Otago Polytechnic’s Simple Pledge - ‘Do the right thing’

As a technical institute and a tertiary education provider, the Polytechnic has become a sustainability leader within New Zealand.  Otago Polytechnic has initiated their journey with an audacious vision - that every graduate may think and act as a “sustainable practitioner.”  Articulated as a pledge to simply ‘do the right thing,’ Otago Polytechnic has identified three key areas of strategy and action:  (1) educating sustainable practitioners, (2) development of a sustainable campus, and (3) creation of the Centre for Sustainable Practice. >More

The pledge can be downloaded here.

“Sustainability is a journey rather than a destination,” said Sam Mann, leader of Otago Polytechnic’s Education for Sustainability Programme.  “We will probably never get there – there will always be something we can do better. The real measure of our success will be when graduates are empowered to do the right thing in the workplace.”

Otago Polytechnic has held a symbiotic relationship with The Natural Step Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand since early 2006.  The Natural Step Framework is a foundational element of this new statement of Otago’s long-term vision, intermediate goals, and ongoing student and community engagement.  Dr Morgan Williams, Chair of The Natural Step Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand has been pleased with the progress of the school. “Otago Polytechnic is truly a 21st century tertiary education leader, embracing sustainability teaching and learning like no other New Zealand institution.”  For more information about our work in New Zealand, visit our website www.thenaturalstep.org/new-zealand.