|
|
Monash Environment Institute's (MEI) latest green initiative provides a one-stop shop of resources and information about waste-wise practices for businesses.
Known as the Regional Business and the Environment (ReBATE) network, the initiative was recently launched as a cooperative effort between MEI and the South Eastern Regional Waste Management Group.
MEI strategy and innovation manager Mr Elya Tagar said ReBATE aimed to help local businesses with environmentally friendly practices.
"We provide information and hold exhibitions of recycled products and environmentally responsible technologies and services," he said.
"For instance, if a business wants to recycle its computers, the network will assist by putting it in touch with the right company."
He said ReBATE could also help set up 'green' partnerships between businesses.
"For example, one company in the area is producing chairs from recycled toner cartridges and another is dealing in environmentally responsible fabrics. The network could help them form a business arrangement so the chairs can be upholstered using these fabrics," he said.
Mr Tagar said MEI could also be involved in the market research and development of such products and give advice about available government services and assistance.
ReBATE now covers about 40 businesses, including Ritchies Supermarkets, The Body Shop, RACV and Phillips Lighting.
Several local councils, EcoRecycle Victoria, the Sustainable Energy Authority and the Department of State and Regional Development are also involved in the network, which is an offshoot of a city-based network called BATE.
MEI director Professor Chris Cocklin said ReBATE was an example of Monash's leadership in environmental issues.
"MEI has a policy of actively engaging with business to promote green practices and environmental sustainability," he said.
The university is already actively involved in other green initiatives, such as the Greenhouse Challenge Program to reduce greenhouse gases, and has produced a 10-point plan for an environmentally conscious office as part of the Monash Environment Policy.
South Eastern Region Waste Management Group environmental education officer Mr Randall Brouillette said ReBATE offered local solutions for the environmental waste problem.
He said about 64,000 businesses in the south-eastern region generated about a million of the 1.6 million tons of waste that went into landfill each year. At least half of the waste included recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, wood and organic waste (such as food scraps).
Mr Elya Tagar and Factory Five owner Mr Andreas Theodorou with products made from recycled glass.
Looking at a good society
Speaking on 'What does a good society look like?', Reverend Costello (pictured) questioned the "wealth to happiness story", which he said was the hallmark of modern society. "We're working faster, harder and longer for more, and living in a more competitive and individualistic world, but is this the best we can have?" he asked. "Wealth is a poor predictor of happiness. A good society is one that recognises that some of the most valuable things in life have no measure," he said. "Community, connectedness and having time to do things other than work are very important." He said paying attention to civic and political duties and building a community where people were concerned for each other's welfare were essential ingredients for a healthy society. |
Vice-chancellor
Professor David Robinson spoke on 'The New World of Higher Education' at a breakfast
last week.
Professor Robinson said factors including the shift in public and private funding, new technologies, demands of students and future employers had all transformed the face of higher education.
He said the shift into the 21st century had seen the industrial economy give way to the creative economy, in which those nations and organisations who could harness the world of ideas would be the most successful.
He also spoke about internationalisation as a way of thinking and acting, unconstrained by nationality and involving input from people across national borders.
"Higher education's most rapidly growing areas are in networking, alliances and modern cooperation," he said.
"This is more than just an exchange of students or staff. It includes development of joint ventures, consortiums, expensive courseware and sharing of staff services and other infrastructure."
Professor Robinson outlined the various development plans for each of Monash's campuses, designed to substantially enhance the environment for teaching, learning and research.
He said key tasks for the coming year at Monash included improving support and performance in research, maintaining quality processes and preparing for the national quality audit that begins later this year.
Monash would implement the new strategic cost management system and the new information technology strategy and would also form a small international advisory group.
Also in the pipeline is the creation of Monash Commercial, the new body that would oversee some of the commercial developments of the university's research.
Council endorsed the proposed Council meeting schedule for 2002 as follows:
1/2002 - Monday 18 February: special meeting
2/2002 - Monday 18 March: normal meeting
3/2002 - Monday 6 May: normal meeting
4/2002 - Monday 24 June: normal meeting
5/2002 - Monday 12 August: special meeting
6/2002 - Monday 30 September: normal meeting
7/2002 - Monday 11 November: normal meeting
8/2002 - Monday 9 December: normal meeting
Council adopted the university's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2000.
Council received an update on campus developments in Australia and overseas - jointly presented by the deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (Resources) and the deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (Academic and Planning).
Council noted the completion of Round 3 Enterprise Bargaining at Monash University.
Council received and noted the report Future Directions Report: The Australian Pulp and Paper Institute presented by Australian Pulp and Paper Institute director Professor Robert Johnston.
Council received and noted the report Future Directions Report: Development of the Curriculum: Engagement with Stakeholders presented by Professor Alan Lindsay.
Agendas and minutes for meetings of Council can be accessed at www.adm.monash.edu.au/unisec/com/cn/index.html
Queries should be directed Mr Phillip Siggins on extn 52010 or email phillip.siggins@adm.monash.edu.au
The Faculty of Law is offering a new masters course that will allow graduates from other disciplines to acquire a law degree.
The Master of Laws (Legal Practice, Skills and Ethics) has enrolled 25 students now working in fields including law, management, human resources, tax consulting, engineering and teaching.
Students may complete the course in less than three years of full-time study. Those who are combining work with study can, with the support of their employers, undertake the course part-time over four years.
Upon completion of the degree, students will be eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria but must first practise as an employee solicitor for six months.
Law dean Professor Stephen Parker said the course was an important innovation in legal education.
It includes undergraduate and postgraduate law subjects and a practical legal training course.
Vale Mike CullenAnimal behaviour expert and Emeritus Professor Mike Cullen died in a car accident on 23 March. He arrived at Monash from Oxford University in 1976 with an international reputation for his research in animal behaviour, to take up a position as professor in the former Department of Zoology. Professor Cullen's early research at Monash involved schooling behaviour of fish and feeding ecology of honeyeaters. He later became heavily involved with research into the fairy penguins at Phillip Island and at St Kilda in Port Phillip Bay. Since his retirement in 1992, Professor Cullen, who was 73, continued to maintain his research interests and was regularly seen around the university. He is survived by his two children. An informal gathering to celebrate Professor Cullen's contribution to science will be held on Friday 27 April at 3 pm in the Function Room, Monash House (building 65). Anyone wishing to attend should RSVP for catering purposes by 23 April to Carol Logan on extn 55650. |
 |
Contact
|
Return to
|
| Copyright © Monash University - All rights reserved - Disclaimer |
Maintained by webmaster@adm
|
|
Lawyer,
Baptist minister and Monash graduate the Reverend Tim Costello attracted
more than 260 people to an Administrative Support Staff Network breakfast
held recently at the Clayton campus.