The vision of the GCI is to shift UCT towards a carbon neutral, environmentally conscious institution through the volunteer efforts of staff and students.
It also aims to become a vehicle to create, support and implement green projects driven by the university community that will reduce UCT's carbon footprint and increase its use of sustainable practices.
[1] GCI is involved in a large range of green projects and has established itself as the go-to group for environmental issues[2] for students.
A key component is the Campus Carpooling system – an online database that matches interested students up with others who live in their area.
Campus Carpooling offers students an opportunity to save money on petrol, find parking more easily, and make new friends.
Such events include screenings of environmental documentary films, tree-planting days, talks by professionals in the environment field, and social gatherings for the purpose of contact-building.
Through an assortment of green-overall-clad students blowing whistles and teasing 'green-offenders', the Green Police adds a lighthearted approach to environmental awareness.
Initiatives started by staff members in the Botany and Kramer buildings on campus have become practical examples of what can be achieved with time and determination.
This presentation tells students about GCI, what it does, and how to become a volunteer, as well as introduces many of them to crucial environmental issues such as climate change for the first time.