (good on one side) paper from the tray. The Polytechnic is aiming for no printed material to go to students in 2009.
Otago Polytechnic's Recycling Centre, next to the waste exchange, contains bins for plastic no.4, cardboard recycling, and battery disposal.
Bokashi composting bins are in use in small kitchens about the campus. Compost is available for staff, community gardens, and for use in the Living Campus gardens.
Departments collect scrap materials for re-use by students.
Two great initiatives from Courier Post
Ecotrack packs: Courier Post has introduced a cardboard version of its courier trackpacks called Ecotrackpack. Being cardboard they can be recycled and ar also available for boxes and rolls.
Courier pack recycling: Courier Post will now accept plastic courier packs for recycling. This includes bubble wrap, other companies’ courier bags and, indeed, any type 4 plastic bag, including the one your cornflakes came in. All this waste is converted into plastic pellets in Christchurch for industrial use, with Diabetes NZ benefiting from the money raised.
Purchasing
Contracts are being reviewed to ensure sustainable criteria are met. The Polytechnic has moved to the use of 4 and 5 star paper. Contractors are required to consider sustainable practice.
Good Ideas
The Polytechnic encourages staff with their sustainable ideas. Financial support is available to get these ideas into practice.