Week 2-1 My College's Sustainability

My college accommodates UNSW students from different backgrounds. I will be assessing its sustainability based on personal experience through triple bottom line and give suggestions on where it could be improved.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT
1. Reminders beside the mirrors in the communal washrooms to close the tap while brushing teeth works well. I have not seen running water without someone using it.
2. However, reminders to close the lights when the washroom is not used beside the light switch does not really work. During night times, the lights are often on without anyone using it but people who do use at this time are less alert. I think it would be better to place sensors so the lights only turn on when it is being used like in many of UNSW buildings. The same solution applies to the lights in the hallways that are always on at night.
3. Meals are served by kitchen staff, which in my case results in wastage of food because I can't eat a lot and I am a bit picky. Also, even when I ask for less, they are always generous. Self-serving could be a possible solution but the unfairness could be seen that some residents who pay the same amount eat a lot more and other possible hygienic issues. However, there has been some efforts put in for less wastage, which is asking residents' opinions on what food we prefer and other suggestions to improve the service.
4. Central communal garden with a pond is not only pleasant for residents to sit around on not rainy or cold days, but it also gives back a small healthy ecosystem. Gardening activities are rarely carried out by residents but involvement could be improved by better advertising.
5. Donation area for clothes, free stuff area for other residents and reselling of unwanted items at cheaper prices decrease a lot of wastage.
6. There is unfortunately only paper recycling bins on each floor, which is used quite well so it would be better to have at least communal recycling bins on ground floor for other recyclables.
7. Bike storage encourages students to use bikes more as car-parking is not available.

SOCIAL ASPECT
Communal rooms including reading rooms, kitchens, computer room, gym, sports room, TV room, dining hall and laundry encourages more interaction and togetherness among the residents.

ECONOMICAL ASPECT
There is a minimal staff of 2, the master and administrator, 5 kitchen staffs and 3 cleaners. The rest is ran by senior residents, who pays half the accommodation as other residents. Therefore, it is undeniably the most affordable accommodation on campus for what it provides.

I would conclude that my college is quite sustainable and as there are improvements that could be made as I mentioned, the college tries hard in improving.