Sustainability Policy

As part of our philosophy to be market leaders and innovators and with an understanding that everyone needs to play a part in reducing environmental impact, we have decided to adopt and publicly commit to a sustainability policy.  We were the first Registered Training Organisation in Australia to make such an undertaking.

Policy Statement

Australian Online College is a Registered Training Organisation which provides its clients with value for money compliance and professional development training. As a market leading business we take great pride in offering our clients a pleasurable, educational, sustainable and value for money learning experience.

This Sustainability Policy covers all activities carried out by Australian Online College Pty Ltd.

Australian Online College:

• will identify, strive and promote to achieve best environmental practice in its management systems and operations;
• is committed to operating in an ecologically sustainable manner by reducing waste and the use of energy and resources;
• will comply with all relevant Commonwealth and QLD environmental legislation, and with the Commonwealth Government's environmental policies and initiatives;
• will provide an environmentally sound workplace, and progressively implement a range of environmentally sound work practices;
• will work closely with its employees, contractors, suppliers, clients and other stakeholders to develop and implement agreed environmental initiatives consistent with this policy, and will set objectives and targets;
• will explore opportunities for improved environmental awareness within our relationships with stakeholders;

2011-12 Gross Emission Levels

In accordance with the procedures outlined in the Australian Greenhouse Office - Greenhouse Challenge Plus program we have determined our gross emission levels for the 2011 - 2012 year to be equivalent to 41.1 tonnes of CO₂. This represents a 15% reduction from our 2010-2011 pre-offset emission levels.

Key Performance Indicators

Australian Online College has established a ZERO NET EMISSION target and this target has been met for the 2011-12 year. This completes our 4th full year as a zero net emitter of greenhouse gases.

Australian Online College Pty Ltd has established a target of recycling at least 85% of its office waste and this target has been met for the 2011-12 year.

Short Term Goals

Australian Online College has already undertaken a range of initiatives to reduce the company's environmental impact. In 2012-13 a range of further initiatives are being implemented including:

• installing alternative energy electricity supplies to supply our total net electricity needs;
• furthering our use of recycled materials;
• reusing packaging and being more rigorous in recycling items that cannot be reused directly;
• providing funding and land access for the development of the Rochedale Community Garden.

Long Term Goals

Australian Online College is committed to advancing environmental and sustainability awareness in the community. Following consultation with staff and customers the College has committed promoting environmental and sustainability awareness through the following programs.

• Developing a range of learning programs aligned with the requirements of national units of competency at levels from Certificate III to Diploma
• Increasing our financial support for community managed programs that promote sustainable living and business practices and environmental awareness.