Regional Centre reaping rewards

On Thursday 27 September, UWS hosted the official launch of the United Nations-endorsed Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in Greater Western Sydney (RCE-GWS), an initiative of the Office of Sustainability. The Honourable Greg Combet, AM MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and Minister for Industry and Innovation, officially launched the centre.

The centre has also received two UN University Recognition Awards: one for its contribution to creating sustainability leadership at higher-education institutions and another for establishing the UWS Riverfarm as a living laboratory for learning and research on social, cultural, economic and environmental sustainability changes.

The UWS Riverfarm is also featured in the book Sustainable Consumption, Production and Livelihoods, which has been launched by the UN University.

“UWS has long been committed to environmental, cultural and social responsibility in its core business – including in its curriculum, research, engagement activities and daily operations,” says Professor Geoff Scott, the University’s Executive Director of Sustainability. “Establishing the RCE-GWS is the next natural step for UWS to maintain its position as an Australian leader in the field of sustainability, and the University is thankful for the support it has received from our staff, all the educational networks in GWS, as well as a wide range of community groups and organisations that have made this new venture possible.”

The centre will work on four key sustainability challenges that have been identified in Greater Western Sydney: transitioning to a low-carbon economy, developing sustainable communities, ensuring agricultural sustainability and food security, and conserving biodiversity and river health.