Ecological sustainability
Ecological sustainability, as defined by our Institute is ‘the restoration and preservation of the ecological processes on which life depends’. As a land owner, as a resource user and as an educational institution we are responsible for ensuring that:
- Our operations have the least possible impact on the environment and
- Our students are aware of how they can contribute to a more sustainable community through the industry in which they are training.
Our responsibilities to ecological sustainability take the form of both legal responsibilities, such as Federal, State and Local Government legislation and regulations; and social responsibilities which respond to a demand from our customers, our staff and the wider community.
Ecological sustainability policy
To meet our responsbilities and define our commitment our Institute has endorsed an Ecological Sustainability Policy. This Policy provides the organisational support for ES considerations to be incorporated in the plans and practices of everyone within the Institute’s work and learning environment. Download North Coast Institute’s Ecological Sustainability Policy.
Environment plan review
In 2003 the Institute’s Environment plan ‘2002 and beyond’ provided a launching pad for the adoption of an Environmental Management System and placed NCI at the forefront of environmental sustainability within the tertiary and vocational education sector. Under this plan significant achievements have been made to ‘green the institute’, but over the period of implementation, it was identified that there was room for reinvigoration and improvement. A futures focus group, consisting of 28 representative staff from across the Institute, was established to review and develop an updated ‘plan’ . Download 
North Coast Institute Ecological Sustainability Plan (PDF, 103KB)
Integrated ecological sustainability
From the review, 4 strategic project teams were established covering the areas of Curriculum, Policy, Communication & Promotion and Incentives & Rewards.
As the project teams demonstrate, our approach includes much more than just addressing our ecological footprint. We have recognised that we have the ability and capacity to not only operate in accordance with ES, but also help others (individuals, communities, enterprises) in the region learn how they can do the same.
Our achievements
We have a long history of achievements in this area and we hope to continue this tradition by actively persuing improvements to our environmental performance. Details of some of our more recent achievements can be found under Our Achievements.
Need more information?
If you would like further information on North Coast Institute’s Ecological Sustainability Initiatives, contact our Project Manager Ecological Sustainability Initiatives.
