1.A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. A SimpleI believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the Pledge. more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both theTowards doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge.sustainable employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins practice. sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations. having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whatever Why spend money on such a challenging goal atWe were asking questions like what is important theyre doing to advance sustainable practice. a time when funding in the education sector wasto people in this institution? What do they want And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core values associated with this goal are in fact accompaniedwe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 1 31/03/2009 9:13:48 a.m.

2. The paper used for this book is Novatech Satin. It is manufactured at a Third party Certified Mill using ECF pulp sourced from Sustainable and Legally Harvested Third Party Certified forests under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Standards and carrying the EU Flower Eco Label. This paper has a four-star New Zealand Government Rating. Editors: Dr. Samuel Mann and Katie Ellwood Design: Craig Scott and Simon Horner Writers: Cameron Birnie, Katie Ellwood, Steve Henry, Dr. Samuel Mann, Ilona Pawlowski Photography: Bill Nichol, Simon Horner, Craig Scott Printing: Southern Colour Print This book may be downloaded from www.otagopolytechnic.ac.nz/sustainability Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 231/03/2009 9:13:54 a.m. 3. Doing the right thing. Otago Polytechnic is an institute of learning determined to provide life-long learning opportunities relevant to our community. We are not only becoming an important provider of core and specialised education and research in New Zealand, but also one of the largest employers, service providers and consumers in the Otago region.We understand that what we teach, how we behave as an organisation and how we extend our influence into the community has an impact socially, environmentally and economically. We seek to address our responsibility to our stakeholders both through the education that we offer and our business operations.In respect of this understanding, Otago Polytechnic has adopted a commitment to doing the right thing as one of our key organisational values. We are determined to provide our students with learning opportunities that hold sustainable practice amongst their key values and to become sustainable practitioners in our own right.In this book we celebrate what we have been able to achieve so far, and look forward to the long path that is still ahead of us. Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 331/03/2009 9:13:54 a.m. 4. A simple pledge. amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly distinguishing feature of what we teach here, andThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with sustainability was an obvious area that needed tojourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously be embraced if that core value was to have anystep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit to examine ways that it could improve itschallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers own use of energy and resources, the results about how seriously they are taking the of which are now being implemented. It alsoOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. resolved to incorporate the notion of sustainableof the Polytechnics journey towards sustainable practice into all programmes and to developpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people education and training programmes for localorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for industry and the wider community.that should underpin their operations. having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whatever Why spend money on such a challenging goal atWe were asking questions like what is important theyre doing to advance sustainable practice. a time when funding in the education sector wasto people in this institution? What do they want And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? Amongst the core values we associated with this goal are in fact accompaniedreadily agreed to was doing the right thing. We by significant opportunities.wanted that element of social responsibility to be a Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 431/03/2009 9:13:54 a.m. 5. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations.The simple pledge money on suchthe right atthing obliges us to consider doing a challenging goalhaving a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whateverWhy spendWe were asking questions like what is importantthe social impacttime when funding in the education sector was make across the board; be ita of the decisions wetheyre doing to advance sustainable practice.to people in this institution? What do they wantin curriculum development, purchasing, charitable giving, providing And if that happens, that will be fantastic.particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core valuesassociated with this goal are in fact accompaniedwe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. student support significant opportunities. developing community partnerships.services orbyWe wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 5 31/03/2009 9:14:00 a.m. 6. Developing a framework. Maintaining our quality of life in the decades ahead requires that all graduates have a deeper understanding of our dependence on our natural capital; our waters, atmosphere, soils, forests, seas and other species, than any previous generation. Otago Polytechnic is truly a 21st Century tertiary education leader, embracing sustainability teaching and learning like no other New Zealand institution. Dr Morgan Williams NZ Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 1997-2007, Chair The Natural Step Foundation Aotearoa New Zealandhave resolved to work with each sector to definedone some homework. In late 2005 anIn 2006, more than 50 staff from Otagoa sustainable practitioner in context because theindependent commissioned research reportPolytechnic attended a strategic issues daycharacteristics will be different in each field. Somehad recommended that a sustainable approachfocused on how best to approach the teaching ofsectors understand this already, while others arebe embedded in all areas rather than offeredsustainability. It concluded with the question whyjust beginning. Some schools have been able toas a specialist course. A Swedish-developedshould we not go down the path to educate forwork superbly with their sector whereas othersframework called The Natural Step was selectedsustainable practice? The room was silent.are struggling to have the conversation. We havein order to manage the process.made a start.A group of staff and students worked forInstead of attempting to forecast, the natural steptwo years on articulating the challenge for theLets not forget the enormity of the task wevemethodology backcasts from a desired state fororganisation and formulating a response saysset ourselves. The availability and health of naturalfuture of the organisation that adheres to rulesSteve Henry, Director of the Centre for Sustainableresources is in decline, while there is increasingfor sustainable practice, then moves step by stepPractice at Otago Polytechnic. Not only did wedemand for these resources for economic, socialtowards such a vision. We realised the ideal futurewant to embed sustainable practice into theand environmental reasons. Our response iswould see every graduate acting and thinking as acontent and process of curriculum delivery, butto design our programmes so our graduatessustainable practitioner.we needed to address our own operations, andunderstand this and are inspired to continuouslytake a leadership role in enabling our communitiesimprove their capability to respond.In many cases the industries we work with hadand the industries into which we feed to see thenot yet articulated what a sustainable practitionerbenefit of such an approach.looks like says Steve of beginning the process.Rather than prescribe what this might be, weThe Polytechnic Leadership Team had already Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 631/03/2009 9:14:00 a.m. 7. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations. We have developed a on such a challenging goal atframework which ensures that corporate having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whatever Why spend moneyWe were asking questions like what is importantsocial responsibilityfunding in the education sector was into our planning and review a time when targets are set theyre doing to advance sustainable practice.to people in this institution? What do they want and make itassociatedbusinessfact accompanied our impact on the society our with this goal are in to assess And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core valueswe readily agreed to was doing the right thing.and environment in which we operate. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 7 31/03/2009 9:14:04 a.m. 8. A sustainable practitioner. Sustainability is a journey rather than a destination. We will probably never get there there will always be something we can do better. That hasnt stopped us looking for tangible measures of success. The real measure of our success will be when graduates are empowered to do the right thing in the workplace.may be woven into learning outcomes, each discipline were asked to consider whatWhat exactly does it mean for every graduate toassessments and engaging learning experiences. their trade or profession could contribute to abe a sustainable practitioner? In an organisationMulti-disciplinary experiential learning opportunities sustainable future and they quickly began to lookwith 17 schools and more than 100 programmes,such as the Sustainable Habitat Challenge beyond operational matters to the core of thethere was never likely to be one single answer.and the Living Campus offer another level of profession.And with such a diversity of industries to thinkengagement for students.about, where do you even begin? When you ask people from any industry why theySustainability is a journey rather than a do what they do, the answers invariably include toWhat was important in the first instance wasdestination. We will probably never get there make a difference. From that point, there is onlythe understanding that every graduate meant there will always be something we can do a short path to describing the characteristics of ajust that, says Dr. Samuel Mann, leader ofbetter. That hasnt stopped us looking for tangible graduate who is engaged with the notion of doingOtago Polytechnics Education for Sustainabilitymeasures of success. Weve carried out a the right thing.programme. We are not talking aboutbaseline survey of all incoming students and wesustainability as an optional extra or something forplan to repeat this survey when they graduate. The organisation is working hard to ensure thata few experts, it has to be integrated into everyWe already know industry is taking note. The real their commitment to sustainability is integratedprogramme. Our goal is to ensure it becomes ameasure of our success will be when graduates into the curriculum as opposed to being jammednormal part of everyday business, even if normalare empowered to do the right thing in the into it. While a course dubbed Education forbusiness is very different for each graduate.workplace. Sustainability 101 is under development, it will be the choice of schools whether to include it in theirThe notion of sustainable practitioner has been programmes. Instead, elements of sustainabilitythe key to the Polytechnics approach. Staff from Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 8 31/03/2009 9:14:04 a.m. 9. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations. In each and every outcome of at career pathways we haveourhaving a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whateverWhy spend money on such a challenging goalWe were asking questions like what is important developed a vision for a sustainablewasa time when funding in the education sector practitioner. This vision forms theyre doing to advance sustainable practice.to people in this institution? What do they wantthe basis of our education for sustainability programme. And if that happens, that will be fantastic.particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core valuesassociated with this goal are in fact accompaniedwe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 9 31/03/2009 9:14:08 a.m. 10. Exploring the challenges. Art is about values, and artists are always negotiating with what is changing and what is important for society. The issue of sustainability is about resilience and optimism in the face of an appalling threat to human culture and to life as we know it.What we need to do is to be attentive, to enable points out that in the past, many textiles artistsThroughout history, when major social issues havethem to understand the implications of the have actually died from overexposure toneeded to be addressed, artists have often beendecisions that they will make. chemicals in the studio.the earliest and most influential voices for change.And the global environmental crisis has been noAnd these implications are not always obvious. So what does it mean for an artist to chooseexception to this rule.Christine, who is currently working on developing sustainability, and how can the School enablea garden on the Polytechnic grounds for students to make their decisions wisely?Bridie Lonie, Head of the Otago Polytechnicproducing plant-based dyes, says that in someSchool of Art, says that sustainability is ancircumstances synthetic substances may actually Bridie says that moving towards sustainability isimportant issue for artists on a number of differentbe more sustainable than natural ones, for an ongoing process. Ten years ago the School oflevels. On the one hand she says, Art is aboutexample if they require significantly less water Art began reforming a number of its processes,values, and artists are always negotiating withexpenditure. including a decision to move from toxic towhat is changing and what is important for society. non-toxic materials wherever viable alternativesThe issue of sustainability is about resilience andAwareness is key, says Bridie. The sorts of skills existed.optimism in the face of an appalling threat towe are likely to need in the future are the sorthuman culture and to life as we know it.of skills that an arts education provides people Is there a risk that in pursuing environmentalwith; a resilient resourcefulness, the ability to objectives, we might limit the creative choicesOn the other hand, artists have traditionally used athink outside the square and an attentiveness to available to artists? Artists will never behave!range of materials with potentially harmful effectshistory. Bridie responds. Were teaching students whoon the natural environment. Christine Keller, will be free to do what they like when they leave.Academic Leader of the Textiles department, Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 10 31/03/2009 9:14:08 a.m. 11. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations.This process has not spend moneywithout challenge. In many areas we havebeen on such a challenging goal at having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whateverWhyWe were asking questions like what is important taken the lead in developing the education sectorfor not only our own graduates,a time when funding in a vision wastheyre doing to advance sustainable practice.to people in this institution? What do they wantbut explored the challenges facedfact accompanied industries in New Zealand.associated with this goal are in by entire And if that happens, that will be fantastic.particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core valueswe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 1131/03/2009 9:14:11 a.m. 12. Turning vision into practice. The priority for Otago Polytechnic was clear and doing the right thing for hospitality was going to mean not only teaching sustainable best practice, but setting a good example of sustainability in action.as garlic and herbs. They have also been able to food waste in an urban environment presentedImplementing sustainable practice bothreduce laundry consumption considerably. challenges. The increased cost of purchasingoperationally and in the curriculum undoubtedly ecologically-sound cleaning products andposes challenges for any school or departmentTutors both teach the three Rs (reduce, reuse detergents could have proven prohibitive.within the Polytechnic. The School of Hospitalityand recycle) in their programmes and have madestaff is addressing their particular set of challengesa commitment to use these principals in their day Yet, the priority for Otago Polytechnic was clear head-on, and can boast significant progress into day work so that it becomes normal practice for doing the right thing for hospitality was going tomany areas.their students. mean not only teaching sustainable best practice, but setting a good example of sustainability inHands-on hospitality training, be it cookeryStudents do not react to their learning material action.lessons in the kitchens or service experience, mayor environment any differently because itsappear on the surface to lend itself easily to theembedded within the standard programme and Purchasing Officer/Technician Chrystal Armstrong,kind of sustainability initiatives that have been inpart of their everyday activity says Programme has been wrangling with such issues on behalf ofplace in our own homes for some time. However,Manager for Hospitality Management Dion Hyde. the School of Hospitality. Among her challengesin the commercial sector, things can often takeWe hope that when they go out into industry they has been to implement kerbside recycling,much longer.will take these skills and information with them. Bokashi composting systems in the kitchens and to undertake a careful evaluation of whereWhile kerbside recycling has been in place in produce can be sourced from. The SchoolDunedin for domestic residences for some time, currently uses an organic grower from the Otagowhen the School first addressed the concept the Farmers Market for some specific produce suchsolution proved far too expensive. Composting Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 1231/03/2009 9:14:11 a.m. 13. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations.We have had tosuch a challenging goal at our staff is operating with a ensure that having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whatever Why spend money onWe were asking questions like what is importantshared vision of sustainability for their discipline and what it theyre doing to advance sustainable practice. a time when funding in the education sector wasto people in this institution? What do they want means to their own teaching practice And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core values associated with this goal are in fact accompaniedwe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 1331/03/2009 9:14:13 a.m. 14. Design and delivery.We are taking midwifery education to the students instead of requiring them to come to us and this has required a fundamental change in thinking so that students are grouped geographically across the South Island in satellites or localised learning groups. are grouped geographically across the Southand mentorship is all but inaccessible. And, whileWhen considering the challenges of implementingIsland in satellites or localised learning groups.it is considered unacceptable to expect pregnantthe principles of sustainable practice acrossCollaboration with CPIT is also a sustainable waywomen to leave their communities to accessOtago Polytechnic programmes, the trail-blazingto run the programme as sharing resources ismidwifery care, it is equally unrealistic to expectBachelor of Midwifery seemed like one of the easyalready having a positive impact on workload andpotential midwives, many of whom have their ownmarks. After all, New Zealands unique systemefficiency.families, to relocate to Dunedin for three years ofof midwifery is inherently sustainable, and thetraining.Polytechnics research-active midwifery lecturersOur student numbers have increased in 2009are proactive in the development of midwiferyas this new programme is attracting women whoWith sustainable practice and the Polytechnicseducation nationwide.otherwise could not access midwifery education.commitment to flexible delivery resolutely in mindMore students means more graduates and thisOtago Polytechnic and Christchurch PolytechnicHowever, the challenge for the School ofwill help New Zealands workforce shortage.Institute of Technology (CPIT) collaborated in theMidwifery was one of distance and scope.development of a new jointly owned Bachelor ofWhile sustainability, encompassing not onlyThe programme now mixes practical learning withMidwifery programme. Delivered using a blendenvironmental but also social, cultural, economiclocal midwives with online teaching resourcesof online, face to face and practical learningand emotional sustainability, was alreadyincluding tutorials via an audio conferencing virtualopportunities, the programme is considered to befirmly established in the Bachelor of Midwiferyclassroom on the Internet. Students are teameda world-first for midwifery.programme, the real challenge was ensuringgeographically in satellite groups. Online learningmidwifery education was availably outside of theresources remain available to students and weeklyWe are taking midwifery education to themain centres.group tutorials are run in various locations closestudents instead of requiring them to cometo their homes. Four times a year, practical blockto us, explains Dr. Sally Pairman, Head ofNew Zealand is currently recording a dearth ofcourses are run in Dunedin.the School of Midwifery. This has required aqualified midwives, with shortages heavily skewedfundamental change in thinking so that studentstowards rural and provincial areas where training Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 1431/03/2009 9:14:13 a.m. 15. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations. and are enabledspend money on such aand deliver the programmes that willto design challenging goal athaving a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whatever WhyWe were asking questions like what is important a time when funding in the education sector was our students in the long-run.benefittheyre doing to advance sustainable practice.to people in this institution? What do they want And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core values associated with this goal are in fact accompaniedwe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 1531/03/2009 9:14:23 a.m. 16. Student engagement. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy students are immersed in sustainable practice methodologies and applications from day one and throughout the degreethey soon realise that if they dont take on these sustainable considerations of looking after resources, spaces and people that things wont last very long.everyones out there struggling with money. Itsmake things happen and cared for each othersIn the gloom of todays global economic crisis itsabout trying to find solutions and trialling them.materials and sources of food. I think thatsreassuring to know that practitioners are enteringJames believes knowledge of social sustainabilitymissing in todays society. Were disconnectedthe workforce with sustainability at the forefront ofhelps graduates be better practitioners.from a lot of these things and from each other andtheir minds.dont see where our food comes from, or whosIts about getting back to that true communitymade our pottery and this disconnectednessBachelor of Occupational Therapy students arebecause I dont think isolation and all thatimpacts on sustainability.immersed in sustainable practice methodologiesconsumer driven stuff is that sustainable especiallyand applications during the Adaptive Livingduring this economic crisis. We need to make,In the Adaptive Living Occupation courseOccupation course from day one and throughoutgrow and eat together, and play games togetherstudents are given opportunities to grow, bakethe degree.rather than have play stations. Todays sustainableand make things from scratch. They work withinpractitioner needs to advocate, fight for and fostercommunity groups to understand what it meansSustainability has been the foundation ofcommunities and look at what sustains a personto work in a community that may not have muchoccupational therapy, says Occupational Therapyand how they fit into that community.money.lecturer, James Sunderland. The programmeexamines key social areas of food, craft andThe age-old saying One mans rubbish is anotherStudents soon realise that if they dont take ongames and looks at how these have evolved overmans treasure resonates with these sustainablethe sustainable considerations of looking aftertime.practitioners as they help people find meaningresources, spaces and people that things wontthrough their occupation in a way that sustainslast very long. Theres some real art of practiceWe look at history and how communities wereitself into the future.stuff here because theres no easy answers ifsustained. People depended on each other to Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 16 31/03/2009 9:14:23 a.m. 17. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations. Now we are charged with ensuringatour students understand and having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whateverWhy spend money on such a challenging goalWe were asking questions like what is importantsupport our visiontheyre doing to advance sustainable practice.a time when funding in the education sector wasto people in this institution? What do they want And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core values associated with this goal are in fact accompaniedwe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 1731/03/2009 9:14:25 a.m. 18. Goals for the future. With sustainability a consideration at the forefront of many government and commercial activities, solutions that harness the power of technology are likely to be in considerable demand well into the future.they are in a winning position, economically and Previously, projects have included work with aImplementation of sustainability goals into theenvironmentally says Mark. This project shows community-based stream restoration group,curriculum is likely to yield mainly long-termthat computing can help facilitate a much bigger the development of science heritage andbenefits for industry, however a handful ofchange. We are pleased to be collaborating with interactive sustainability exhibits for museumsresourceful students are using community andpeople who are in the right space - its win-win all and community groups. A major, externallyindustry-based projects as a way to fast-trackaround. funded research project SimPa, also has a strongtheir developing skills into the commercial sector. sustainability theme.This project showcases how computing canOtago Polytechnics Bachelor of Informationenable sustainable practice in other industries In 2009, a project team worked with scientific andTechnology has always claimed industryand the impact fresh-thinking students can have business consultancy AbacusBio to develop apartnerships and experiential learning as a pointon todays issues says Lesley Smith, Head of software package that allows farmers to measureof difference. In their senior year, students areInformation Technology at Otago Polytechnic carbon emissions as part of integrated farmrequired to work in collaboration with a client toThe team is truly paving the way for sustainable management. Students Hadley Fraser and Lavellpresent innovative solutions to real-life problems.practitioners in computing. Muller collaborated closely with client Mark Oliver, an Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of InformationWith sustainability a consideration at the forefront Technology graduate currently trialling the finishedof many government and commercial activities, system on a number of test farms.solutions that harness the power of technologyare likely to be in considerable demand well into AbacusBio works with farmers to make surethe future. Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 18 31/03/2009 9:14:25 a.m. 19. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations. In fact, our hopespend that they will goal at our goals into the future is money on such a challenging drivehaving a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whatever WhyWe were asking questions like what is important theyre doing to advance sustainable practice. a time when funding in the education sector wasto people in this institution? What do they want And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core values associated with this goal are in fact accompaniedwe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 1931/03/2009 9:14:28 a.m. 20. A long-term outlook. sustainability has become more prevalent around us. Its such a buzz word at the moment. Previously I had never associated it with design, or at least not consciously. I think during the programme we were made aware of how designers can make a difference. It played quite a big part.transport that material here it actually loses some incorporated environmentally friendly processesPhysiotherapist Jackie Ryder and universityof its sustainable value. and practice into both the build and the finishedresearcher Kate Marshall returned to study Otago product. A requirement of the brief was toPolytechnics Bachelor of Design (Interiors) whenNow graduated, the pair is turning their skills to educate future residents about treading lightly onit launched in 2006. Admittedly non-greeniethe interior design of Otago Polytechnic Dunedins earth.the pair found unexpected inspiration in theentry into the Sustainable Habitat Challengepossibilities of sustainable practice in an industry(SHaC09). They will focus on re-using, recycling, We had to design the entire building right fromthat, at first glance, appeared to lack any socialdurability and creating healthy environments with the beginning explains Kate. This included theconscience at all.minimal emissions when considering the design, exterior and interior using sustainable productshowever the end result will look pretty normal. and building processes. The elements that weveI think during the three-year programme incorporated into the design are intended tosustainability has become more prevalent around There are lots of beautiful examples out there of change the way people actually live.us says Jackie. Its such a buzz word at thesome incredibly contemporary and slick-lookingmoment. Previously I had never associated it withsustainable designs! explains Jackie. Its not all It was a huge learning curve actually. Youredesign, or at least not consciously. I think duringabout trees and knitted pants. making choices between whats available andthe programme we were made aware of how whats sustainable. There are some productsdesigners can make a difference. It played quite a overseas that are probably more sustainable inbig part. terms of how they are produced or what they are made of, but by the time you calculate inIn 2008, the women embarked upon final the carbon footprint and how much it costs toyear project designing a residential hall that Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2031/03/2009 9:14:28 a.m. 21. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations.demanding the skills that are set to become sohaving a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whatever Why spend money on such a challenging goal atWe were asking questions like what is important crucial in their long-term careers. theyre doing to advance sustainable practice. a time when funding in the education sector wasto people in this institution? What do they want And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core values associated with this goal are in fact accompaniedwe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2131/03/2009 9:14:31 a.m. 22. From vision to action. In a publicly accessible garden, sustainability can be seen, explored, tasted and celebratedWe are demonstrating something that is achievable in almost every Dunedin persons backyard. If all the lettuces disappear, thats a positive outcome. can be seen, explored, tasted and celebrated the places and processes that produce the foodIt may seem ironic that, having packed for a long explains Dr. Mann. We are demonstrating they eat and medicines they take and clothesjourney towards sustainable practice, Otago something that is achievable in almost every they wear points out Dr. Samuel Mann, LeaderPolytechnic has found itself kicking around in its Dunedin persons backyard. If all the lettuces of the Polytechnics Education for Sustainabilityown backyard. But, when seeking to transform disappear, then for me, thats a positive outcome. programme. Awareness of sustainability issues isthe way your community engages with its difficult when the centre of production is, for many,environment, what better place to start than the The gardens are intended to provide a stimulating the supermarket.piece of earth right under your feet. hands-on education experience for students and staff of the Polytechnic as well as the wider Living Campus intends to remedy this by plantingLivingCampus is Otago Polytechnics grand community. While cookery and horticulture permaculture gardens and plots featuring kaischeme to transform its outdoor environment students can expect to benefit from LivingCampus moana and European heritage plants in a planinto a sustainable model of urban agriculture. in expected ways, there will also be patches in developed by a local organic design expert.The plan incorporates the development of three which medicinal herbs will be planted and plants Members of the public will be able to access thisaspects simultaneously: a community garden, selected to produce dyes for the art school. In living, interactive museum any time of the day oran interactive open air experience, and the addition, there will be significant opportunities for night and in all seasons. They are invited not onlyenhancement of campus sustainability. It is schools such as Occupational Therapy to explore to browse through the campus environment, butenvisaged that the Living Campus will become the therapeutic nature of gardening and being in also, if they choose, to pull a few weeds or eventhe hub for sustainability-oriented community the natural world. sample the goods.education services.In a publicly accessible garden, sustainabilityThe majority of the population is divorced from Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2231/03/2009 9:14:31 a.m. 23. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations.While the incorporationmoney on such a challenging goal at of sustainable principles into our curriculum having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whatever Why spendWe were asking questions like what is importantis crucial, so too isa time when funding in the education sectorthrough our vision into our own the need to carry was theyre doing to advance sustainable practice.to people in this institution? What do they wantactions andthis goal are in fact accompanied of our institution as a whole. associated with the behaviour And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core valueswe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2331/03/2009 9:14:38 a.m. 24. Core business. Staff members are welcome to take the free compost from small bins - this has led to some re-establishing their own home gardens, and that must be a positive outcome.successfully under way. large quantities of bones or liquid, it processes allWith multiple hospitality facilities and a full waste into the kind of wonder-compost perfect forprogramme of cookery training, its fair to say thatAlthough it took work to get up, running and self- breaking marginal soils to develop garden beds.Otago Polytechnic generates a significant volumesustaining, I think we can now call this experiment Its liquid is a fantastic fertiliser, but can also clearof food waste. When it came to recycling anda great success says Mark. Compost from drains and minimise the smell of septic tanks.re-using that waste, the organisation was notthese larger bins is used to benefit local farms andnecessarily looking for anything new, merely ahelp establish community gardens. Staff members After a successful introduction of the regularcomposting system suitable for the purpose thatare welcome to take the free compost from small Bokashi bins it was recognised that some areaseveryone could use.bins - this has led to some re-establishing their required a higher-volume solution, but largerown home gardens, and that must be a positive bins simply didnt exist. In addition, flexibility wasInitially worm bins were suggested as a solutionoutcome. required - students may produce large quantitiesexplains Mark Jackson, Sustainability Coordinator. of waste one week, but virtually none the next.This was not impossible, but it posed enormousproblems. We really needed a system that A resourceful Campus Services and Hospitalitycould be stored near the kitchens and required team took a good look at the volume of waste,little in the way of labour. Bokashi was ideal for did a little homework and decided a re-designthe Polytechnics needs, and after some minor was in order. Staff fitted 120lt wheelie bins withhurdles, has been fully embraced by staff. seals and taps and tweaked the process of applying Bokashi compost-zing. One of onlyThe Bokashi system features sealed containers, two large-scale Bokashi trials in the country wasso is suitable to be stored indoors. Excepting Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2431/03/2009 9:14:38 a.m. 25. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations. This means striving to go about challenging goal at business in a way that doesour core having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whateverWhy spend money on such aWe were asking questions like what is important not impact funding in the education sector was our environment or society.a time when detrimentally on theyre doing to advance sustainable practice.to people in this institution? What do they want And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core values associated with this goal are in fact accompaniedwe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2531/03/2009 9:14:44 a.m. 26. Into the real world. For those who have taken up the Sustainable Habitat Challenge (SHaC09), practicality and economic sustainability is proving to be as much of a consideration as environmental elements. will be auctioned for charity.profile of sustainable design and building, butAround the world, initiatives including the Solarheld values including education and collaborationDecathlon (USA) have inspired student-driven SHaC09 National Coordinator Tim Bishop hasabove all else. Teams were therefore chargedbuilding projects that are both innovative and been leading the national project on behalf ofwith developing partnerships across the tertiaryexperimental. When it came to challenging New Otago Polytechnic. He believes the best outcomeeducation, commercial and local governmentZealand tertiary institutions to design and build a of the challenge is likely to be the showcase ofsectors within their region in order to constructsustainable home however, the outcomes had the many ways New Zealanders can live well whilesustainable housing solutions suitable for theirto be not only ground-breaking, but also realistic being free from reliance on scarce resources.own community.solutions for the wider community. That means houses which are better insulated, cost less to heat, use the most efficient buildingThe ten teams that have taken up the challengeFor those who have taken up the Otago methods possible, and are not too expensive toare approaching this problem in vastly differentPolytechnic-driven Sustainable Habitat Challenge construct.ways. The University of Aucklands Team(SHaC09), practicality and economic sustainabilityWhareuku engineers for example are creatingis proving to be as much of a consideration as This challenge will demonstrate the substantiala building system, which will allow remoteenvironmental elements. knowledge that exists and is being developed incommunities will design and build their own New Zealand around sustainable housing. Theearthen buildings. Team Housewise are retro-At the outset the vision for SHAC09, conceived ability to effectively share this information amongstfitting a standard 1950s state house. Otagoby Alistair Regan and DArcy Dalzell of the our communities will mark the true success of thisPolytechnics Central Otago team are workingOtago Institute of Design at Otago Polytechnic project.closely with a private client while the organisationsand funded in part by the Ministry for theDunedin team prepares a relocatable home thatEnvironment, was of a project that raised the Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2631/03/2009 9:14:44 a.m. 27. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations. It also means selecting and aimplementing practical initiatives thathaving a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whatever Why spend money on such challenging goal atWe were asking questions like what is importantexplore and test sustainablein practice in the real world, for the benefit theyre doing to advance sustainable practice. a time when funding the education sector wasto people in this institution? What do they wantassociated with this goal are in fact accompanied colleagues and community. of our And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core valueswe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2731/03/2009 9:14:47 a.m. 28. Sharing the knowledge. In 2007 and 2008, Otago Polytechnic hosted a showcase entitled Whats Best? in support of local businesses whose product and service were increasingly delivering sustainable practice. This expo sought to clearly describe the performance of each product or service. Darrin Hall from SolarPeak Otago in Alexandra. delivering sustainable practice. Participation byThere is increasing demand for product and stall-holders was by application only and theservice that demonstrates sustainable practice.There was clear evidence that people are organisation undertook the compilation of aIn fact, recent research has estimated the current becoming more discerning in their purchasing handbook to outline how the product or serviceNew Zealand domestic market for goods and said Mark Jackson organiser of the event. met sustainable practice guidelines.services that enable a lifestyle of health andsustainability to be at least two billion dollars That The Polytechnic has an ongoing research This expo sought to clearly describe thefigure is reasonably expected to double by 2010. programme in this area in partnership with performance of each product or service(www.moxie.co.nz/_download/GLOHAS.pdf). Auckland based online procurement companyexplains Steve Henry, Director of the Centre for Unimarket and Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sustainable Practice at Otago Polytechnic. EachRating these commodities however is extremely Karlskrona, Sweden. product and service was evaluated against theproblematic currently there are more than 400 ideal standards of being cyclic, safe, efficient,eco-labels in use internationally. With numerous solar and social.businesses pitching for the green dollar,consumers are seeking leadership and innovation The Cromwell event had 30 business displaysso they can better choose whats best for them. and more than 1500 people took the opportunity to browse the exhibits on the day long event.In late 2007 in Cromwell and 2008 in Dunedin, We were thrilled with the level of interest in ourOtago Polytechnic hosted a showcase entitled product- this was enhanced by the way the publicWhats Best? in support of local businesses were educated through the event handbook saidwhose product and service were increasingly Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2831/03/2009 9:14:48 a.m. 29. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations.As we draw spend money onoutcomes of our exploration into exactlyon the such a challenging goal athaving a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whateverWhyWe were asking questions like what is importantwhat sustainable practice means for Otago Polytechnic we theyre doing to advance sustainable practice.a time when funding in the education sector wasto people in this institution? What do they wantare becomingwith this goal are in fact accompaniedand more driven to share ourassociated more qualified And if that happens, that will be fantastic.particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core valueswe readily agreed to was doing the right thing.knowledge with the wider world.by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 2931/03/2009 9:14:53 a.m. 30. Expertise in the field. Otago Polytechnic has taken a leadership role in advocating and delivering on the need for the provinces industry sectors to operate on best practise sustainability standards. The Polytechnic has coordinated a number of projects which aim to shift the business thinking towards a fully sustainable standard with end benefit for the business owner, the industry sector and the province as a whole. This is education delivery at its best. Clive Geddes Mayor Queenstown Lakes DistrictSustainable Practice. There has been anBecause were in an isolated environment,The ski industry lies right at the heart ofoverwhelming response from Queenstowneverything is more expensive for us, particularlyQueenstowns vibrant tourist economy. It isbusinesses to the Sustainable Businessin terms of energy, Nick says. Reducing thosehowever, an industry with demanding energyprogramme there, and Steve Henry, who headscosts and improving our profile and the way werequirements. It is also one of the industries withthe centre and co-leads the Queenstown project,do business was obviously very important to us,the most to lose in the event of drastic climateestimates that over 100 businesses in the Centraland the Centre for Sustainable Practice gave us achange.Otago area have worked with the centre since itslot of really good, practical advice.development in 2007.So when the Otago Polytechnic Centre forThe outcomes of this process can already beenSustainable Practice teamed up with four otherSteve believes that sustainable practice isseen on the slopes. Coronet Peaks new tower-organisations to develop the Queenstownincreasingly becoming vital for local businessesmounted snow guns increase productivity bySustainable Business programme, aimed atthat wish to remain viable in the long term.35%, using the same amount of water as anysupporting organisations to become moreother gun types, the NZ Ski Management andenvironmentally, socially and economicallyBusinesses will be at risk if they dont head downBoard has mandated that no new development besustainable, NZ Ski was one of the firstthe track of sustainable practice Steve says.built unless they adhere to a five-star energy ratingcompanies to volunteer for the challenge.The expectation of meeting the needs of theand Coronet Peak is on its way to becoming themore discerning, environmentally aware visitor isfirst New Zealand resort to make snow from 95%Nick Edwards, the Assistant Ski Area Managerincreasing around the world.recycled water.at Coronet Peak, says that the programme hasoffered his business real opportunities not only inNZ Ski is by no means the only business toterms of lessening its environmental impact butbenefit from the services of the Centre foralso in improving its economic efficiency. Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 30 31/03/2009 9:14:54 a.m. 31. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations.Our staff isWhy spend money on such abecoming more expert in sustainablecollectively challenging goal at having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whateverWe were asking questions like what is importantpractice and education sector wassought to assemble teams ofa time when funding in the we have theyre doing to advance sustainable practice.to people in this institution? What do they want professionals whose accompaniedassociated with this goal are in fact expertise in the field is proven and And if that happens, that will be fantastic.particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core valueswe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. respected internationally.by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 3131/03/2009 9:15:01 a.m. 32. Our goals. Our goal is that every graduate may think and act as a sustainable practitioner.and learning to model a transformative context forThe skills and values of Otago Polytechnicall learners.graduates contribute to every sector of society.Our curriculum, teaching and learning therefore isAs a consequence sustainable practicepervasive and influential with global impact.becomes a context and a process for learningand recognised as a core capability within eachThe Otago Polytechnic sustainability vision isdiscipline.that our graduates, our practitioners and ouracademics understand the concepts of social,Creating a philosophy of Education forenvironmental and economic sustainability inSustainability will be enhanced if undertaken withinorder for them to evaluate, question and discussa context of institutional operational practice. Wetheir role in the world and to enable them to makewill then be seen to be modelling good practice.changes where and when appropriate. Our goalis that every graduate may think and act as asustainable practitioner. Moreover, educators must take a lead insustainability so that our graduates can beencouraged and supported to promotesustainable practices in their chosen career. Thiscan primarily be achieved by fostering educationfor sustainability in all our qualifications and by re-visioning and changing our approach to teaching Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 3231/03/2009 9:15:01 a.m. 33. A Simple Pledge amongst the core values we readily agreed to was doing the right thing. We wanted that element of social responsibility to be a distinguishing feature of what we teach here, and sustainability was an obvious area that needed to be embraced if that core value was to have any meaning. I believe that people will be increasingly to be a distinguishing feature of what we teachThe Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu wrote that the more discerning about doing business with here, and sustainability was an obvious area thatjourney of a thousand miles begins with a single organisations that take sustainability seriously, needed to be embraced if that core value was tostep. Otago Polytechnic has made a commitment he says. There is evidence of this happening have any meaning.to becoming a leader in the field of education now. Organisations, and we are one of them,for sustainability and sustainable business are already saying to our suppliers, If youre not In order to ensure that it was practicing what itpractice, and Lao-Tzus insight highlights both the doing things in a sustainable way, we dont want preached, the Polytechnic commissioned a majorimportance of taking action and the scale of the to do business with you. Equally, prospective audit examining ways that it could improve its ownchallenge. employees are quizzing their potential employers use of energy and resources, the results of which about how seriously they are taking the are now being implemented. It also resolved toOtago Polytechnic CEO Phil Ker traces the origins sustainability challenge. incorporate the notion of sustainable practice intoof the polytechnics journey towards sustainable all of its programmes and to develop educationpractice back to a staff exercise in which the The long term vision, Phil says, is that people and training programmes for local industry and theorganisation sought to identify a set of core values will come here because of our reputation for community at large.that should underlie their operations.Our goalsWhy spend money on such to thegoal atare applied a challenging world of education delivery, but having a curriculum that engages them and prepares them to play leadership roles in whateverWe were asking questions like what is importantthey aretime when unique to it. Our lessons learned are lessons a not funding in the education sector was theyre doing to advance sustainable practice.to people in this institution? What do they wantwe choosewith this goal are in fact accompanied to make our contribution to associated to share in order And if that happens, that will be fantastic. particularly tight? Phil says that the challengesto be known for? And amongst the core valueswe readily agreed to was doing the right thing. our community both worthy and worthwhile. by significant opportunities.We wanted that element of social responsibility Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 3331/03/2009 9:15:11 a.m. 34. A sustainable practitioner in...Health and Community Careersso our students are encouraged to be resourcefulA sustainable practitioner will be successful whenand innovative no matter what field of art, designthey support people and nature in their actions by;and computing they explore. The creativeA career in the provision of health and community - enabling people to meet their own and futurepractitioner has a potential impact much biggerservices now requires a holistic approach to generations needs in an equitable waythan their own footprint. They must be able toworking with individuals, groups and communities; - causing no harm to natureevaluate the relative value of their work with ana focus on well-being within a wider context - consuming resources at a rate nature replacesunderstanding of their role in terms of social andof strengths, connections and resilience of themcultural impact as well as the pragmatic elementscommunity, systems and environment. Working - ensuring nature is not subject to materials itof the creation such as the use and disposal ofeffectively with others is underpinned by self- cannot process.materials . New paradigms are emerging andawareness and skills in critical thinking. Nursingpractitioners are taking responsibility for engagingexpresses this as multidimensional care;All graduates, from foundation to masters levelclients and customers in a conversation about themidwifery as an ethos of childbirth as a normalmust be aware that their choices, decisions, andsocial and environmental impact of their choiceslife process and minimisation of unnecessaryactions have an impact on sustainability. Bothand how to integrate sustainable alternatives inintervention; human services as social justice anddrivers and impacts cross spatial, temporal,their work. Creativity also enables resilience,healthy community and individual relationshipssocial and ecological scales and ethicaloffering courage and optimism in the face of(including effects of exploitation on local andboundaries. In addition to the technical skillsdifficult odds.global economies, peoples, resources andrelating to sustainability within their specificenvironments); occupational therapists have adisciplines, all graduates are equipped with widerBusiness Careerscore belief that humans need to be involved inskills: visioning, influencing change, managingmeaningful activity and that we gain connection toinformation, creativity, innovationThe diversity of industries in which practitionersthe world we live in via activity.of business operate means that graduatesOtago Polytechnic are developing sustainableCreative Careerswith these skills are likely to be the key driverspractitioner statements for their generic careerof changes towards a sustainable future. Topathways. The discussion surrounding theseenable businesses to move from unsustainableCreative experimentation is how the mind learns,statements is ongoing. Simple Pledge Book lastest version.indd 3431/03/2009 9:15:11 a.m. 35. Sport and Adventure Careers meet the needs of human societies. The tangibleto sustainable professionals must take a nature of their work in managing changes in theholistic view of their operations and successfully environment (primarily physical, but recognising A sustainable practitioner in the sport andimplement strategies that address social, social and economic contexts) in ways that persist adventure industries is engaged in providingenvironmental and cultural issues without for the long term means that these practitioners quality participative experiences within adamaging their ability to be su