"Greening" at the Summer School
There are more than 18,000 computers at UQ. If all of these computers are left on for 8 hours every day over one year they will produce approximately 5500 tonnes of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.
We can influence the way that GHG emissions are created and the quantity of emissions created; we just need to make a conscious choice. There are over six billion poeple on the planet -
together we can make a difference, not only with regard to reducing GHG emissions, but also through other activities and processes that impact our environment and climate.
Click on the following links for further information about Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
How are Australians GHG emissions created? (Fact Sheet Unigreen)
How can we reduce GHG emissions at home and at work? (Fact Sheet Unigreen)
Understanding Climate Change (Fact Sheet Queensland Government)
Climate Change - How you can make a difference (Fact Sheet Queensland Government)
What is your Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gas (or carbon dioxide equivalent) that's produced from our daily activities over the course of a year.
To calculate your individual carbon footprint (i.e. the amount of greenhouse gas or carbon dioxide equivalent), use the carbon footprint calculator and see which impact your daily actions have on the environment.
Environmental policy and procedures at The University of Queensland
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The University of Queensland is committed to ‘greening’ the 2009 U21Summer School. We work together with Unigreen and other institutions to ensure the environmentally friendly organisation of the Summer School program – from the use of recycled note paper, pencils made from recycled newspaper or pens from cornstarch to using crockery instead of plastic, including vegetarian food choices, etc.
The Environmental Management System of The University of Queensland has been in place since 1996. It includes an environmental policy and procedures for air quality, biodiversity, energy, noise, waste and water management.
The University of Queensland’s Environmental Policy demonstrates a commitment to conducting its activities in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and associated legislation. The policy applies to staff, students and visitors to the University as well as to activities conducted on University premises or under the auspices of the University. Please click here to find out more about UQ's Environmental Policy.
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As a promotional arm of The University of Queensland, Unigreen is made up of both internal and external stakeholders who actively promote environmental awareness throughout the University community.
Unigreen strives to make a difference and contribute to the env
ironment through various environmental initiatives at UQ. These initiative are focusing on major environmental issues such as:
- Energy and greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Water Conservation
- Building Sustainability
- Biodiversity
- Carparks to mitigate the impact of travel
- Waste Minimisation
- Green Office Program
- Environmental Policy and procedures
To find more information about the Environmental Initiatives at the University of Queensland, please click here.
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"Greening" in Australia and Queensland
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Climate change is one of the greatest economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time. Expert scientific evidence confirms that human activity is altering the climate. This is changing rainfall patterns, reducing water availability in Australia and increasing the frequency of severe weather events such as bushfires and storms.
The Australian Government takes the challenge of climate change seriously. Its approach is to:
- reduce greenhouse pollution in Australia in the short and long term;
- work with the international community to develop a global response that is effective and fair; and
- prepare for the climate change that we cannot avoid.
Click here to learn more about the Australian Government's Department of Climate Change.
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The Office of Climate Change was created in October 2007 within the Queensland Government portfolio of Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation. Since then, it has integrated and strengthened Queensland's ability to lead an effective climate change response. The Office comprises specific climate change policy functions and the expertise of the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence (QCCCE). It leads the development of a whole-of-government policy framework to meet the climate change challenge and utilises the latest scientific information to provide a rigorous evidence base for new policy initiatives.
The Office of Climate Change's priorities include:
- Coordinating the implementation of ClimateSmart 2050, Queensland's climate change strategy;
- Coordinating the implementation of ClimateSmart Adaptation 2007–12, an action plan for preparing Queensland communities and industries for the impacts of climate change;
- Undertaking the review of the Queensland Government climate change strategy;
- Analysing Queensland's greenhouse gas emissions projections and developing policy recommendations for achieving further cuts to our emissions profile;
- Providing Secretariat support to the Premier's Council on Climate Change. The 16 person advisory Council will ensure Queensland's efforts in addressing climate change were informed by the best available local and national knowledge and experience;
- Administering the $430 million Queensland Climate Change Fund, which will provide approximately $30 million per year for climate change initiatives;
- Queensland's input into Professor Ross Garnaut's analysis of the likely impacts of climate change on Australia's economy, environment and resources, and his assessment of the costs and benefits of various possible policy interventions;
- Being represented on the Council of Australian Government (COAG) Working Group on Climate Change and Water, that has been established to progress climate change initiatives. The role of the working group is to ensure an effective response to climate change and the sustainable water use across Australia; and
- Managing a research project to determine whether cloud seeding is able to increase rainfall in south-east Queensland and its potential to increase water storage in Wivenhoe and Somerset dams.
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Queensland Government - Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the Queensland Government's lead agency for environmental and conservation management matters. The EPA deals with a wide range of environmental matters including protecting air, water and soil quality, managing waste, preventing or controlling pollution, managing the state’s coastline, and promoting sustainable industry. Environmental planning and research helps improve our environment and lessen the effects of people.
The Environmental Protection Agency's mission is to provide environmentally sustainable solutions for Queensland’s future through leadership in:
- Conserving Queensland’s landscapes;
- Enabling sustainable development;
- Improving business and industry’s environmental performance; and
- Building community knowledge and participation.
To deliver these priorities the EPA will focus on:
- Innovation and proactive problem solving;
- Working in partnerships with Government, business, industry and community groups;
- Providing excellent customer service, which is efficient, responsive, transparent and integrated; and
- Creating and using knowledge to build a strong evidence base for action.
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Further information will be provided during the Summer School program.