Rhodes University recognises its integral relationship with the socio‐economic and biophysical environment, and that embracing sustainability as a critical focus of its operations and decision‐making as well as in teaching, research and community engagement, will improve human well‐being and environmental health within the university and in the broader community. This policy embraces a social‐ecological interpretation of sustainability where practices and actions are viewed in terms of their benefit with regard to protecting and improving the well‐being of interacting social elements – including quality of life, cultural, economic and political concerns, and biophysical elements – including the natural and built environments. Rhodes University is committed to enhancing the environmental focus of its of teaching and research, reducing its ecological footprint in terms of infrastructural development and use of environmental goods and services, facilitating more sustainable energy, waste and water management and usage strategies, and actively engaging with its constituency in order to promote sustainability
Rhodes University senate first approved the RU Environmental Policy (v2015) thus committing the university to expanding its environmental programmes, research and community contributions, and to improving its environmental management practices.
The Rhodes University Environmental Committee (RUEC) reviews the policy as required by legislation, organizational changes and other considerations, or at least every five years. The committee will use the university procedures, protocols and templates and the revision process will involve consultation with key stakeholders in order to receive input and recommendations, reach consensus on key concerns, and achieve a strong unity of purpose.
Implementation is overseen by the RU Environmental Committee Policy Implementation Working Group. Policy implementation is also promoted and supported through the Environmental Awards and Green Fund Working Groups.
The Policy and its implementation is scrutinised on an ongoing basis. This is a participatory process which involves staff and students. Various departments and institutes at Rhodes University also take the initiative to conduct research on various environmental concerns.
The Policy directives are:
1. Sustainability Education and Research
2. Water Sustainability
3. Energy Sustainability
4. Sustainable Waste Management
5. Biodiversity
6. Sustainable Travel
7. Organisational Sustainability
8. Sustainable Procurement
Last Modified: Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:41:17 SAST