Environmental Policy. Awareness and Publicity

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1 Environmental Policy Northumbria University has a long established commitment to ensuring it operates in a responsible manner, one that both protects and nurtures the environment; this is reflected in the University s Corporate Strategy which commits to a significant improvement in Environmental Sustainability. This Environmental Policy sets out the University's aims and objectives for building upon its previous success in safeguarding the environment. The policy contributes to improving the quality of the environment not only for those working in or living around all university sites but also at a regional and global level. Awareness and Publicity An understanding of environmental issues, particularly climate change is evidenced in staff and student engagement programs. The University s website contains detailed information on environmental awareness. Energy and Utilities The University continues to monitor and work to its annual environmental performance targets, which are detailed in full in the Carbon Management Plan which is currently due for republishing in Novemebr 2014 with a detailed implementation strategy after a comprehensive audit of the full estate was undertaken in Summer 2014 The University as a minimum audits its monthly usage and carbon emissions in these areas to identify and procure "best value regional and national utilities. Aiming to acquire as much green tariff energy as possible. Transport The implementations of new IT solutions are all carried out in accordance with the latest available energy saving measures. The practical implementation of the University's travel plan began with its approval in March In summary the travel plan implementation has achieved:

2 Staff Car commuting down 9% 2005 to 2012 Staff Public Transport commuting up 10% 2005 to 2012 Staff Cycle commuting up 6% 2005 to 2012 The 2014 survey result is due in late 2014 Waste The 2002/3 review of University waste management led to the University's "Waste Management and Reduction Strategy. Since this a further Waste Management Policy has been implemented which has fully met key targets: Achieve less than 5% landfill Increase recycling to 86% In July 2006, the University fully implemented a policy for the re-use of office furniture. Since 2006 approximately 2,000 items of furniture have been re-used internally or externally Estates Manageme nt The University s bio-diversity policy was agreed in 2009 and a revised policy with targets is being produced for summer 2014 A new Sustainability Management Group chaired by the Chief Operating Officer was established in 2014 and is attended by all areas of the University to ensure whole organizational representation

3 Environmental Policy Statement Northumbria University recognises that its activities and wider influences impact upon the environment. It is committed to full compliance with environmental legislation and will strive to continuously improve its environmental performance. The University will seek to develop amongst staff and students an appreciation of their role in bringing about environmental improvement both as members of the University community and as members of society at large. Pursuant of these aims the University will: in relation to awareness and publicity: promote awareness of environmental issues and its environmental policy amongst staff, students and the organisations and individuals with whom it is associated provide appropriate mechanisms for staff and students to contribute to the development of its environmental programme ensure that it has access to up to date information on environmental legislation and best practice in order to make informed decisions publicise its efforts in relation to environmental management to a wider audience in relation to energy and utility use: implement an effective energy and utilities management strategy to reduce consumption and associated environmental impact as well as cost implement, monitor, record and evaluate target performance levels for individual buildings by extended utilisation and extension of energy management software and systems increase consumption of 'green' energy sources as a proportion of total energy consumption, consistent with a value for money approach hypothecate savings made from energy and utilities conservation measures for investment in further measures

4 actively promote awareness of energy saving and conservation issues amongst staff, students and the general users of the University and its facilities in relation to estate management: consider 'whole life' costs and environmental impact in the design, specification and procurement of construction and building services projects implement environmental efficient design as a key criteria in the development of new buildings and major refurbishment of existing buildings utilise items contributing to environmental improvement and good practice in relation to the general upgrading and maintenance of the University estate take account of the implications for energy efficiency in relation to the planned use and operation of buildings and facilities enhance the visual appearance of the campus by careful design and maintenance of external spaces pay careful consideration to the implications for biodiversity when designing and maintaining external spaces in relation to purchasing: buy less, but better, in order to minimise impact on the environment where costs are consistent with 'value for money', consider and purchase goods and services which are manufactured/remanufactured, used and disposed of in an environmentally friendlier manner assess major suppliers current practice with regard to environmental issues consider where appropriate 'whole life' costs and environmental impacts when assessing tenders for goods and services in relation to transport: adopt and implement a comprehensive travel plan which advises, encourages and assists staff and students to use the most sustainable mode of transport available to them when travelling to and from the University continue to increase the amount of University vehicles which have lower and less harmful emissions work with suppliers, where transport is a major factor, in our purchasing of their services to encourage and actively promote improvement in their own fleet environmental performances.

5 in relation to waste management: reduce the generation of solid waste, atmospheric emissions and effluent ensure that waste is managed in a manner consistent with legal requirements and best practice increase the reuse and recycling of waste materials Management of the Policy Responsibility for the implementation of the environmental policy rests with all members of the University community. However, certain areas and individuals, as a result of the nature of their work, will have a key role to play. The Chief Operating Officer has overall responsibility for the environmental policy. Responsibility for strategic management lies with the Sustainability Management Group. Revised July 2014

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