Rhodes University Environmental Policy
relating to environmental sustainability
Rhodes University senate first approved its environmental policy in 1998, thus committing the University to expanding its environmental programmes, research and community contributions, and to improving its environmental management practices. The Environmental Committee revised the policy in October 2006 to ensure that the University remains responsive to new challenges and contextual changes. The Committee's Working Groups "facilitate, where possible, the implementation of the University’s Environmental Policy" - this is linked to the newly established Rhodes University Environmental Awards and the Green Fund.
View the Rhodes University Environmental Policy
Environmental policy implementation
- Teaching and Learning
- Research
- Audits
- Responsible purchasing
- Waste reduction
- Safe hazardous waste management
- Energy efficiency
- Indigenous plants
- Wise water use
Rhodes University aims to develop an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). Some facilities and resources on campus promote sustainable environmental practices, but there is a need for ongoing critical assessment and improvement.
University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF)
Rhodes University joined the association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF) on 16 October 1996, thus becoming part of a diverse group of more than 200 institutions in 43 countries that are committed to practicing and promoting environmental literacy. More info: http://www.ulsf.org/
Talloires Declaration
The stated aims of the University Leaders for a Sustainable Future are detailed in the Talloires Declaration. Rhodes University became one of the five South African universities to join the Talloires Declaration Institutional Signatory List.
More info: http://www.ulsf.org/programs_talloires.html or join the Talloires Network.
Environmental Management for Sustainable Universities (EMSU)
Environmental Management for Sustainable Universities (EMSU) developed out of the University Leaders for a Sustainable Future. Rhodes University was represented at the first EMSU conference held in Lund, Sweden, in 1999, and hosted the second EMSU conference in 2002 – which was attended by representatives from 42 countries. In 2008, a series of tele-conferences contributed to the fifth EMSU conference in Barcelona. This provided a meaningful way to reduce the carbon footprint associated with international travel, while enabling participation in the deliberation process contributing to global changes for sustainability. More info: www.emsu.org
Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za
