THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 

Date first issued: 
Date reviewed: 
Date approved by EMC/ Senate:

This policy and it’s rules, guidelines, and procedures replace all previous policy and /or circulars pertaining to the Environmental Policy.

1.	THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

It is the policy of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to acknowledge that managing the environmental resources and improving environmental performance can contribute greatly to a sustainable future.

2.	DEFINITIONS

In this document, unless the content indicate other wise, the following words and phrases have the following meaning:

2.1	Continuous improvement: process enhancing the environment
                  management system to achieve improvement in overall environmental
                  performance in line with environmental policy.     
2.2	Environment: the surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up of -    
•	the land, water, atmosphere of the earth,
•	micro-organisms plant and animal life,
•	any part of I and II and the interrelationships among and between them and 
•	the physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the foregoing
                      that influences human health and well being (National Environmental Management Act
                      107 OF 1998).
2.3      Environmental policy:  company statement of its intentions and principles in relation
           to its overall environmental performance, which provides a framework for action and a   
           backup for its environmental objectives and targets.
   2.4      Minimizing:  reduction of volume of waste generated and utilized.
2.5      Objectives:  a facility goal that is consistent with the company’s environmental policy, priority environmental aspects, and applicable environmental regulations.   
2.6	      Pollution:  any change in the environment that is negative. 
           2.7      Waste: any matter, whether gaseous, liquid or solid or any combination thereof, which from time to time is designated by the Minister by notice of the Gazette as an undesirable or superfluous by product, emission, residue or remainder of any process or activity (Environmental Conservation Act 73 of 1989).

3.	RULES

3.1	The Environmental policy should be read in conjunction with, including but not limited to
                      the waste policy, energy policy, water policy of TUT.

	 

4.	PROCEDURES

The following procedures shall be followed in terms of this policy:

4.1	Procedure 1: Disposal of biological and microbial waste
4.2	Annexure A : Test after training 
4.3	Procedure 2: Disposal of building rubble
4.4	Procedure 3: Disposal of chemical waste 
4.5	Procedure 4: Disposal of garden waste
4.6	Procedure 5: Disposal of glassware
4.7	Procedure 6: Disposal of kitchen waste 
4.8	Procedure 7: Disposal of medical waste
4.9	Procedure 8: Disposal of paper waste 

5.	DOCUMENTS

5.1	Goals
5.2	Objectives

3.2	GOALS

Tshwane University of Technology aims:

3.2.1	to ensure continuous improvement in managing and monitoring activities that may be   
           detrimental to the environment;

3.2.2	to manage and use resources (products, water and energy) in an    
           effective, efficient and responsible manner.
3.2.3	to comply and even improve on, where possible, such standards, regulations and   
           guidelines regarding the environment as may apply to it, as an institution;
3.2.4	to prevent pollution by minimizing campus waste; recycling and ensuring
        	the correct disposal of waste, where necessary, and
3.2.4	to maintain a transparent relationship, with regards to environmental affairs, with all its
           staff members and students, as well as with relevant authorities and the community. 

3.3     OBJECTIVES
Tshwane University of Technology aims-

3.3.1	to improve and manage the water supply by -
•	minimising water consumption; and 
•	monitoring and maintaining equipment and machinery utilizing water;

3.3.2	to improve management of waste generated on campuses by -
•	ensuring correct disposal of all hazardous and non- hazardous waste generated on the
           campuses; and 
•	recycling solid waste such as can, paper, boxes, plastic bottles, glass bottles and glass;

3.3.3	to improve and manage the energy supply by -

•	minimising energy consumption;
•	encouraging both staff and student to use energy efficiently; and
•	promoting awareness on saving energy;

3.3.4	to promote environmental awareness to all staff members and students by:

•	holding environmental awareness sessions for it’s students and staff 
•	encourage both student and staff to take part on environmental research on campus.
•	incorporating environmental issues into coarses where appropriate, thus allowing
      students and staff to gain knowledge, skills and understanding of the environment.

3.3.5	management of Tshwane University of Technology will ensure that the Environmental
           Policy is introduced, implemented and continuously improved, and that its
           implementation is regularly monitored.