GCI hosts Wits Sustainability Workshop

In 2017, the GCI hosted a Wits Sustainability Workshop facilitated by Visiting Researcher, Dr Matthew Rich-Tolsma.

GCI hosted the first Wits Sustainability Workshop which brought together internal stakeholders from various schools/departments including: Evolutionary Studies Institute; School of Architecture and Planning; School of Education; Wits Planetarium; Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry; Society, Work and Development Institute; School of Electrical and Information Engineering; School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences; Civil and Environmental Sciences; and Campus Planning and Development. Prior to the workshop exploratory conversations, facilitated by Dr Rich-Tolsma and Professor Coleen Vogel, were had with the School of Architecture and Planning; School of Education; Geography Department; and the School of Governance.

This first workshop focused on engagement between various stakeholders to share and explore ideas on what a sustainability-focused Wits might look like.

Being sustainable is not just about resource management at a higher education institute, according to Professor Barend Erasmus. ¡°Universities that are world leaders in sustainability thinking, did not get there by only focusing on efficient use of water and electricity. Of course it is a key aspect, but in the long run, a systemic approach that includes operations, curriculum development and personal commitments to a more sustainable future, is required. ¡± says Erasmus.

The next steps include further engagements between internal stakeholders (schools, departments, students etc.) to plot the way forward. ¡°It is important for all stakeholders to have input towards the development of a strategy. Equal investment is needed from all stakeholders to help drive the change towards ensuring a sustainable future of Wits University,¡± concludes Erasmus.