The Concept of Sustainability
The essay is a case study of an Australian-based sustainability initiative. The chosen topic for the case study is Macquarie University and the initiatives taken by the university faculty for a sustainable development. The content of the essay discusses the decision-making process involved in the design and implementation of the initiative analyses the relationships between different stakeholders concerned with executing the action of the initiative. The purpose of this assignment is to provide an opportunity to the student to carry out independent research and review the environmental management case study. For analyzing the success, or the potential success of the mentioned sustainability initiative taken up by the university, the paper make use of the concepts of environmental management and a suitable understanding of the theory of sustainability. Finally, the paper concludes with three key recommendations for improving the sustainability initiative for addressing the critiques that have been offered in the paper.
Sustainability as concept is as simple as it can be; it merely requires a sympathetic understanding of the self, of others and especially the planet. It can be approached by understanding the interconnectivity of environment, society and economy and how the regular actions of human beings directly and indirectly affect the balance between the three, both in the present and for the future (Kates 2018). The aim of sustainable development is to improve and protect the environment simultaneously, for securing a brighter future. For achieving this purpose, the initiatives taken by Macquarie University aligns the expansive understanding of the principles of sustainability with Sustainable Development Goals. This has to be developed by an extensive consultative process, preferably assisted by the United Nations an involving the government, industry, business, academia and civil society. The following goals represent the future the University is aiming to secure in terms of sustainability: affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, responsible production and consumption, climate action, no poverty and zero hunger, sanitation and access to clean water, quality education, health and well-being, maintenance of peace and economic growth.
The facilities concerned with the program is determined to safeguard the planet from degrading, through sustainable strategies of production and consumption and the sustainable managing of natural resources. First and foremost, this calls for an urgent action for controlling the drastic climatic changes, for supporting the basic needs of the current and the future generation. The University believes that partnerships create immense mutual benefit and power, and attempts to look for identifying and mobilizing these partnerships, as they are crucial elements in attaining the sustainability goals. The initiatives intend to foster a just, peaceful and inclusive society, which is free from the perils of fear and violence. The proponents of the initiative realizes that sustainable development and peace are inextricably related to each other. The program further aims to ensure that all beings on the planet rightfully enjoy fulfilling and prosperous lives and the social, technological and economic progress is in accordance and harmony with nature. The indispensability of eradicating hunger and poverty is another crucial priority of the program since sustainable development means every human being in a society must be able to fulfil their potential in equality and dignity within a healthy environment (Doh and Tashman 2014).
The Macquarie University has established five basic principles of sustainable development:
Planet: Sustainable development starts with the planet and ends with it. Any developmental program must first consider the well-being of the planet and work towards conserving and protecting it against degradation for further developments in economy and society. The decision making process of the initiative at the University prioritizes the conservation of the environment and considers it as the pillar of sustainable development.
The Principle of Sustainable Development in Macquarie University
People: The initiative is for the welfare of the common people and the interest and well-being of all human beings is a matter of primary concern for sustainable development (Ehnert et al 2013). Access to water, food, shelter and clothes are fundamental rights of all human beings, and all initiatives aimed at sustainable development should ensure that everyone in the society has access to the basic needs and are able to utilize their full potential.
Prosperity: The extent of the progress of sustainable development is judged in terms of prosperity. In other words, a prosperous society is a sustainable society. The activities of the initiative is aimed at striking a balance and harmony between people and the environment they live in. Sustainable development requires the economy, society and environment prosper in harmony with each other.
Peace: There will not be any progress towards the attainment of goals unless there is peace. Peace is also the ultimate desirable goal of the initiatives taken for sustainable development. All activities carried out in the interest of human beings and the environment should be done in peace and with full compliance from the communities involved in and affected by the activities. Leads of the initiative ensure that all the undertaken actions are performed peacefully with healthy participation of activists and partners.
Partnerships: For the promotion and success of an initiative, alignment with resourceful organizations and assistance of eminent personalities is crucial. Macquarie University has established alignments with eminent personalities, sponsors and activists groups and it has helped the University to grow more awareness among the common mass regarding the initiative.
The main objective of the sustainable initiative is to bring people together for achieving something impactful, innovative and substantial. The sustainable team of Macquarie University is aiming to build a brighter future with the help of the following design and decision making processes associated with it:
Leadership and governance- The council of Macquarie University take full responsibility for the management of the University affairs. The council is also entitled to making rules and by-laws relating to the University management. Executives of the initiative carry out the leadership roles. For creating a sustainable culture, effective governance is indispensable. The sustainable strategy of the governance, puts forth a systematic approach to the University’s commitment to abiding by the principles of sustainability with all the actions involved in the initiative. Several procedures and policies are being developed for including sustainability principles like water and resource management procedure, fair trade and purchasing policy.
Design and Decision Making Processes of Macquarie University’s Initiative
The commitment of the sustainable initiative include engaging students in impactful research for addressing global challenges. It also ensures that students are goading themselves for contributing as active citizens for the creation of an environmentally healthy and equitable society.
The framework of sustainable financing is developed for demonstrating the University’s SFT in matters concerning expenditures and projects, refinances that has positive social and environmental outcomes, supporting the vision and strategy of the initiative (Panayotou 2013). The Green Loan Principles aligned with the current body of framework, along with social and green bond principles for achieving the sustainable goals. Some of the steps taken towards sustainable financing include:
Green building: The initiative aims to proliferate the construction or renovation of buildings, strictly following the design principles of ecological sustainability. The alignment with the Green Building Council of India is established with the objective of upgrading existing buildings and reducing the intensity of carbon emissions (Strezov and Evans 2014).
Energy efficiency and alternative energy: Installing facilities with alternative energy like solar heat, wind energy, energy storage, hydrogen systems, industrial automation are valuable sources of alternative energy. For efficiency improvement, the leaders of the initiative are taking special care of control systems, management systems and energy distribution.
Pollution prevention and control- Some of the notable actions under this category are recycling demolition and construction materials, installing appropriate technology of air filtering for reducing air emissions. Proper disposal and treatment of lethal waste and remediation of land and soil are integral to management and control of pollution.
Sustainable water and wastewater management- A sustainable infrastructure is being developed for enabling people to avail clean and drinking water. The treatment facilities developed for the management of water and wastewater is a crucial step towards sustainability. The initiative if further undertaking projects on water conservation and the flood mitigation along with urban drainage systems are potential aspects of sustainability.
Management of land use and natural resources for environmental sustainability- Restoring and preserving natural landscapes, including the conservation of biodiversity are taken care of by wetland projects like Bushcare programs and Mars Creek. The upgrades of infrastructure and facilities make contributions to the conservation of seas and oceans. The new facilities are working towards the preservation and sustainable use of biomes, reducing and reversal land degradation with the help of biological science research.
Access to fundamental services- The initiative aims to build new buildings and upgrade facilities that provide medical service. It also raises funds for aiding access to services and facilities that are gender and disability sensitive and provide safe, effective and inclusive environments for everyone. Enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological possibilities will ensure universal access to fundamental needs and encourage research, development and innovation.
Socio-economic empowerment and advancement- This includes expenditures concerning facilities and programs that offer students the opportunity to acquire relevant knowledge and skills for employment. It also includes expenses to facilities providing opportunities to learners for learning the necessary skills required for the promotion of sustainability. Financing scholarship programs that address issues of equality, concerning people with disability, disadvantaged and indigenous students.
The concept of M power is associated with the creation of a positive movement. The strategy is designed to engage and empower the campus community for making a difference with the help of target sustainability themes. Effective yet simple functions encouraged in a meaningful way for reaching a collective and measurable impact. The MQ ethical fashion is an innovative and effective way of attaining sustainable development goals. The concept propagates the practice of choosing ethical brands of clothing. Choosing fashion brands that doesn’t use micro-plastic and engage in overconsumption is an effective step towa
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