SPOT the difference at TAFE


SPOT 4 Image
One of the many College gardens with sub surface reticulation

More SPOTS


Clare O'Mara, Winner of first prize, the iPod Nano

Central West TAFE has been an active participant in effective sustainability practice over many years. In April this year Central West TAFE went a step further, with the launch of the Sustainability Project of TAFE (SPOT). The SPOT program is about raising awareness of sustainable projects, such as water saving devises and energy saving initiates at the College to staff, students and encouraging all visitors to participate in good sustainability practice.

The SPOT program was launched at TAFE on 30th April in conjunction with Sustainability Awareness Week, which included activities such as Spot the SPOT competition, prize draw and SPOT website launch.

Bert Beevers Image
Bert Beevers, Managing Director of Central West TAFE, submitting his competition entry form.
Several SPOT’s have been strategically placed around the Fitzgerald Street Campus. Each SPOT represents a sustainability initiative that Central West TAFE has implemented. If you wish to learn more about a particular SPOT a web page has been developed which is available via the Central West TAFE website (www.centralwest.wa.gov.au). The SPOT web page will provide descriptions of all SPOT projects and also connect the visitor to relevant external websites, government plans and includes information such as eco footprints and environmental impacts.

The College has implemented various sustainable projects to assist in the reduction of water, energy and waste consumption. For example, the College uses low energy fluorescent tubes in all their light fittings and utilizes time switches, master switches and daylight switches to control office, classroom and ground lighting. The College has also removed non essential lawns, installed sub surface reticulation watering systems and have converted their water features from scheme water to ground water. Over the past 3 years Central West TAFE Geraldton Campus have reduced their water usage from a peak of 64,000 kilolitres in 2005 to 51,000 kilolitres in 2008, a huge saving of 20% and are anticipating further reductions in 2009.

Canteen Staff Members Chriss Read and Pip Burkett with Cooking Oil used in Bio Diesel production

Managing Director of Central West TAFE, Mr. Bert Beevers, is passionate and supportive of sustainability. Mr. Beevers said “As the Midwest region is at the intersect of the tropical North and temperate South, most commentators suggest that it will be significantly impacted by climate change. As one of the largest employers in the region, and a teaching and learning institution, it is very important that Central West TAFE not only reduces its carbon foot print and conserves water, but also showcases and champions what can be done and how to do it” . Mr. Beevers continued, “Central West TAFE also has some sustainability project funding applications in the pipeline and should they be successful, it is the College’ s intention to establish a Sustainable Technologies Training Centre”.

The SPOT Campaign will be an ever evolving project that will monitor water, energy and waste consumption, recognize active participation and identify areas where improvement is required.