Let's Get Green! Originally uploaded by ecstaticist.

The Robertson Library is going green. We have been taking steps (even small ones) to reduce our environmental footprint and improve the well-being of all users of the library.

Here are some of the steps we have been taking to raise our awareness and to change our use of resources.

Paper use
As a result of user feedback most public printers and photocopiers in the Library now use recycled paper. This paper contains 60% recycled fibre sourced from pre- and post-consumer waste. All library staff are already using recycled paper and double-sided printing.

According to the Australian Conservation Foundation, producing one tonne of recycled paper saves a lot of resources, including 31,780 litres of water and 2.5 barrels of oil. See the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Little Paper Book for more information.

Recycling
Library staff currently recycle all used paper, and we're investigating options for recycling outdated equipment such as computers.

The Bookshop has recycling boxes for mobile phones and ink cartridges (printer, fax, photocopier), so, next time you are looking to dispose of an old mobile phone or empty ink cartridges, why not bring them to the Bookshop?

Energy use
All computers in the library are set to switch off automatically when the library is closed.

We’re also trying to switch lights off when a room is not in use. You will now notice that the group study rooms on level 6 (rooms 610, 611, 612, 615, 616, 619, and 620) are dark when they’re not being used. Please feel free to use these rooms as normal, and remember to switch the lights off when you leave!

More work is being done to reduce artificial lighting in areas of the library where there is already plenty of natural light.

Commuting
Parking is always a bit of a challenge on Bentley campus – have you considered using public transport instead? Bentley campus is quite well-served with public transport options, with the newest service being the bus and train services from the Canning Bridge station.

Of course, taking public transport also means you are doing your bit to reduce pollution!

These are just beginning steps. We need to do more to reduce our impact on the environment. What else do you think we could be doing?