Greening Up Our Act
Climate change is here and we must do all we can to reduce our environmental impacts, particularly the production of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. In this bulletin we will present monthly tips of ways you can reduce your environmental impact both at work and at home in a regular feature.
Let’s start with the basics and define what we are dealing with. Climate change is the response to both natural and (primarily) human activities that produce greenhouse gases (GHG). When carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere it becomes the dominant gas in a range of gases that have been collectively termed greenhouse gases, due to their warming effect on the earth. The problem with carbon dioxide, as opposed to other GHGs, is that once it enters the atmosphere it takes thousands of years to break down. In fact, more than half of the carbon ever released into the atmosphere is still aloft.
Therefore, we must reduce the use of energy from non-renewable sources, the production of which delivers carbon into the atmosphere. We can start in the office by ensuring that computers and lights are switched off when not in use. A checklist of which equipment needs to be turned off at the end of the day can be made for the last person in the office and sticker prompts can be strategically placed to encourage behavioural change.
Monash’s structure includes a HOD appointed Environmental Officer for each department and Green Office Representatives for each work area. These positions are extremely important for the environmental savings your workplace. Please let your supervisor know if you are interested in either position and you can be included in the next round of training in August.
For more information on these roles and responsibilities visit
http://monash.edu/green/you/officers/ or email bridget.james@buseco.monash.edu.au
