At Dunmore Lang College, we believe in leaving the world a little better than we found it.
Our commitment to creating a more sustainable future is reflected in the many initiatives across our College that encourage mindful living, environmental responsibility, and positive change. But leaving a lasting legacy is about more than sustainability – it is also about the people and the community we build along the way.
DLC is proud to be recognised for the way we welcome others and foster a genuine sense of belonging, creating a place where everyone can feel valued, connected, and at home. Together, we are working to leave strong, meaningful footprints – not just for today, but for the generations who will walk through our doors tomorrow.
Read more below about how DLC is making a difference and shaping a brighter future for the next generation.
Building a Future Worth Protecting
Even the smallest choices at Dunmore Lang College can make a meaningful difference. Our Dining Hall mug collection has been thoughtfully created through upcycling, with every mug sourced from local charity shops. By giving pre-loved items a new life, we are reducing waste and embracing a more sustainable approach to everyday living, while also helping to put money back into our local charity community. It is a simple example of how sustainability and community can go hand in hand – creating positive impact both within DLC and beyond our College walls.
Our new coffee machine is another small step towards a more sustainable future at DLC. While we do have disposable cups available onsite, we are committed to making sure the waste they create is managed responsibly. Through our partnership with Doyle Bros, all rubbish from across the College is carefully sorted, with recyclables separated from general waste and non-recyclable waste converted into Processed Engineered Fuel (PEF), rather than being sent to landfill. By using a co-mingled waste service, we can also avoid the risk of contaminated recycling bins being sent entirely to landfill when even a single non-recyclable item is placed in them. It is another way DLC is thinking beyond the everyday, making thoughtful choices that protect our environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.
This approach helps us reduce landfill to less than 2% of our total waste output.
Energy efficient lighting
Our lighting throughout college uses LED bulbs that “power down” overnight to save energy.
This helps reduce unnecessary energy consumption and associated carbon emissions, while also lowering electricity costs and extending the lifespan of our lighting.
eco-friendly cleaning
The cleaning chemicals used throughout college are certified as biodegradable and eco-friendly, helping to reduce our environmental impact. They are designed to break down more safely after use, reducing the risk of harmful chemicals entering waterways and ecosystems. Using environmentally responsible cleaning products also supports a healthier indoor environment for students, staff and visitors.
Electronics disposal
Collection boxes for batteries and other electronics are located outside of the main office reception.
Each year, we collect and consolidate our unwanted or disposable items and donations before taking them to a local recycling point. This helps reduce waste sent to landfill, supports the reuse and recycling of valuable materials, and contributes to a more sustainable community.
Pillow rejuvenation program
We work with Dream Clean Pillows to rejuvenate approximately 550–600 pillows, cleaning and restoring the existing polyester filling rather than replacing them.
This program keeps hundreds of kilograms of materials in use each year, extending the life of our bedding and reducing unnecessary waste. Where pillows can no longer be used, suitable items are repurposed and donated to homeless shelters and community organisations across Sydney.
Recognised for the way we welcome, and the way we belong.
Macquarie University Reconciliation Award
The College congratulated Dr Alasdair Murrie-West on receiving the inaugural Macquarie University Reconciliation Award, recognising the work of Dr Murrie-West and College staff in developing a cohesive bicultural support programme for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students living at Dunmore Lang while studying at Macquarie.
From modest beginnings, the team worked closely with Walanga Muru — Macquarie’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student engagement office — particularly Ms Emily Sutton, and with Mr Brian Hurd, Macquarie University Scholarships Manager, to build an integrated set of resources and support: a culturally safe home away from home where students gain leadership and cultural experience alongside their degrees. Beginning with five students in 2013, this year the College welcomed forty-six students of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage from all over Australia.
APSAA Excellence in Student Experience Award
The College was the recipient of the 2019 APSAA Excellence in Student Experience Award (Institutions Under 500 Beds) for its Inclusive Indigenous Cultural Programme — a programme built on the simple idea that culture should be visibly valued and respected, not merely accepted.
Good Food, Less Waste, Greener Future
Locally sourced and thoughtfully used
- At Dunmore Lang College, our commitment to sustainability also extends to the food we serve. We work with ethically sourced suppliers as part of our catering offering, making thoughtful choices about where our food comes from and how it is produced.1
- Any leftover meals are added to our salad bar daily to create additional meals.
- Our hot serve and salad bar is monitored by on-site catering staff to help reduce waste.
- All meals are prepared on-site to reduce wrapping wastage.
- For our late-night dining service, we use low-impact disposable wooden cutlery as a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic options. This simple choice helps us reduce our reliance on single-use plastics while still providing students with a convenient option when dining outside of regular mealtimes.
A buzzing campus atmosphere
- Dunmore Lang provides a home for native stingless bees, which are located around college grounds to boost pollination and support the native bee populations.
- Additionally, we have created unique native flowering gardens, alongside a vegetable and herb garden, to provide a thriving environment for our campus bees and support the native birdlife that calls DLC home.
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Paper and cardboard waste
Please use the designated paper and cardboard recycling bin behind the kitchen to ensure these materials are properly recycled and kept out of general waste.
returning crockery
By returning College crockery and cutlery after each use, we can keep our existing items in circulation, reducing the need to purchase replacements and helping to minimise waste.
Reduce power use
Help us reduce energy use by switching off lights, appliances, fans, heaters and other electronics whenever they are not in use – including air conditioning and equipment in our social spaces.
Reduce water use
Help us reduce water waste by turning off taps while shaving or brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, waiting until you have a full load before running the washing machine, and reporting any leaks as soon as you spot them.
