History of Lincoln University Environmental Task Force (LUETF)

Recycling on Campus

Support and input to LincWorks development of a recycling depot and recycling collection system on campus

Progress Report from LincWorks as of Jan 2002

Since the start of the University’s recycling programme in May/June last year, we have recycled:

• Kerbside recycling 11 tonnes of material collected in 2001 (over six months)
• Paper recycling 31 tonnes of paper from academic and corporate groups via the yellow wheelie bins
• Reduced land fill volume In 1999 and 2000 the University produced 240 tonnes of waste to landfill. In 2001 the volume was 200 tonnes – a 17% reduction from only six months of recycling. $4,000 of disposal costs were saved, some of which recouped "start up" and operational costs but overall resulted in a saving. Lincworks has set a target of 100 tonnes to landfill in 2002.

• 24-Hour Recycling Tank The multi-bin for 24-hour drop-off has been very successful with many of the full bins having to be replaced during the week.

• Other developments Negotiations are in progress to come up with an acceptable solution for the combined recovery of waste oil, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and information is being gathered on the volumes of organic grounds waste for assessment of composting options.

A huge thank you and congratulations to LincWorks for all their work and ongoing development of recycling on campus.

Environmental Reporting

The Task Force has been empowered by the University Executive Management Team (EMT) to manage the annual target setting and annual reporting. This means that the environmental management reporting becomes part of the University annual reporting cycle. EMT has also agreed that for 2002 there will be one generic topic and one additional topic to be chosen by each sector of the University. The generic topic is paper management.

All managers have therefore been asked to identify a quantifiable target for paper management. In addition all managers are required to identify a target for their chosen topic.

Interim reports are required mid year from all managers and a final report is required at the end of the year.

CO₂ Emissions

Commissioned a report into the status of CO₂ emissions

Petra Konijn, a student in the Environmental Management and Design Division, calculated Lincoln University’s annual greenhouse gas emissions and the area of native forest that would be required to be planted to balance these emissions. Her report "Lincoln University Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Compensation by Native Vegetation Planting’ Occasional Paper Number 1 of the Lincoln University Environmental Task Force is available in the library.

Reducing Paper Use

Drafted a Paper Use Reduction Strategy

A draft strategy has been prepared by the Task Force and will be recommended to EMT.

Triple Bottom Line Reporting

A presentation on Triple Bottom Line Reorting was given by Richard Gordon (Landcare) to University Council at the February Meeting. A similar presentation is now being organised for staff and postgraduate students.

The Environmental Task Force will now explore how it can assist and guide the University in seeking to adopt Triple Bottom Line Reporting.

We are again working on a statement of the University’s Environmental performance to include in the Lincoln University Annual Report 2001.

Other issues

We are currently scoping the current status and potential actions in the following topics: Farm issues, Energy, Education and Research, Greenhouse gas emissions, Greenwaste disposal, Waste water, Ecology/biodiversity.

Electricity Use

Electricity use in 2001 was 6% greater than in 2000 despite

• Less students enrolled
• Less students in the halls of residence; and
• A nation-wide energy conservation drive over a three month period.