glyndwr.ac.uk/sustainability environmental sustainability strategy

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1 glyndwr.ac.uk/sustainability environmental sustainability strategy

2 overview of the environmental sustainability strategy Glyndŵr University s Environmental Sustainability Strategy provides a strategic framework that will influence and shape the organisation so that it will be recognised as demonstrating best practise in environmental and sustainable excellence. Glyndŵr University is committed to understanding and managing its impact on the environment and therefore this strategy will also help to strengthen and drive forward the following activities: The Integration of environmental management into the University s governance The Improvement of procedures for efficient use of resources The establishment of management systems that will drive performance The creation of a sustainable culture and ethos through staff, student and community engagement The Environmental Sustainability strategy has been developed alongside complimentary strategies such as the Learning and Teaching Strategy, Estates Strategy and Communication Strategy. It has also been written in alignment with the aims and objectives of the Welsh Government s Business and Environmental Action Plan for Wales. the mission and vision of the University MISSION Glyndŵr University strives to be a Market Led, Student Centred University of International Significance Open to All. VISION Glyndŵr University aims to become indispensable as a significant, relevant and expert partner in regional and national economic and social development. Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy seeks to support this mission by striving to make the University a more environmentally aware, energy efficient and cost effective Institution that meets its environmental, ethical and social responsibilities. This Environmental sustainability strategy sets out the vision and key objectives for the next 3 years, building on progress to date and brings together the University s existing policies, commitments, sustainability themed strategies and associated delivery plans. 2

3 the core values of the University The implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan will always be influenced by the University s Core Values which are: Respect for the individual, for the expression of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge; Educational, academic and professional integrity; Care for students, colleagues and customers and the anticipation of their needs and requirements; Organizational commitment to the pursuit of excellence and loyalty to the University as a community of learning strategic themes aligned to the priorities of Wales The University has defined a set of core strategic themes as articulated in the Strategic Plan These are: A. Financial sustainability, planning, and effectiveness B. Responding to the economic needs of Wales C. The transformation agenda, reconfiguration and collaboration D. Developing higher level skills for Wales E. Reconfiguration of teacher education F. Widening access, participation and progression G. Welsh language strategy and Coleg Ffederal H. Aligning education and training with the future labour market needs of Wales I. Developing research excellence for Wales and the commercialisation agenda J. HE international and building the capacity of Wales to compete internationally objectives aligned to the strategic themes In order to support the University s core strategic themes, the Environmental Sustainability Strategy will focus on the following key priorities:- Priority 1 - Carbon Reduction Priority 2 - Education for Environmental Sustainability Priority 3 - Partnership and Engagement Priority 4 - Environmental impact of the Estate Priority 5 - Quality Assurance 3

4 carbon reduction priority 1 To use energy more efficiently, to reduce the University s carbon emissions through efficient and responsible use of energy, and contribute towards UK government targets of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by To achieve this aim, our objectives are: To communicate with staff and students and other stakeholders about the importance and value of carbon and energy savings in achieving the University s strategic aim To produce a carbon management plan for increased energy efficiency 3. To develop and refurbish the University s estate so as to minimise additional carbon costs 4. To monitor and progressively reduce overall utility (water, gas and electricity) consumption throughout the University 5. To monitor and progressively reduce the volume of scope 1, 2 and 3 - namely air and business travel by road, waste and water emissions defined as the University s carbon footprint 6. To develop an understanding of and capture other scope 3 emissions, including wider staff/ student commuting and procurement Carbon Management Plan to be completed by end of 2012 To reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2015 relative to the 2005/06 baseline To reduce carbon emissions by 34% by 2020 relative to the 2009/10 base line Reduce carbon dioxide omissions by 10% above current building regulations for new builds and 7% for refurbishments Monthly updates to staff, students and stakeholders on carbon and energy savings through a variety of communications 4 ; Carbon Management Plan Heating Policy Energy Policy

5 education for environmental sustainability To foster and embed sustainable development and awareness of environmental issues across the curriculum and within the University community. To achieve this aim, our objectives are:- 1. To carry out a review of programme provision on ESDGC 2. To provide flexible opportunities for staff and students to engage in learning about environmental and sustainable development 3. To establish a network of Green Champions across the University who promote and share environmental practises and initiatives To explore opportunities for student involvement in sustainability projects To participate in collaborative initiatives in ESDGC in Wales ESDGC review of programme provision completed by end of % of programmes making effective contribution to sustainable development by 2014 Sustainability workshops offered to all University staff Student Environmental Induction developed for the start of the academic year 2013/14 Participation in 2 Environmental and Sustainability National Awareness Campaigns Showcase good practise through a variety of communications priority 2 CASE STUDY Go Green From Monday 6th February to Thursday 9th February 2012, Glyndŵr University held a Go Green campaign which saw over 300 staff and students get involved. The event which took place over 4 days included:- Fantastic ideas about how to cook unusual vegetables thanks to Horticulture Wales Free Hippo handouts, thanks to Welsh Water. A scheme to reduce water consumption when flushing the WC at home. 51 Hippos were given out, helping to save around 38,000 litres of water per annum The launch of KeepCup. Using a Keepcup regularly will help the University save on waste. When purchased from any of the catering outlets, customers receive a FREE hot drink Veolia visited to talk about waste management. Did you know 74% of the waste the University generates is recycled? A talk by Alf Jones Cycles about the Cycle to Work Scheme. North Wales Police providing all cyclists with bike locks. 100 locks were handed out to staff and students to help keep property safe A farmers market with local producers promoting and selling their products at very reasonable prices 5

6 priority 3 partnership & engagement To create opportunities where staff, students and stakeholders can develop and share their knowledge, skills and experiences to engage with and contribute effectively to tackling environmental, sustainable development and global challenges. To achieve this aim, our objectives are:1. To create a framework whereby staff and students can get involved in practical sustainability 2. To provide opportunities for community engagement in sustainability activities on the University estate 3. To communicate current environmental sustainability activities and achievements to staff, students and stakeholders 4. To actively seek formal and informal partnerships with strategic regional, national and international stakeholders and identify opportunities to exchange knowledge and best practise A publically available Environmental and Sustainability Strategy in place by Sept 2012 Network of 50 Green Champions in place by end of 2013 Staff Sustainability Awards implemented by 2014 as part of the Celebrating Staff Success programme To participate in the Green Impact Awards in 2013 & 2014 Students Guild to participate in Green Gown Awards by 2014 A staff/student environmental suggestion scheme in place by January 2013 with small contribution funding to initiatives that help achieve strategic objectives CASE STUDY Horticulture Wales A dedicated team at the Northop campus are looking to improve the use of local, sustainable produce as part of its mission to develop one of the Welsh economy s most vital industries. Promoting horticulture from small growers to major firms, Horticulture Wales is leading the way in ensuring the industry is moving with the times and reaching its full potential. Funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the team work hand in hand with the industry to help them improve and modernise processes, as well as educating the public about the range of produce on their doorsteps. A key project has been the Grow to Love campaign, which allows businesses to benefit from marketing workshops and study tours to help them promote local produce, as well as producing marketing and information material to support its aims. 6

7 environmental impact of the estate To achieve this aim, our objectives are:to deliver operational objectives, targets and delivery plans under the following themes: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Environmental Management System Waste Management Sustainable Travel Biodiversity Natural Resources Sustainable Procurement Construction and Refurbishment priority 4 To reduce the environmental impact of our operational activities and to make a positive contribution to the local environment through the management of our estate. The following objectives relate to the work of the Estates department and Campus Services, working together with support from the Health, Safety and Environment team. As work is at an early stage within some of the themes, objectives here relate to reviewing the baseline and establishing systems rather than achieving specific environmental targets. CASE STUDY Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium In August 2011 the university bought the Racecourse stadium, home of Wrexham FC and the Crusaders rugby league team. Since then the university has carried out repair and improvement work across the stadium, covering areas from health and safety to customer satisfaction. Sustainability has been at the forefront of the university s thinking in relation to the stadium, and water saving measures have been introduced in the urinals in two of the stands. A major project was the replacement of the ageing boiler in the stadium with a brand new Hanworthy oil model. The boiler is 87% efficient, compared to just 48% for the previous, 30-year-old boiler. 7

8 4a. environmental management system To establish a formal system for managing the University s significant environmental aspects and impacts. To achieve this aim, our objectives are:- 1. To create a framework for ensuring our operations and activities are assessed, targets set, progress monitored and continuous improvements achieved 2. To comply with all applicable legal requirements and other requirements to which the University subscribes Environmental Management System in place and operational by December 2012 To achieve ISO14001 accreditation by 2013 To improve our position in the People and Planet Green League tables Environmental Management System Green League 3. To ensure that the Environmental Sustainability Policy is reviewed annually, documented, implemented and maintained to ensure continual improvement in environmental performance 4b. waste management To adopt a sustainable approach to waste management through the application of the sustainable waste hierarchy of reduce, reuse and recycle. To achieve this aim, our objectives are:- 1. To reduce the total amount of waste generated each year 2. To divert waste from landfill through reuse and recycling initiatives 3. To reduce the cost of waste disposal 4. To encourage and influence staff, students and visitors to follow the waste hierarch principals Reduce total waste to landfill by 2% annually relative to 2009/10 levels by 2013 To achieve 90% recycling by 2013/14 Increase recycling by 3% annually Improve procedures to record waste management information including waste composition and management information and legal documentation Segregation and recycle of catering preparation and end wastes by 2013 The removal of general waste bins from all office and classrooms by 2013 Waste Management Action Plan 8

9 4c. sustainable travel To reduce the local, national and global environmental impact of the University s travel demands. To achieve this aim our objectives are:1. To review, implement and communicate a Sustainable Travel Plan to staff, students and visitors to the University Sustainable Travel Plan reviewed and updated by end of December 2012 To annually reduce the proportion of staff single occupancy car journeys to Glyndŵr University by 2% To annually reduce the proportion of student single occupancy car journeys to Glyndŵr University by 2% To annually calculate and publish CO2 emissions arising from all forms of business travel 2. To encourage more sustainable means of transport 3. To encourage more sustainable ways of working 4. To review and revise current business related travel policies and capture commuter and business travel data for carbon foot printing purposes Sustainable Travel Plan 4d. biodiversity To protect, preserve and enhance natural habitats, local wildlife and biological diversity on sites that the University owns or manages. To achieve this aim, our objectives are:1. Monitor, maintain and conserve existing biodiversity within the University s estate 2. Enhance biodiversity and species conservation on the University s campuses 3. Use the habitat resources appropriately and sensitively for observational, environmental science and Education in Sustainable Development 4. Develop the use of sustainable land management practices where appropriate 5. Promote awareness and appreciation of conservation and the richness of biodiversity within the local and wider communities Review Biodiversity Action Plan and progress against targets annually Continue to develop the work with FWAG, Forestry Commission and Highways Agency on enhancing biodiversity 3 x staff student or community volunteering activities relating to biodiversity enhancement to take place in 2012/13 Biodiversity Enhancement Plan 9

10 4e. natural resources To conserve natural resources through efficient and responsible use and management. To achieve this aim, our objectives are:- To reduce water consumption across the University estate To reduce total water consumption (m3) by 5% by 2013 on 2009/10 levels 50% of DEC compliant buildings to be fitted with water sub meter by x water awareness campaign to be carried out during 2012/13 and 2013/14 Develop a phased sub metering programme for the majority of the non residential Estate (DEC complaint buildings) so that each building has a separate water (and electricity/gas meter) by 2013 Develop a phased sub metering programme for the majority of the residential Estate (to a flat/ block level) so that each residential building has a separate water (and electricity/gas meter) by f. sustainable procurement To positively influence the environmental performance of supplier s goods and services and to ensure procurement is carried out in a socially responsible manner. To achieve this aim, our objectives are:- 1. To review, implement and communicate a Sustainable Procurement Policy and processes Annual review and communication of Sustainable Procurement Policy Annual review of Ethical Investment Policy Retention of University s Fairtrade status 4 events per annum held to raise awareness of Fair- Trade Achievement of KPI s as outlined in the high risk commodity action plans To apply whole life costing when purchasing goods and services To adopt an Ethical Investment Policy To develop procurement action plans and targets for high risk commodity areas ( Food, Construction, Utilities, IT equipment, Paper) by January 2013 Maintain and continually promote the Fairtrade status of the University and grow its visibility and impact Sustainable Procurement Policy Sustainable Food Policy Sustainable IT Policy Sustainable Construction Policy Sustainable Printing Policy 10

11 4g. construction and refurbishment To reduce the environmental impact of our construction and refurbishment projects. Solar panels on the Centre for the Creative Industries To achieve this aim, our objectives are:1. To ensure new buildings and refurbishments take into account sustainable construction principals and address: emissions to air, land and water, waste generation, travel by contractors and suppliers, conservation of natural resources, energy use, and protection and enhancement of biodiversity on site 2. To encourage suppliers to adopt sustainable construction principals. Thus improving their own environmental performance All new building projects to achieve BREEAM Excellent and, as a minimum, will achieve Very Good accreditation All major refurbishment projects over 500k to achieve BREEAM Good Equivalent standards including a minimum code 3 rating will be achieved for residential accommodation using the Code for Sustainable Homes Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10% above current building regulations for new builds and 7% for refurbishments Provide 10% of energy requirements from renewable and low carbon energy sources for all new build projects BREEAM Considerate construction Frameworks Sustainable Construction Policy 11

12 priority 5 quality control 12 To ensure that the aims, objectives and targets contained within this strategy are delivered to the highest standards and in a transparent and verifiable manner. To achieve this aim, our objectives are:1. To ensure that we comply with environmental legislation 2. To regularly review our performance in sustainability-related league tables and seek third party endorsement of achievements where appropriate 3. To provide effective communications to raise awareness of sustainability issues and to communicate environmental achievements to all staff, students and stakeholders 4. To foster a culture of responsible citizenship with all staff and students and to achieve a critical mass of competent staff to deliver our vision and targets Achievement of ISO by 2013 Sustainability Advisory Group to report annually to Finance and Resource Committee on progress and performance Environmental sustainability training available to all university staff and integrated into staff induction programmes Achievement of accreditations ie Fairtrade status, Carbon Trust Standard Annual Improvement in position within the Green League table

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