Green backing for 100,000 dollar man

A thrifty plumber from the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) has won the University’s environment award for his conservation efforts, which are estimated to save ANU $100,000 each year.

John Ellison was awarded the Environmental Achievement Award for 2005 by Senator Kate Lundy at a ceremony in the foyer of the new JCSMR building on 5 June.

During his 30-year tenure at JCSMR, Mr Ellison introduced innovations to cut down on the school’s water, power and nitrogen use. He also instigated changes to laboratory practice, improving water quality and safety standards.

“I’ve always been interested in environmental issues,” Mr Ellison said. “This award feels like a vindication of my years of work.”

During his acceptance speech, Mr Ellison stressed that behavioural changes and ingenuity were the most important factors in reducing an organisation’s ecological footprint.

“We do not need major investments in infrastructure, but the will to re-examine practices in regards to waste input and minimisation.”

Senator Lundy said ANU was a leader in the nation’s sustainability efforts, providing practical applications to reduce environmental harm and acting as an example for other organisations.

“It takes a special type of leadership if we are going to make innovations and inroads into becoming a more sustainable society,” she said.

Two certificates of commendation were awarded at the ceremony, which was held on World Environment Day. Kate Gilchrist from the School of Accounting, Business and Information Systems was selected for reducing the amount of office supplies used in her division. Andrew Smith from Facilities and Services was also recognised for implementing an auditing program for the University’s hydraulics systems, saving millions of litres of water.

Later on World Environment Day, the Sustainability Learning Community hosted a Great Green Debate on Australia’s response to global warming. Speakers included Senator Gary Humphries, MLA Deb Foskey, and climatologist Dr Janette Lindesay.

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On Campus June 2006

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