An introduction to the LiFE Index Sustainability and Social Responsibility Index www.thelifeindex.com.au

What is the LiFE Index? The tool has three elements Performance Improvement System - which enables institutional self-assessment, management and improvement. Performance Accreditation Programme - which allows institutions to submit to independent assessment, verification and accreditation of their progress Support package for participants, workshops and online support www.thelifeindex.com.au

Some general context Excellent work has been undertaken by many institutions on sustainability but progress is mixed Focus has often been on facilities related activity Whole institution engagement is still a challenge Metrics systems that exist are not sector focused or holistic There is a need and opportunities for increased dialogue / partnership nationally and internationally www.thelifeindex.com.au

Guiding principles Want to reward process and practice – help bridge the implementation gap Provide guidance and support without being overly prescriptive – recognise / reward difference Recognise that institutional journeys are non-linear and reward this Provide a tool to help institutions, manage and evidence sustainability activity Stimulate cross institutional dialogue and a whole institution engagement www.thelifeindex.com.au

What is Sustainability? “Sustainability is about how institutions do what they do, its a focus on core activity and about taking responsibility for the total impact of their activity. A socially responsible and sustainable institution is one that is not only profitable but takes account of all the positive and negative environmental, social and economic effects it has on society, both now and into the future” Jimmy Brannigan, ESD Consulting Ltd

Sustainability and Social Responsibility Reduce the negative impacts and increase the positive impacts of your activity Environmental Social Economic Short Term Long Term

Learning, Teaching and Research Negative Impacts Positive Contribution Social Cohesion Business Engagement Community Engagement Regional objectives Graduate Attributes Employability Learning, Teaching and Research Student Engagement Social Impact (Community Impact) Use of resources We need to recognise and enhance the positives!

Leadership and Governance Partnership and Engagement Learning and Teaching Research Student Engagement Energy Water Resource Efficiency and Waste Sustainable ICT Sustainable Construction and Renovation Biodiversity Transport Community and Public Engagement Business and Industry Interface Procurement and Supplier Engagement Staff Engagement Leadership Human Capital Leadership and Governance Partnership and Engagement Learning, Teaching and Research Facilities and Operations

Stakeholder Engagement Links to the Curriculum Policy and Strategy Action Planning Stakeholder Engagement Measurement Commitments are in place to sustainability in this area of activity Action plans are in place (SMART) and commitments made Relevant stakeholders are involved in the activity. Institutions are looking at measuring the impact and benefit of the activity not just the activity itself Communication Training and Support Implementation Links to the Curriculum Activity is being communicated and there is clear support People are being trained and supported Embedded into the way things are done, systems and processes Links between campus, curriculum and community WHAT DOES LIFE LOOK WHAT IS LIFE? What is LiFE? www.thelifeindex.com.au