Multiple milestones for UQ Green Office

The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Green Office Program celebrated the recruitment of its 100th staff representative and the sign-up of its 100th office at a celebratory lunch this week.

Established in 2006, the Green Office Program aims to increase recycling; reduce energy and water consumption and increase the purchase of environmentally preferred products in all UQ offices.

The program is run by the Sustainability Office in the Property and Facilities Division and involves a network of green office representatives promoting environmentally friendly practices in their office.

The program’s 100th recruit, Nalini Seethapathy, from the Faculty of Science, says she decided to join because she thought there were some areas where her office could be more sustainable.

“My office is very good with following sustainable practices, but I think we all need reminding now and again,” Ms Seethapathy said.

“We are looking at getting the Switch off Save Energy labels for our computer monitors to remind us to turn them off when we go out for lunch, or to a meeting and at the end of the day.”

The Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences is the 100th office area to join the program, which operates at all UQ campuses.

Environmental Coordinator Kay Ollett said recruiting 100 representatives and 100 office areas was a reflection of the program’s success.

“UQ staff are clearly enthusiastic about helping make their workplace environmentally friendly and looking at ways to save energy and increase recycling,” she said.

“We have had excellent results with participating offices recording a reduction in energy usage and an increase in recycling which in turn helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill from UQ.”

Three inaugural Green Office representatives who joined the pilot of the program in 2005 were also recognised today for their contribution. They were Nicole Connolly (Property and Facilities), Tony Lam and Alice Liang (Faculty of Business, Economics and Law).

Media: Kathy Grube of UQ Communications (07 3346 0561 or k.grube@uq.edu.au)