4/2016
1
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STAKEHOLDER/REFERENCE COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING 1/2016
Meeting 1/2016 of the Environmental Sustainability Stakeholder/Reference Committee was held at 10.00 am
on 23 February in Room G21, 15 Innovation Walk at the Clayton campus of Monash University
1.
PROCEDURAL MATTERS
1.1
APOLOGIES
Documents &
Action
Nav Brah
1.2
1
PRESENT
Those present were:
Paul Barton (Chair)
Rob Brimblecombe
Zachary Dorner
Mary Farag
Helena Fern
Tony Hudson
In attendance:
Reeta Lad
Ariel Liebman
Gavin Mudd
Meg Ralph(Secretary)
Cheryl Roberts
Jemma Rowe
Jun Li
1.3 WELCOME
Paul Barton (Chair) welcomed members and described the role and conduct of the meetings to
inform new members, which included:

Overviewing one sustainability topic in depth at each meeting. Members were
invited to provide suggestions for topics of interest.

Providing a quarterly summary of the Monash University environmental
performance indicators to track progress.

Noting recent, significant environmental legislation. Members were again invited
to highlight legislation of interest.
Members then introduced themselves.
1.4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of meeting 4/2015 of the Environmental Sustainability Stakeholder/Reference
Committee meeting held on 20 October 2015 were confirmed.
1_2016_160127_ESS
RCMinutes 4_2015.doc
1/2016
Confirmed minutes to
be posted at the
Environmental
Sustainability web site
2.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES
2.1 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT UPDATE
The Transport Sustainability Officer, from Planning in Buildings and Property Division, Reeta
Lad, presented the current status and developments in sustainable transport at the Clayton
campus of Monash University. A summary of major points of the presentation have been
outlined below.
2_2016_20160223
Transport presentation_ESSRC 1_
2/2016
2.1.1 Current transport mode splits at Monash University
Transport modes to Monash University campuses have been relatively stable since 2008 with
the latest transport survey of more than 7500 respondents showing 62% used public and
active transport (walking and cycling), 8% carpooled and 30% arrived in single occupancy
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vehicles. Currently, 41% of staff and students arrive at the University by car (single occupancy
and carpool), 41% by public transport and 18% by active transport. By 2020, the University’s
transport targets are aiming to achieve 30% of staff and students arriving by car, 48% using
public transport and 22% using active transport. Long term Masterplan transport targets for
2030 are currently under review due to recent and proposed increases in residential buildings
on campus.
2.1.2 Strategies to achieve a modal shift from single occupancy vehicles to more
sustainable options
2.1.2.1
Infrastructure improvements
 Public transport
 A transport interchange will be integrated into the new Learning and Teaching building,
which will finish construction by July 2018. The interchange will have:
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
Increased bus loop capacity (an increase from 13 to 19 bus bays)

Capability to accommodate articulated buses

An underground bike arrival station for 100 bikes

Substantial improvement in amenity, security and safety for commuters

Ability to integrate with Rowville rail line when built.
 State government funding for the upgrade of Huntingdale Rail Station, the closest
station to the University, has been confirmed. This station will become a transport modal
interchange to Monash University with its associated dedicated bus (601) to the Clayton
campus. The upgrade is planned to commence next summer.
 The 601 Bus Service from Huntingdale Rail Station to Clayton campus quickly became
the busiest bus service in Victoria after commencement in 2012. The University is now
campaigning for articulated buses and increased service frequency off peak for this
route, as well as similar high frequency, dedicated services on other routes to campus.
 Intercampus shuttle buses
Patronage of free shuttle buses provided by the University between the main Clayton campus
and Caulfield (every 17 minutes), Peninsula and Berwick (every 90 minutes) campuses has
also increased. This year an additional bus has been added to the Caulfield service, which will
service increased demand.
 Cyclists
 Travel to campus
Clayton campus currently has one bike arrival station that provides secure access for
100 bikes in addition to lockers, showers and toilets and a bike repair area with
equipment. This facility is now at full capacity in warmer months with a second facility to
be completed in the transport interchange hub on the opposite side of the campus by
mid 2018.
The Chair noted that there are 6-800 active users of the bike arrival station, which
results in approximately 100 daily users as users don’t ride their bikes every day. Bike
hoops are available outside the bike arrival station for use when space inside is
exhausted.
 Travel on campus
Since 2010, Clayton campus has had a green share bike scheme for residential
students, which also incorporated blue share bikes for staff use from 2014. In 2016, a
red share bike scheme, operated by an external organisation, has been introduced for
staff and students. The new scheme provides on-line registration, helmets, more robust
bikes and the ability to locate available bikes. However, the Chair noted that to be
financially viable, the bike share scheme will require over 1200 subscribers. Cheryl
Roberts commented that the scheme should be made easier for University departments
to access to ensure its success. Reeta Lad assured Cheryl that that would be the next
step in implementation.
 Carpooling
The University provides over 600 carpool spaces on the Clayton campus, which have been
free to use in previous years when more than one staff member or student travelled in a
vehicle. Due to misuse of this system, purchase of carpool permits has been introduced this
year and two permits must be displayed in each vehicle. The Chair noted that carpooling is
advertised as enabling staff and students to share the running cost of vehicles as well as being
a great way to meet new people.
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To a question from Helena Fern, the Chair explained that ticket parking is available if a carpooler travels to campus on their own, but that it is also practical to have organised more than
one travelling companion.
 Car share service
One car share vehicle is available on the Clayton campus and four on the Caulfield campus.
The Chair and Reeta Lad agreed that the full potential of this strategy had not yet been
realised.
 Electric vehicles
Charging points are provided for electric vehicles.
 Car park permits
The current car park permit model is currently under review in order to provide a more flexible,
pay as you go model, as the level of investment in a permit currently locks the user into driving.
However, in order for the University to manage parking demand, some type of permit will be
required.
2.1.2.2 Behaviour change programs
Reeta Lad explained that current behaviour change initiatives to complement the transport
strategies included:
3
Providing transport information and alternatives at enrolment and orientation

Participation in Ride to Work events

Assisting to provide public transport discounts on annual passes, e.g. Monash
Commuter Club (10%) and international undergraduate student discounts (50%).
2.1.2.3 Challenges
Reeta Lad noted that current challenges to providing sustainable transport to Monash include:

There is no direct rail line to the Clayton campus

The University provides bike infrastructure on campus but can’t influence infrastructure
outside the campuses

The University is reliant on state and local governments to provide public transport
services to campus.
The Chair added that Monash recently has both advocated for changes and partnered with
local councils and Public Transport Victoria to undertake projects that support transport to
Monash campuses. Examples of this strategy include contributing $200,000 to the Huntingdale
Station upgrade and partnering with the local councils to develop bike paths. Reeta Lad added
that this is a two-way partnership as Monash markets services provided by Public Transport
Victoria and councils.
2.1.2.4
Discussion

Zach Dorner explained that he walked to the Clayton campus from Clayton and found
that crossing the North Rd/Princes Highway intersection was a lengthy process due to
timing of the signals. Reeta Lad replied that Monash was in discussion with VicRoads
regarding this intersection.

Helena Fern asked if the University benchmarked progress against similar universities.
Reeta Lad explained that it did but that not many universities are of the size and typical
location as Monash. In most cases, Reeta Lad considered that our initiatives led those
of other universities. The Chair added that Monash did look to examples of
transformational initiatives at other universities, e.g. the rail station at Macquarie
University and a bus-only bridge across the river and river transport at University of
Queensland. He considered that the next transformational change at Monash would be
provision of a rail line with a station at Monash. The recent additional and planned
student residences on campus, increasing from 1800 to 2800 beds on campus in the
last year, would also result in increased numbers walking to campus.

Tony Hudson asked if the transport initiatives undertaken had been associated with
infrastructure savings. The Chair replied that, despite hoping that these measures would
decrease the need for more parking, which is expensive, two new car parks were
currently under construction as the construction of new buildings have decreased
parking available on campus.

Members discussed the use of parking revenue to subsidise sustainable transport
options.
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
Gavin Mudd supported the flexible parking option proposed, particularly for families who
required more than one permit.
The Chair thanked Reeta for providing a comprehensive update on sustainable transport
initiatives at Monash.
3.
MONITORING AND REVIEW
3.1
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
3.1.1 The Chair provided a summary of the environmental performance indicators for 2015,
which contained some concerning trends.

Carbon emissions have remained steady.

Energy consumption has continued to grow but remains below business-as-usual
growth. As the increase primarily resulted from increased gas consumption, strategies
are under development to decrease gas used for heating.

Water consumption continues to increase year on year. An innovative ring main for
harvested water under implementation will provide a solution to this increase.

Approximately 1/3 of waste is recycled with 2/3 going to landfill. These proportions have
remained steady with waste increasing with increased staff and student numbers.

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3_2016_160218_Env
KPIs Q4 2015_DRAFTv2.pdf
3/2016
Energy cost analysis showed that $1m was returned to the University in 2015 due to
energy not purchased due to energy-saving measures.

Installation of new solar photovoltaic systems resulted in a 10% increase in renewable
energy generated in 2015 when compared to 2014.

The Furniture Re-use Centre recycled over 2000 pieces of furniture, resulting in over
$300,000 savings to the University.
3.1.2 Comments from members included:

Rob Brimblecombe explained to members that the University was currently heavily
investing in landscapes, which was leading to increased water use. However the
significant improvement in amenity provided by these improvements was important for
staff and students. The transition to non-potable water using the harvested water ring
main was, therefore, an important initiative. Gavin Mudd agreed, explaining that
although the University used predominantly native plants, they required water during
establishment. The Chair noted that the additional student residences would also have
added to increased water use.

Ariel Lieberman asked why the changes in electricity cost were more variable than
consumption. Rob Brimblecombe explained that the University had negotiated a good
price for electricity in 2015. The price of electricity is expected to rise again in 2018. The
Chair noted that the low price also makes it more difficult to justify improvements as it
results in a shorter payback period.
4.
LEGISLATIVE IMPACTS
The Chair noted a range of legislative impacts, which included:
4.1
THE NATIONAL GREENHOUSE AND ENERGY REPORTING (SAFEGUARD MECHANISM)
RULE 2015
The design of the final component of the Emissions Reduction Fund – the safeguard
mechanism that requires Australia’s largest emitters to keep emissions within baseline levels
has been finalised and will commence on 1 July 2016.
4.2 AUSTRALIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (ARENA): ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15
ARENA's progress report on its third year of operation to increase the competitiveness and
supply of renewable energy in Australia was tabled in Federal Parliament in November 2015.
4.3 CLIMATE CHANGE AUTHORITY: DRAFT REPORT ON CLIMATE POLICY OPTIONS
The Climate Change Authority released its second draft report of Australia’s climate change
policies and goals in November 2015. The draft report considered the various types of
emissions trading schemes and other price-based policies, support for renewable energy and
energy efficiency, investment in low emissions technology and efficiency standards.
Submissions on the merits of different approaches were invited.
4.4 NATIONAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION STRATEGY RELEASED
The Federal Department of the Environment released the National Climate Resilience and
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Adaptation Strategy in December 2015, which sets out how Australia is managing climate risks
for the benefit of the community, economy and environment. The Strategy identified a set of
principles to guide effective adaptation practice and resilience building, and outlined the
Government’s vision for the future.
5.
NEXT MEETING
The Chair thanked members for their participation in the discussion and invited them to provide
topics for discussion or to showcase initiatives at their institutions at future meetings.
The remainder of the meetings of the Environmental Sustainability Stakeholder/Reference
Committee for 2016 have been scheduled for 10 - 11.30 am on the following dates:

Meeting 2/2016 Tuesday, 10 May

Meeting 3/2016 Tuesday, 26 July

Meeting 4/2016 Tuesday, 11 October
The meetings will be held in Room G21, 15 Innovation Walk, at the Clayton campus of Monash
University and video conferenced to a number of participants.
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Distribution List:
Paul Barton (Chair)
Director, Business Support, Buildings and Property, Monash University
Nav Brah
Dr Robin Brimblecombe
Rebecca Coulthard
Engineering & Sustainability Manager, Campus Infrastructure & Services,The University of Sydney
Sustainable Asset Development Planner, Planning, Buildings and Property, Monash University
Engineering Support Officer, Buildings and Property, Monash University
Zachary Dorner
Mary Farag
Helena Fern
Postgraduate student representative, Monash University
Sustainability Officer, Campus Infrastructure & Services,The University of Sydney
Green Steps Manager, Monash Sustainability Institute, Monash University
Dr Tony Hudson
Reeta Lad
Jun Li
Environmental Sustainability Manager, CSIRO, Canberra
Transport Sustainability Officer, Planning, Buildings and Property, Monash University
Acting Building Performance Analyst, Planning, Buildings and Property, Monash University
Dr. Ariel Liebman
Dr Gavin Mudd
Claire Pont
Deputy Director, Monash Energy Materials and Systems Institute, Monash University
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University
Sustainability Coordinator, Buildings & Property, Monash University
Meg Ralph (Secretary)
Cheryl Roberts
Jemma Rowe
Manager, Project Manager, Business Support, Buildings and Property, Monash University
Infrastructure Manager, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University
Environment Manager, Westpac Banking Corporation, Sydney
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