Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 53.71
Liaison Rosemary Potter
Submission Date Nov. 28, 2023

STARS v2.2

TAFE Queensland Robina Campus
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.60 / 2.00 Bianca Mandalios
Manager, Communication & Engagement
TQGC
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution’s sustainability efforts?:
Yes

Website URL for the central sustainability website:
Does the institution have a sustainability newsletter or social media platform that focuses specifically on campus sustainability?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability newsletter or social media platform:

Robina Campus is one of 60+ campuses run by TAFE Queensland. TAFE Queensland does have a page dedicated to the Social and Environmental Sustainability Action Plan including links to the plan itself, a video explaining our approach, and a Sustainability Snapshot report. W: https://tafeqld.edu.au/about/who-we-are/social-and-environmental-sustainability-action-plan.

At a regional level, TAFE Queensland Gold Coast has a weekly staff newsletter with a section called 'Sustainability Matters'. This newsletter section provides information about upcoming events, progress against SDG goals, and other initiatives/partnerships. See the attachment for examples. Our senior leaders have presented online at conferences and via podcasts such as Touchnet.

Throughout the Robina Campus, graphics and messages with QR codes for additional information are used to inform students, staff, and community members. In addition, the student online cafe features links to articles, promotions of events, and feature stories about student engagement with sustainability.

TAFE Queensland uses LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter accounts to connect with staff, students, and the broader community. The campus bulletin board and TV screens feature regular updates to both staff and students. TV screens are located on every level. For example, Robina Campus's Bi report screenshots are used to feature savings from using solar energy using infographics i.e. 2400 trees planted with the savings.

Good news case studies about students are regularly featured on our website with examples such as:
*Ethan's story from study to employment in hospitality https://tafeqld.edu.au/news-and-events/news/2023/empowering-the-next-generation
*Krystal's story as a salon manager, studying with her 13 apprentices https://tafeqld.edu.au/news-and-events/news/2022/salon-manager-levels-up-with-apprenticeship
*Our gym - unleashing your potential https://tafeqld.edu.au/news-and-events/news/2023/unleash-your-full-potential-with-tq-fitness
*Showcasing culinary excellence https://tafeqld.edu.au/news-and-events/news/2023/showcasing-culinary-excellence-and-event-mastery-by-tafe-queensland-students


Does the institution have signage that highlights sustainability features on campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the signage that highlights sustainability features on campus:

The sustainability journey at Robina Campus starts from the moment you walk through the doors with key messages around sustainability. Students, staff, and visitors are immersed into the atrium setting. Every level has been themed, from the ocean floor on ground level, through to the canopy of the rainforest on Level 3 and the sky on Level 4. Entering the campus, the striking projected underwater images on the ceiling give a feeling of being immersed in a world committed to caring for the planet and sustainability. The appearance and feel of the campus positively impact health and wellbeing, and campus culture. The design fit-out, artworks by a local Indigenous artist, and recycled timber are standout features.

Specific signage is throughout the campus to promote the use of:
*Active Transport Strategy - e-scooters, cycling, walking, public transport
*Keep items, no plastic policy, refillable water bottles with hydration stations
*Recycling processes including QR codes to explain the 4-bin system
*Upcoming events on Bulletin Boards and TV screens
*Progress on SDG targets prominently displayed
*QR codes are featured throughout the campus to educate the community about natural features i.e. Tallebudgera Creek and how to use recycling bins and the Active Transport program.

A number of promotional videos have been produced to showcase the commercial services of the restaurant, cafe, event centre, fitness centre, and beauty/hair salons.
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/whvrsd7oub
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/eopj7sdumh
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/w93an70rid
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/ky4gbwbrfv
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/66a6krbc6c

As much as possible we have tried to create an immersive experience for students so that the sustainability message is all around them. The senses are stimulated, with the local environment created to be fun, informative, and interactive. There are three (3) interactive art pieces at the stair/lift exits. For example, you can hold the world, the globe in your hands.


Does the institution provide a sustainability walking map or tour?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:

The TAFE Queensland Robina campus is the first vocational education and training (VET) campus in Australia, quite possibly the world, designed from the ground up to be sustainable in building, fit-out, procurement, curriculum, operations, and culture. Modern design and construction practices have been used throughout to meet sustainability ambitions and reduce greenhouse emissions.

All staff and students have completed a tour of the facilities. The campus tour script to promote the campus, its sustainability features, the commercial services, and the active partnerships, is available to all staff and is attached. Visitors on site are taken through the campus to help inform and spread the message about the approach being taken.

A number of promotional videos have been produced to showcase the commercial services of the restaurant, cafe, event centre, fitness centre, and hair, barber, and beauty salons.
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/whvrsd7oub
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/eopj7sdumh
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/w93an70rid
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/ky4gbwbrfv
https://tafeqld.wistia.com/medias/66a6krbc6c

Booking a tour can be made here https://tafeqld.edu.au/about/campus-locations/gold-coast/gold-coast-campus-tours


Does the institution produce a guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience?:
No

A brief description of the guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:

Not applicable


A brief description of other comprehensive sustainability outreach materials and publications not covered above:

The winning of two (2) silver medal awards with the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) in 2022 for construction and in 2023 for our work towards the Sustainability Development Goals, has helped to promote our story. Robina Campus was also recognised in the WFCPs World's Best Practice Guide Volume 4.

A research study on Robina Campus, completed by the Danish Institute on ‘The Role of Centres of Vocational Excellence in the Green Transition’, will also inform international best practice.

The senior leaders have presented the journey and story of Robina Campus at several conferences and workshops. These presentations open the door for discussion with future partners.

In partnership with the City of Gold Coast Council (CGCC), an Active Transport strategy and map have been developed to promote the use of: *Public Transport; *Walking; *Bike / Scooter; *Ride Share. An interactive map has been developed to assist students and staff to find their way to campus. Location markers have been added for the campus with cobranded ground decals developed and used to assist in promoting walking from the campus to nearby public transport locations or key services and facilities.

Significant investment has been made to market the eco-friendly live training venues. The commercial services team has grown the bookings for the event centre, gym membership, cafe and restaurant patronage, and an increased number of bookings at our hair, barber and beauty salons.


Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
---

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.