Photo credit: Eleanor Peters, Wodonga TAFE student
Taking small steps today, for a sustainable tomorrow.
Environmental Strategic Plan 2024-2029
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
To be a strong and vibrant institute, building success through learning.
To strengthen and serve our communities and industries through accessible and innovative teaching and learning.
OUR VALUES
Integrity + Respect
Community + Collaboration
Creativity + Innovation
We are accountable for our actions and maintain the highest level of ethical behaviour. We treat everyone with respect and understanding.
We are socially, environmentally and economically responsible. We value diversity and work with our communities to provide opportunity for all people.
We empower and challenge each other, our students and our partners to grow, contribute and make a difference now and into the future.
OUR STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
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Successful learners
Empowering our people
Partnering with industry
Inspiring futures
Strengthening communities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have nurtured the land for many thousands of years and have allowed the land to nurture them. They are intimately connected and intuitive with the health of the natural environment and recognise when imbalance is present. We will embrace the traditional knowledge of care and restoration of the terrestrial ecosystems and work with the First Nations people to understand, replenish and heal our land. The generous waterways, skies and lands of our region provide an abundance of energy that will be embraced in exchange for a better future. Wodonga TAFE acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to country. We pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging.
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Strategic links Wodonga TAFE’s Environmental Strategic Plan will propel sustainability initiatives throughout a significant portion of our business and decision-making processes. By establishing vital connections with various other plans and frameworks, we commit to applying a sustainability lens to every aspect of our organisation. Links to other strategies, plans and frameworks include: Wodonga TAFE Strategic Plan
People Strategy
L.E.A.D Program
Institute Masterplan
Belonging Framework
Innovation Framework
Digital Technology Innovation Strategy
Sustainable Procurement Plan
Education and Training Plan
Business Asset Plan
Foreword Wodonga TAFE’s Environmental Strategic Plan, spanning from 2024 to 2029, serves as our guiding framework furthering the transformation into an organisation of environmentally conscientious global citizens and graduates. By aligning with the priority areas outlined by the Victorian Government, we are prepared to lead in education and training for the expanding clean economy workforce while steadfastly committing to reducing our carbon footprint. This Environmental Strategic Plan functions as the cornerstone for all forthcoming activities and areas of focus, structured around three fundamental pillars: People, Environment, and Education. The strategy celebrates our achievements, and lays the foundation for more cohesive environmental planning and support for clean economy capabilities and initiatives. The governance of this strategic initiative rests in the hands of the Board, the Executive Steering Committee, and the Our Future Footprint group. With the commitment of our entire Wodonga TAFE community, we support the changes that must occur to secure a better future for our environment. Our commitment is dedicated to actively supporting and advancing this strategic vision.
Allison Jenvey Wodonga TAFE Board Chair
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Phil Paterson Wodonga TAFE Chief Executive Officer
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Governance and leadership The Wodonga TAFE Board holds the responsibility of supporting the strategic direction outlined in our Environmental Strategic Plan and has formally endorsed our existing document. Concurrently, the Wodonga TAFE Executive Team will provide the leadership of managers and staff to help facilitate the transformation of the objectives outlined in this document into actionable initiatives. This plan has been designed to incorporate a multi-faceted approach, encompassing elements from People, Environment, and Innovation in an educational setting. It is the holistic planning that will allow for cross-system connections to be embedded across all aspects of our organisation. A collective commitment will be required by all Wodonga TAFE staff to demonstrate investment in the Environmental Strategic Plan. It is with the dedication of all staff that we will see the necessary action required for the desired outcomes.
Our Future Footprint (OFF) group Established in 2019 by current CEO Phil Paterson, our sustainability team, the OFF group, has been instrumental in drawing the spotlight on a range of environmental concerns and opportunities across our organisation. This group will continue to hold the responsibility of raising concerns from across the organisation and engaging in transparent dialogue to formulate the recommendations required for progress. The continued discussions amongst the OFF group will help to inform our Environmental Strategic Plan moving forward and will allow our sustainability team to champion communal change across our organisation.
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Photo credit: Eleanor Peters, Wodonga TAFE student
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Guiding principles The objectives that we have set in our Environmental Strategic Plan align with many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as established by the United Nations (UN) in 2015. These are a set of 17 interconnected goals which are referenced throughout this document. These guiding priciples will inform the actions required to meet the targets for future sustainable development at Wodonga TAFE. The UN’s SDGs aim to address global challenges and create a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. The SDGs cover a wide range of social, economic and environmental issues, including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and more. They provide a comprehensive framework for our organisation and individuals to work together and take collective action towards creating a better future for people and planet. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals include:
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Our environment Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Wodonga TAFE places great importance on the health and wellbeing of our staff. Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to have numerous health benefits. A recent report provided by the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria1 confirms that regular visits to green spaces can significantly reduce stress, anger, and anxiety levels. The result of being surrounded by nature can have a soothing and calming effect on our minds, helping to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The quality of green spaces plays a crucial role in determining the health outcomes they provide. Wodonga TAFE’s McKoy Street Campus’ quality of greenspaces is cause for celebration as the campus boasts pristine gardens and expertly cultivated landscapes. The presence of a diverse range of flora and fauna contributes to the overall richness of the biodiversity on the campus. The thoughtful landscaping provides a combination of lush vegetation, and the tranquillity of Felltimber Creek attracts many wildlife species to be enjoyed. As a result, students and staff can experience a calmer and more focused state of mind, which can positively impact their well-being, academic or professional performance, and overall quality of life helping them to feel connected to the natural world. Our strategic intent will show our commitment to making environmentally responsible decisions that protect our natural surroundings. Where possible, our decision-making involving other Wodonga TAFE locations will consider the investments that can be made to ensure greenspaces and their benefits are accessible for all staff and students. 1
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Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Nature for Health and Wellbeing: A review of the evidence 2021
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Developing our strategy Communication and engagement Development of our strategy started with the valuable input from our staff and students. Via an online survey, opportunity was provided to highlight sustainability issues that were important to them. Further engagement with a broader range of stakeholders from industry, VET, peak bodies and interest groups helped us to understand the focus areas that we needed to prioritise in order to achieve meaningful outcomes in our educative environment. Ongoing efforts will be made to engage the wider TAFE community, and a targeted Communication and Engagement Plan will be tailored to ensure that awareness is raised and a consistent effort is applied by all.
Environmental Strategic Priorities The considered approach of our Environmental Strategic Plan will help us to lay the foundations for success in our own unique setting. Utilising the findings of our engagements with staff, students, industry, peak bodies and the wider TAFE community, our executive leadership were the steering committee throughout the structural development of our priority areas, and the final strategy was endorsed by the Wodonga TAFE Board.
Operational plan Development and updates of Wodonga TAFE policies and procedures, and future strategies and plans must include the spirit of the Environmental Strategic Plan. Application of an environmental lens must be placed over all our business interactions to ensure that we are making progress in the right direction. Regular monitoring and reporting of our operations through a sophisticated data management system will help determine if goals are being achieved. We are committed to annually reviewing our operational plan and evaluating our progress to ensure we continue to make a difference.
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Photo credit: Eleanor Peters, Wodonga TAFE student
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Our journey so far The commitment we have made in developing our first Environmental Strategic Plan, for the whole of the organisation, demonstrates the importance that Wodonga TAFE attributes to the climate concerns we are faced with at a global, national and local level.
Our TAFE Wodonga TAFE employs people across a large variety of professions and sectors. Statistics current as of 12 January 2022 660 total employees Average age: 47 years Average tenure: 5 years McKoy Street, Wodonga
430
Townsville
10
Latchford Barracks, Wodonga
80
Shepparton
7
Puckapunyal
44
Simpson Barracks, Watsonia
5
North Bandiana, Wodonga
35
Robertson Barracks, Darwin
5
Logic Campus, Barnawartha
27
Amberley (Ipswich)
4
Off-campus
13
Total
660
Our geographical footprint DARWIN CAIRNS TOWNSVILLE
BARNAWARTHA (LOGIC)
AMBERLEY
PERTH ADELAIDE SHEPPARTON
SYDNEY WODONGA WATSONIA
PUCKAPUNYAL
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MORNINGTON PENINSULA
SHEPPARTON
WODONGA
Initiatives and works that have been implemented includes, but is not limited to, the following: Installation of LED lighting upgrades across campus
Addition of the 3 bin system to improve waste management
Installation of greywater tanks
No-smoking zone
Installation of rainwater tanks
Cafeteria improvements – bamboo cutlery, paper straws, organic waste bins
Improvements in digital transformation Installation of solar panels and solar lighting upgrades
Greenspace development Biodiversity enhancements
Introduction of Hybrid Vehicles *Metrics presented throughout this strategy are based on data available at the time of publishing. It is noted that impacting factors such as COVID-19, changing seasonal weather patterns and the growth of the organisation have potentially altered our baseline data. Moving forward, Wodonga TAFE will develop a comprehensive environmental management system to help us better manage our resources.
Collared Sparrowhawk - photo credit: Kylie Waldon, Wodonga TAFE staff
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Resource management Ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
Energy In 2019 Wodonga TAFE took a substantial stride towards our commitment on reducing carbon emissions, installing 600 kilowatts of rooftop solar panels (1584 panels in total). Currently positioned across the McKoy Street, TAFESpace and Logic campuses, solar power will continue to be a major consideration for every building, both new and existing, across all locations. Further to this, battery storage will be pursued, allowing for surplus energy to be stored and used at a later date. This is our commitment to align with the Victorian Government to support renewable energy targets of 50% by 2030.
Target 2030 -10%
Baseline 2018 2135 t Carbon management
36.39% reduction
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Progress 2022 1407 t
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Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.
Water Responsible resource management is an area that Wodonga TAFE has worked hard to improve. Via the installation of rainwater tanks and the implementation of a grey water system, we have created efficient practices that have had a positive impact on both the environment and our community. By capturing rainwater and utilising grey water, we are effectively reducing the demand on the main water supply, which can help conserve precious freshwater resources and reduce the strain on local water infrastructure. Future plans to increase the capacity of our grey water tank catchment will further increase our commitment to sustainable management of this precious resource.
Target 2030 -10%
Baseline 2018 35,971 kl Water management
53.06% reduction
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Progress 2022 16,882 kl
Photo credit: Eleanor Peters, Wodonga TAFE student
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Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Waste Our OFF group is shining the light on responsible management of waste. A sub-group has been tasked with the development of effective and efficient systems to minimise waste and optimise recycling. Recent results from a HalveWaste audit showed contamination in our bins was high (>50%). Through the implementation of consistent internal and external resource management stations, better signage, and education, Wodonga TAFE will aim for a 60% waste reduction by 2030. This is a priority area for Wodonga TAFE.
Towards zero waste
Circular economy
Waste management
People-centred approach
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Recycling optimisation
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Cultural immersion Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
At Wodonga TAFE, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culturally safe environment that exemplifies inclusive respect for all individuals. We recognise the profound influence of nature in fostering connections between people and culture. Our Cultural Immersion campus tours give staff and students a chance to gain a greater understanding of some of the natural resources our First Nations people have relied upon for thousands of years. Pictured, Facilities team member Leigh Miller sharing knowledge on country to the group about the Melaleuca tree that was used by our First Nations people for shelter and for medicinal purposes.
“A cultural immersion walk invites everyone to connect to culture. The abundance of what we have on location is surprising and provides opportunity for all to learn and grow our knowledge.” Summer Matthews | Koorie Liaison Officer
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Celebrating our circular economy Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
A circular economy promotes the regeneration of existing materials to be repurposed or reused and therefore reduces environmental waste and pollution. Projects and experiences - like the below case study - demonstrate the potential of circular economy principles to make a positive impact on the local community and the environment at large. They showcase to our students how small actions can lead to significant changes when it comes to tackling waste and promoting more responsible consumption patterns.
In 2023 at Wodonga TAFE our Work Education students were able to explore the circular economy concept through the set-up of their own Op-Shop. By collecting and retailing preloved items, the students were able to give these materials a new life, turning them into treasures for someone else. This approach not only helped to raise funds for a worthy cause, ‘Food Without Barriers’, it also served as an important educational experience for our students. They learned valuable skills related to sustainability, resourcefulness, and the importance of reducing waste.
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Photo credit: Eleanor Peters, Wodonga TAFE student
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Our new strategy Vision Through education, engagement, and empowerment, we will build a sustainable tomorrow.
Purpose Our long-term commitment will see Wodonga TAFE considering its “global footprint” and investing in making positive changes towards a more sustainable future. Wodonga TAFE’s Environmental Strategic Plan 2024 – 2029 is a roadmap that will help us create a workplace where Our Future Footprint is considered and all our actions are layered with a sustainability lens. Our approach will involve a progressive, multi-faceted course of action that will align with institute values and strategic directions. We will embrace the Sustainable Development Goals as a guiding framework, while fostering innovative practices in an educative environment. Through continuous reflection and learning, we strive to enhance our impact and inspire our staff and students to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for all.
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Our pillars
People
Empower
Action Environmental Strategy
Education
Environment Knowledge
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PILLARS
People Our strategic intent will involve our people who we will empower and support to grow an environmentally sustainable workplace through embracing future thinking, problem solving and innovative practice.
Environment Our strategic intent will show our commitment to making environmentally responsible decisions that protect our natural environment, while upholding the management of current and future projects, and facilities operations.
Education Our strategic intent will encourage innovative educators who can reflect and evolve sustainable practices into all of our VET programs and that we are positioned for the skill provisions required for the future workforce.
Our strategic ambition 1. We will educate and empower our staff to promote a culture of environmental sensitivity that will demonstrate positive and responsible practices in all our work tasks. 2. We will resource a Wodonga TAFE sustainability team with a supportive and systematic approach that allows them to drive and champion change. 3. We will focus on the sustainable use of our resources and pledge a commitment to making environmentally responsible decisions that protect our natural environment, while maintaining facilities and operations. 4. We will support our educators to evolve current training practices and provide guidance and recommendations on where environmentally sustainable solutions can be adopted into their curriculum, teaching methodologies, and practical activities. 5. We will plan and prepare for the training requirements that will equip our students with the necessary skills to serve our future workforce.
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Strategy in action People We will educate and empower our staff to promote a culture of environmental sensitivity that will demonstrate positive and responsible practices.
Key drivers
Actions
Sustainable literacy
Training and awareness to help new and existing staff foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
Department action plans
Departments to include an environmental goal into annual plans.
First Nations People
Provide opportunity for staff to explore First Nations education on land care, restoration, and regeneration.
Reward and Recognition
Incorporate an award category into our Reward and Recognition program to celebrate achievements of good practice in sustainability.
We will resource our sustainability team with a systematic and supportive approach to drive and champion change.
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Key drivers
Actions
Support our OFF Group
A selection of annual events to be chosen by the group to promote and support bringing environmental awareness to the wider TAFE community.
Community of Practice
Provide access to an innovative ideation platform to encourage staff to escalate and share ideas.
PILLARS
Environment We will focus on the sustainable use of resources and make a commitment to making environmentally responsible decisions that protect our natural environment, while maintaining facilities and operation management.
Key drivers
Actions
Environmental Management System (EMS)
We will monitor all aspects of our built environment through a comprehensive EMS and work towards significantly lowering our carbon emissions.
Built environment
Refurbishment of our existing builds to incorporate environmentally sustainable design where possible, and all new builds will meet environmental compliance measures while minimising negative environmental impacts.
Waste management
We will develop a robust waste management strategy that helps lead to outcomes of zero waste, recycling optimisation and circular economy opportunities.
Social procurement framework
We will commit to integrating environmentally sustainable procurement objectives when acquiring goods and services.
Zero emissions vehicles
Installation of EV charging stations for staff and students, updates to our own fleet and training vehicles to include zero and low emission options.
Carbon offsetting for air travel
We will take voluntary action to purchase offsets that will help create balance between emissions produced and emissions removed.
Sustainable transport options
We will action transport recommendations to make public transport more effective. We will enhance riding facilities to promote a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport.
Biodiversity
We will continue to make enhancements that protect and improve our local ecosystem, plants and animal habitats.
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PILLARS
Education We will support our educators to evaluate current training practices and provide guidance and recommendations on where environmentally sustainable solutions can be adopted into their curriculum, teaching methodologies, and practical activities.
Key drivers
Actions
Sustainable education practices
Evaluate our current programs and adapt to embrace environmentally sustainable best practice in all aspects of our training.
Training resouces
A strong environmental focus will be used when aquiring new assets for training. We will make efficient and responsible consumption choices for all materials and equipment used in training.
Digital technology
Enhance the teaching and learning experience through development of digital resources.
We will plan and prepare for the training requirements that will equip our students with the necessary skills to serve our future workforce.
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Key drivers
Actions
Future skills
Continue parterships with industry and respond to demand in the local workforce.
Sustainability in VET
Course development to align with future skills required to support a Clean Economy including renewable energy, future fuels, circular design principles, and climate resillience.
Photo credit: Eleanor Peters, Wodonga TAFE student
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Sustainability training in practice Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
The future of our Horticulture Education and Training department is exciting. Many existing projects and conceptual plans have a focus on environmental sustainability. The teaching staff are invested in expanding these opportunities to ensure that students maximise their potential to emerge into their careers as responsible global citizens. Applied learning techniques support using the TAFE campus environment for a practical hands-on approach. Future plans will involve curriculum that incorporates many benefits to the biodiversity of our campus including:
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Reduction in land degradation
•
Irrigation mapping to monitor use of potable and non-potable water
•
Community/edible gardens, composting, mulching
•
Installation of lizard friendly gardens, bird boxes and insect hotels
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Strengthen the means of implementation of sustainable development
Future planning
Launch of Wodonga TAFE Environmental Strategic Plan
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Review and update of current Sustainability Policy
Operational Plans to be designed by each department
Building success through learning.
Sustainable literacy
1300 698 233 info@wodongatafe.edu.au www.wodongatafe.edu.au
Environmental data management system
Resource management plan
First published September 2023