Preventing pollution from teaching, research and operational activities is a priority at UNSW. The University conducts regular monitoring and measurement to ensure trade waste is discharged to the sewer in accordance with licence conditions and to guarantee the optimum quality of stormwater used to recharge the Botany Sands aquifer via the Village Green percolation pit (see Water). Sophisticated modelling is used to minimise the effects of laboratory fume hood emissions to the atmosphere before laboratories are commissioned and “cradle to grave” management of hazardous materials is practised in the interest of both workplace and environmental health.

The Green Laboratory Program, launched in 2006 provides support and advice to help Schools and Faculties meet their environmental compliance obligations. The focus for 2008 is to finalise, pilot and commence the rollout of an online environmental compliance induction training program for laboratory managers, staff and researchers.

There are about 90 different substances that pollute the air, land and water in Australia. Cities have the largest concentrations, but farming communities also have their problems with ammonia up the top of the list as the most common pollutant. (Source State of the Environment Report 2006.)


Click on the substances and learn the dangers