surf 2012

Sustainable UWS Rolling Fund

UWS aims to incorporate a focus on sustainability in all of its activities - in research, learning and teaching, engagement with its region and in its campus operations.

The University is proud to launch the Sustainable UWS Rolling Fund (surf) program to fund sustainability projects developed, managed and implemented by UWS staff and students.

What is surf?

surf is a green rolling fund which provides up-front finance to staff and students to fund sustainability projects which aim to reduce environmental impacts and have quantifiable returns. Green rolling funds  traditionally target energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy, water conservation, waste and pollutant reduction and behavioural change projects. The operational savings that are made as a result of these projects are reinvested into the fund so that the fund is self-sustaining. As a result, there is usually a stipulated payback period for these projects and a return on investment.

For the 2012 round the maximum funds available will be $15,000 for each application.

Objectives of the surf program

The objectives of the surf program are to foster and facilitate sustainable design and best environmental practices and behaviour at the University of Western Sydney. The fund will achieve this by encouraging investment in:

• energy and water efficiency installations
• waste reduction
• behavioural change projects that foster environmentally preferable outcomes
• renewable energy
• alternative fuels
• sustainable transport

The fund will also provide both staff and students with an opportunity to participate in projects that green their own learning environment.

surf Project Criteria

Eligible projects will need to demonstrate any of the following:

• Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
• Reductions in energy use
• Alternate energy sources
• Reductions in water use
• Reductions in waste and pollutants
• Behavioural change that will reduce environmental impacts
• Have a positive rate of return to UWS
• Pilots that determine feasibility, scalability and cost/benefit

Further Information

• 2012 surf guidelines (opens in a new window) (PDF, 74Kb)
• surf application form 2012 (opens in a new window) (word 101Kb) and surf financial evaluation form 2012 (opens in a new window) (excel 14Kb). Please note BOTH forms must be completed for your application to be eligible.

For more information on if your project would be eligible and assistance, please contact the Sustainability Coordinator.

This in an open call for applications and each project will be assessed on its own merits.

surf Checklist

• Outcomes and benefits of the program are clearly stated
• Necessary approvals are in place
• Itemised quotes are provided where applicable
• If capital installations are required, please make contact with your Campus Manager to discuss and gain appropriate approvals, which must accompany your application

Once we receive your application, please allow a 4 week turn around.

Read about successful 2010 surf projects (opens in a new window) (PDF, 413Kb).

^ Back to top