(1) The pursuit of sustainability is directly related to the ACU Mission, Identity and Values as a Catholic University. It draws this pursuit from the Catholic Church’s long history of social justice teaching on the need to address our impact on our natural environment, on the writings of St. John Paul II (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis), Pope Benedict XVI (The Environment and Ten Commandments for the Environment) and most recently in Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato Si (Our Common Home), which identifies how “inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society and interior peace (Laudato Si; No.10). (2) Sustainable practice is also a sound management strategy that has impact by reducing the cost of the University’s energy and water consumption and the expense of its waste management systems. Its application to the University’s infrastructure can help to promote the health and wellbeing of staff and students through the delivery of better grounds and buildings. (3) Moreover, as one of the world’s leading Catholic universities, ACU has the ability to influence the global Catholic community to find solutions to environmental and social challenges. ACU is positioned to lead by example locally and globally through its own commitment to sustainable practice founded on Catholic principles. (4) Consequently, ACU strives to be a leader in sustainable work practices, educational opportunities and research and a role model for responsible environmental corporate citizenship within Australia and abroad. In line with the ACU Mission, Identity and Values, the University also recognizes its responsible stewardship to conserve our natural environment while working to foster a focus on the connection between environmental stewardship, the Common Good and the Gospel. (5) Australian Catholic University animates the ACU Mission, Identity and Values through teaching, research and service, which occur within the framework of its commitment to promote the common good and uphold the dignity of all human life, with particular concern for the poor and vulnerable, who are most affected and least heard. (6) This responsibility to care for creation is an integral part of the ACU Mission, Identity and Values, and applies to the challenges of social justice, sustainable development and the protection of the ecological systems that enable human life. ACU recognises its duty to minimise its ecological impacts as a vital way to uphold the dignity of human life. (7) The following principles are intended to guide ACU’s practice of sustainability: (8) The following principles are intended to guide ACU’s practice of sustainability: (9) ACU identifies the following objectives of its sustainability program: (10) This Policy sets out the principles and responsibilities associated with the practice of sustainability to the plans, policies and procedures at the University. (11) The Vice-Chancellor and President is the Approval Authority for this Policy. (12) The Chief Operating Officer is the Governing Authority for this Policy. (13) The Director, Properties and Facilities is the Responsible Officer for this Policy (14) leaders have specific responsibilities for the implementation of sustainability: (15) This policy will be formally reviewed every three years. (16) The University may make changes to this Policy from time to time. In this regard, any staff member or student who wishes to make any comments about this policy may forward their suggestions to the Director, Properties and Facilities. (17) Unless otherwise indicated, this policy will still apply beyond the review date.Sustainability Policy
Section 1 - Background Information
Section 2 - Policy Statement
Sustainability Principles
Sustainability Objectives
Top of PageSection 3 - Policy Purpose
Section 4 - Roles and responsibilities
Approval Authority
Governing Authority
Responsible Officer
Section 5 - Sustainability Implementation
Top of Page
Section 6 - Policy Review
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