Sustainability

Functions at Melbourne is committed to environmental sustainability and have implemented a number of environmental friendly programs and initiatives.

 

Consumables

• We use non-disposable cutlery, cups, plates and platters and when required disposable product is 100% recyclable.

• We purchase serviettes made from recycled materials.

• We avoid individually or over-packaged products.

• When packaging cannot be avoided, ensures it is recyclable.

• We served jugs of tap water over bottled water where appropriate.

 

Menus

• We develop our menus around locally grown and seasonally available produce to reduce food miles.

• We offer vegetarian and organic menus and promote the use of unprocessed ingredients.

• We reduce food waste by serving appropriate portion sizes and determining accurate catering numbers. Surplus food is donated to local charities instead of going to landfill.

 

Recycling

• Food: Organic and Non-organics kitchen waste separation to be implemented in 2010.

• Cardboard/Paper: We have a contract with Visy to provide paper and cardboard recycling. Visy bins are provided to all staff. Tenant cardboard is collected and recycled.

• Glass, Plastic and Cans: Co-mingle bins are used throughout our venues.

• Oil: Our Kitchen is provided with a facility to deposit used cooking oil, which is then recycled.

• Printer Toners: Toners are recycled through Fuji Xerox/IT Services.

 

Coffee

• We serve ‘Fair Trade’ tea and coffee.

 

Water Conservation

• Flow regulators have been fitted to our taps and showers to reduce the volume of water utilised whilst not compromising pressure. Leaking or inefficient fixtures were replaced where needed.

• All single flush toilets have been replaced with dual flush systems while single flush urinals and waterless urinals have been replaced with timed-release mechanisms.

 

Toilets

• Where possible we have replaced hand towel dispensers with hand dryers to reduce paper wastage.

• Toilet paper is either manufactured from recycled paper or plantation forest paper.

 

Lighting

• All tungsten globes have been replaced with energy efficient light fixtures. Building Control

• A computerised building management system has been installed which allows optimal scheduling of heating and cooling for only those hours needed.

 

Copiers/Printers

• All our copiers and printers produce double-sided printing to save on paper.

• All paper purchased for copiers is 100% recycled. Electrical Equipment

• Stickers are placed on electrical switches such as lighting and computers to remind staff to turn off when not in use.

• Security are instructed to turn of all electrical equipment including heating/cooling systems, fans, lights etc on the final patrol of the building to ensure nothing is left on overnight.

• An energy audit was completed in 2007 to determine the energy consumption of major plant items within the building including lifts, lighting and heating/cooling and proposed solutions.

• All staff computer monitors revert to sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity to save energy.

 

Education

• We actively promote our sustainable best practices and encourage our staff, suppliers and customers alike to assist us in our sustainability endeavours wherever possible.