Environmental Policy Committee - Terms of Reference

The Committee's terms of reference are:

1. To ensure that a uniform approach, based on best practice and continuous improvement, is adopted by the University and all its operations, both within Australia and overseas, in all matters of environment management and sustainability.
2. To promote the principles of ecologically sustainable development - the wise integration of progress with the conservation of finite natural resources - within the university's structures and procedures.
3. To review existing Environmental Policies every two years to determine whether they meet the prevailing needs of the University and are sensitive to environmental issues, and to identify and formulate any new policies which may be required.
4. To review University compliance with environmental legislation, standards, codes of practice, and policies and to ensure compliance with voluntary agreements - Waste Wise Program and Greenhouse Challenge - that the University is a signatory to.
5. To review the environmental performance of Faculties, Departments, Centres, Units, Branches, and Monash controlled companies to ensure that all areas consistently achieve a high standard.
6. To facilitate and monitor the collection of environmental data throughout the university - levels of resource consumption, energy and water use, and waste production etc.
7. To promote environmental awareness and appropriate behavioral and cultural change of staff and students throughout the university.
8. To engage with affiliated organizations to ensure a high standard of environmental advice, support and service is provided to all Monash staff and students.
9. To facilitate co-operation between the University and its employees and students in instigating, developing, and carrying out measures designed to ensure the implementation of sustainable environmental practices at Monash.
10. To co-ordinate the development and implementation of a Strategic Plan in order to ensure a proactive approach to environment management across the University and all its operations, that is consistent and aligned with the broader strategic planning for the University.
11. To provide advice to Occupational Health and Safety on priorities and to review and provide recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor on environmental budgets.