The Department Sustainability Challenge (DSC) returns for its sixth year today. The DSC pits the sustainability skills of department teams against each other in a bid to claim prizes and titles at an awards ceremony later in the year. For Business and Economics Senior Lecturer Dr James Hazelton, the challenge adds a whole new dimension to working on campus.

“Macquarie does great work in sustainability; on campus, in teaching and in research too,” said James. “The DSC gives me a better understanding of sustainability, the satisfaction of addressing sustainability issues and the impetus to do something out of the ordinary.”

And out of the ordinary he did, rallying his department during last year’s Challenge to venture ‘outback’ to Mars Creek, to take part in the litter challenge ‘MOOP Troop’.

Since last year’s Challenge, James says sustainability now has a much higher profile in his department, being discussed in department meetings and corridor conversations. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know the people we work with better.

“I’m passionate about sustainability and I know many others in my department are now too,” said James. “The DSC provides a good focus for us all to work together on projects that are both worthwhile and lots of fun.”

For more information about the categories in this year’s Challenge or to register your department, visit the Sustainability website, or attend the information session on Tuesday 5 August.