Media Release
29 January 2009          	        


TAFE NSW New England Institute takes a stand on Sustainability.

TAFE NSW New England Institute has joined the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Sustainability Advantage Program. The program is designed to increase the Institute’s focus to effectively manage environmental issues .

In early January, the Institute Executive participated in a diagnostic workshop facilitated by DECC staff. The workshop analysed the current environmental ‘status’ of the Institute.  

While the Institute was awarded a two star rating, consistent with other organisations entering the program, the workshop highlighted the many positive achievements of the Institute and set a platform for planning future directions and initiatives.

TAFE NSW - New England Institute now joins a cluster of participants to share sustainability initiatives and successes.  This networking will create opportunities for benchmarking and cooperative partnerships in innovative environmental solutions.

Ms Pamela Morgan Relieving Institute Director said of the diagnostic session, “I am excited by both the opportunities this may give our Institute and the enthusiastic response from the Assistant Directors to the challenge this will provide. Our next step is to plan the series of training modules provided by DECC that will engage a large number of staff, our community and our students.”

“Staff who will be involved in the program are assisting the Institute in achieving one of the Institute’s stated priorities - “To achieve sustainability through the use of sound business principles.”

“By undertaking this initiative, TAFE NSW New England Institute will increase business productivity and contribute strongly to regional prosperity,” Ms Morgan said

Seven training modules will be implemented over a period of eighteen months to up-skill Institute staff to enable them to contribute to environmental sustainability. These modules include the topics of Resource efficiency, Supply Chain Management, Environment Risk and Responsibility and Climate Change.

Identified “Staff Champions” will attend module workshops to develop their knowledge and expertise. These “Champions” will take on the role of further developing initiatives to promote environmental change in TAFE NSW New England Institute.

Two Institute groups, the Environmental Reference Group and the Learning for Sustainability Working Group, will fulfil important roles in ensuring environmental sustainability is maximised in program delivery and facility management.

END
Contact: Colin Mew
   Environment Officer
   TAFE NSW - New England Institute
Phone:	    0267928806