Highly Commended/Sustainability Leadership category
Ms. Emilia Bisogni, Sustainability Coordinator at the University of Melbourne, has been a pivotal figure in advancing the University’s sustainability initiatives since 2019. Emilia’s innovative approach to embedding circular economy principles and her dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability have resulted in significant environmental impacts. Through her leadership, numerous projects have been implemented, leading to substantial waste diversion and enhanced sustainability engagement among the University community.
Impacts and Benefits
- Led the Choose to Reuse Plate Program, diverting over 800,000 items from landfill since its inception.
- Implemented the Green Caffeen reusable swap cup system, preventing 8500 disposable cups from reaching landfill.
- Established the first ACTS Circular Economy Group to promote shared learning and collaboration across institutions.
Leadership and Engagement
- Created and managed the University’s first Sustainability Student Volunteering program, engaging 700 students who completed nearly 4000 hours of volunteering.
- Coordinated the Melbourne Farmers Market on campus, securing a $15,000 grant to revive the market post-COVID, supporting local farmers and sustainable practices.
- Developed and implemented the Choose to Reuse Events Service, facilitating over 200 sustainable events and diverting 55,000 items from landfill.
Wider Societal Impact
- Partnered with Brainwave Bikes to provide affordable, second-hand bicycles to students and staff, supporting sustainable transport options.
- Conducted the University’s first waste audit since 2019, leading to a comprehensive Waste to Landfill Strategy and securing $100,000 for expanded organics and cardboard collection.
- Implemented the Litter Looker app in partnership with Shrunk, conducting 130 waste audits to identify and address contamination issues.
Achievements
- Choose to Reuse Plate Program has become a model for other universities, with site tours and a masterclass hosted for 100 attendees, influencing $622,000 in funding for similar initiatives.
- Waste Hub at the Student Precinct now diverts 70% of waste from landfill, with 20,000 kg of organic waste diverted since March 2023.
- Developed a reuse vending machine providing affordable, sustainable items like keep cups and water bottles, with over 400 items sold.
Related finalists
Highly Commended/Nature Positive
Highly Commended/Nature Positive
Climate Action/Highly Commended
Climate Action/Highly Commended
Sustainability Leadership
Sustainability Leadership
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Highly Commended
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Highly Commended
Highly Commended/Staff Champion
Highly Commended/Staff Champion
Sustainability Leadership
Sustainability Leadership
Past Winners
Benefitting Society/Winners
Benefitting Society/Winners
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability/Winners
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability/Winners
Climate Action/Winners
Climate Action/Winners
Sustainability Institution of the Year/Winners
Sustainability Institution of the Year/Winners
Creating Impact/Winners
Creating Impact/Winners
Creating Impact/Winners
Creating Impact/Winners
Ms. Emilia Bisogni, Sustainability Coordinator at the University of Melbourne, has been a pivotal figure in advancing the University’s sustainability initiatives since 2019. Emilia’s innovative approach to embedding circular economy principles and her dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability have resulted in significant environmental impacts. Through her leadership, numerous projects have been implemented, leading to substantial waste diversion and enhanced sustainability engagement among the University community.
Impacts and Benefits
- Led the Choose to Reuse Plate Program, diverting over 800,000 items from landfill since its inception.
- Implemented the Green Caffeen reusable swap cup system, preventing 8500 disposable cups from reaching landfill.
- Established the first ACTS Circular Economy Group to promote shared learning and collaboration across institutions.
Leadership and Engagement
- Created and managed the University’s first Sustainability Student Volunteering program, engaging 700 students who completed nearly 4000 hours of volunteering.
- Coordinated the Melbourne Farmers Market on campus, securing a $15,000 grant to revive the market post-COVID, supporting local farmers and sustainable practices.
- Developed and implemented the Choose to Reuse Events Service, facilitating over 200 sustainable events and diverting 55,000 items from landfill.
Wider Societal Impact
- Partnered with Brainwave Bikes to provide affordable, second-hand bicycles to students and staff, supporting sustainable transport options.
- Conducted the University’s first waste audit since 2019, leading to a comprehensive Waste to Landfill Strategy and securing $100,000 for expanded organics and cardboard collection.
- Implemented the Litter Looker app in partnership with Shrunk, conducting 130 waste audits to identify and address contamination issues.
Achievements
- Choose to Reuse Plate Program has become a model for other universities, with site tours and a masterclass hosted for 100 attendees, influencing $622,000 in funding for similar initiatives.
- Waste Hub at the Student Precinct now diverts 70% of waste from landfill, with 20,000 kg of organic waste diverted since March 2023.
- Developed a reuse vending machine providing affordable, sustainable items like keep cups and water bottles, with over 400 items sold.
Related finalists
Sustainability Leadership
Sustainability Leadership
Highly Commended/Staff Champion
Highly Commended/Staff Champion
Other finalists
Climate Action
Climate Action
Sustainability Champion – Staff/Winners
Sustainability Champion – Staff/Winners
Student Engagement
Student Engagement