Investors in the Environment
Manual
Version 3
January 2014
Authorised for issue by
Paul R. Taylor
Sustainability Manager
1
Investors in the Environment
Six Step Process
Table of Contents
2
Introduction and Scope
3
Step 1 - Environmental Policy
4
Step 2 - Measure Resource Use
Electricity
Gas
Water
Waste sent to landfill
Glass and food waste recovery
Commuting by single-occupancy car
5
Step 3 - Set Targets
7
Step 4 - Action Plans
Electricity
Gas
Water
Waste sent to landfill
Glass and food waste recovery
Commuting by single-occupancy car
8
Step 5 - Monitoring and Reporting Progress
16
Step 6 - Accreditation
16
Within the manual, any text shown in bold blue font contains a hyperlink to further content
on the internet.
Version Information
Version
1
2
3
Date of Issue
13/03/2013
04/04/2013
20/01/2014
Review Date
12/09/2013
03/10/2013
19/07/2014
Comments
Version 1 created
Version 1 superseded by Version 2
Version 2 superseded by Version 3
2
Introduction
The University of Northampton is a dynamic, modern university situated in the heart of England,
which was awarded full university title and research degree awarding powers in 2005. The University
has two Northampton-based campuses and a number of satellite buildings, and has over 12,000
students and 1,500 staff. It has grown significantly since 2005, both in terms of student numbers and
buildings, and now occupies 107,000m2 of internal area, which is more than 17% greater than in 2005.
The University provides a unique resource to Northamptonshire and surrounding counties, not only
through the learning and skills development offered to individuals and employees, but also from the
highly skilled graduate workforce, bespoke consultancy and research that it delivers.
The University of Northampton recognises that its activities impact upon the local and global
environment, and we acknowledge a responsibility for, and a commitment to, lessening their impact. Under the direction of the University's cross-functional Health, Safety, Welfare & Environment
Committee we are moving forward in principle and in practice in the areas of:
Energy saving and carbon management
Sustainable travel and transport
Waste minimisation
Biodiversity
Sustainable construction and design
Sustainable procurement
The University’s Sustainability Team oversees the implementation of sustainability initiatives.
Everyone studying, working or living at the University can make a difference and play a valuable part in
creating greener campuses and working towards a sustainable future.
The University has achieved the EcoCampus Silver award for the initial development of its
Environmental Management System, and is working towards ISO14001 accreditation.
Scope
This manual relates to all buildings, estate and activities undertaken on the University’s two campus
sites within Northampton; Avenue Campus (NN2 6JD) and Park Campus (NN2 7AL).
Investors in the Environment
Investors in the Environment (IiE) is a not-for-profit accreditation scheme, giving support to
businesses to help them improve environmental performance. It is designed to help the business sector
save money by both reducing waste and being more energy efficient at a level that the business can
achieve.
This manual summarises aspects of the University’s existing Environment Management System, set out
under the IiE six step process, to show compliance with the IiE Green level criteria to allow auditing.
The manual is maintained by the University’s Sustainability Team, which is based within Infrastructure
Services. The manual will be revised annually and reviewed biannually as a minimum.
3
Step 1 - Environmental Policy
The Health, Safety, Welfare & Environment (HSW&E) Committee is a cross-functional group
that formulates strategy, policy, procedures, implementation structure, objectives and targets
for all significant operations across The University of Northampton that have environmental
impact. The HSW&E Committee has agreed terms of reference.
The University's Environmental Policy has been drawn up by the HSW&E Committee and is
monitored and reviewed annually. It was last reviewed in June 2013 when Version 7 was
authorised by the Chief Operating Officer.
Paul R. Taylor, Sustainability Manager, is the champion for implementing the Policy.
Policy Objectives
The policy seeks:
To lay down specific principles that the University is committed to implement;
To provide a framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets;
To ensure that senior managers recognise their environmental responsibilities and respond
appropriately;
To raise the awareness of staff and students to environmental issues and to encourage them to
take responsibility for the impact of their actions;
To provide a commitment to continual environmental improvement on the University estate and
beyond, through the active involvement of staff and students on campus and engagement with
the wider community.
Policy Statement
The University of Northampton recognises that its activities impact upon the environment
through both its routine internal operations and its infrastructural development, as well as
through its influence and effects on the wider community. It acknowledges a responsibility for
protection of the environment at all levels. It is committed to the prevention of pollution.
The University is committed to complying with applicable legal requirements and with other
requirements to which it subscribes which relate to its environmental aspects. It is committed to
continual improvement and will pursue best practice.
Under the direction of its cross-functional Environmental Working Group the University is
developing an environmental management system (EMS) and is committed to:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Making efficient and environmentally responsible use of energy and water, to help lessen
the consumption of finite resources and emissions of greenhouse gases.
Adopting a strategic approach to waste management and the decommissioning of its
assets by applying the principles of waste minimisation to reduce the volume and
hazardous nature of waste generated.
Managing emissions and discharges in a manner that prevents pollution.
Facilitating modes of transport for staff, students and visitors which help to reduce the
impact of travel on the environment.
Promoting a sustainable balance between the needs for conservation and enhancement
of biodiversity and the natural environment, and the needs of academically-related
development.
Understanding the impact of the built estate on the global and local environment, and
undertaking appropriate actions to enhance the environmental performance of individual
buildings and the estate as a whole during construction and refurbishment.
Undertaking procurement activities in a sustainable manner that takes a long-term view
of purchasing decisions and focuses on reducing environmental impacts and increasing
the benefits that the University has on society.
Engaging with staff and students to raise awareness of environmental issues and gain
their input into environmental management, to enable them to make wise decisions and
to encourage them to take responsibility for the impact of their actions.
Encouraging staff and students to be actively involved in environmental improvement on
the University estate and in engaging with the wider community.
4
Step 2 - Measure Resource Use
This section details the main resources we will be focusing on within the Investors in the
Environment manual. These are taken from the EMS and form part of a planned scheduled of
works to address each resource and its related environmental impact.
Electricity
Park Campus is supplied via 3 half-hourly tariff meters and 8 non-half hourly tariff meters.
Avenue Campus is supplied via 2 half-hourly tariff meters.
All tariff meters are monitored by the University’s sub-metering system, which also includes
building–level meters for almost all campus buildings, giving real-time consumption readings
every half-hour. This data (going back to 2008) is stored on a central server and can be
interrogated by the Sustainability Team.
Cost and consumption data from electricity invoices is loaded into Systemslink software
before being compared to sub-metering data in order to validate each invoice. Consumption
data is used to compile annual building Display Energy Certificates and calculate carbon
emissions.
Baseline annual electricity consumption for 2005/06 academic year was 8,506MWh.
Annual electricity consumption for 2012/13 academic year was 8,423MWh.
Gas
Park Campus is supplied via 12 tariff meters, 10 fitted with supplier AMR.
Avenue Campus is supplied via 5 tariff meters, 4 fitted with supplier AMR.
All tariff meters are monitored by the University’s sub-metering system, which also includes
building–level meters for almost all campus buildings, giving real-time consumption readings
every half-hour. This data (going back to 2008) is stored on a central server and can be
interrogated by the Sustainability Team.
Cost and consumption data from gas invoices is loaded into Systemslink software before
being compared to sub-metering data in order to validate each invoice. Consumption data is
used to compile annual building Display Energy Certificates and calculate carbon emissions.
Baseline annual gas consumption for 2005/06 academic year was 17,949MWh.
Annual gas consumption for 2012/13 academic year was 16,635MWh.
Water
Park Campus is supplied via 1 tariff meter, which is fitted with supplier AMR.
Avenue Campus is supplied via 2 tariff meters, which are fitted with supplier AMR.
All tariff meters are monitored by the University’s sub-metering system, which also includes
building–level meters for many campus buildings, giving real-time consumption readings
every half-hour. This data (going back to 2008) is stored on a central server and can be
interrogated by the Sustainability Team.
Cost and consumption data from water invoices is loaded into Systemslink software before
being compared to sub-metering data in order to validate each invoice. Consumption data is
used to calculate carbon emissions.
Baseline annual water consumption for 2005/06 academic year was 101,069m3.
Annual water consumption for 2012/13 academic year was 83,558m3.
5
Waste sent to landfill
The University has been recording the amount of waste sent to landfill from its two campuses
since 2007/8 academic year. In 2012 the University reviewed and updated its ‘Sustainable
waste and resource management strategy’ and re-tendered its waste and recycling
contracts in order to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Recycling schemes are in operation at both campuses, within offices, academic areas,
catering facilities and Halls of Residence.
Each waste collection is weighed by the University’s waste management contractors and
monthly data is supplied to the Sustainability Team. This data (going back to 2007) is stored
on a central server and can be interrogated by the Sustainability Team, and is used to
calculate carbon emissions. This data is for routine day-to-day campus activities, but does not
include waste from construction or refurbishment projects.
Baseline annual waste sent to landfill for 2007/08 academic year was 570 tonnes.
Annual waste sent to landfill for 2012/13 academic year was 22 tonnes.
Glass and food waste recovery
Following a campus-wide waste audit, glass bottles and food waste were identified as creating
a significant proportion of the total weight of waste arisings across the campuses. It was
initially decided to focus on glass segregation and recovery, before then focussing on food
waste as part of the University’s ‘Sustainable waste and resource management
strategy’. Glass segregation and collections from Halls of Residence and catering facilities
were started in November 2008, with food waste collections commencing in October 2012.
Waste collections are either weighed by the University’s waste management contractors or
the number of wheelie bins emptied is recorded and a volume to weight calculation is
performed, with monthly data supplied to the Sustainability Team. This data (going back to
2008) is stored on a central server and can be interrogated by the Sustainability Team.
Baseline annual glass and food recovered for 2008/09 academic year was 25 tonnes.
Annual glass and food recovered for 2012/13 academic year was 58 tonnes.
Commuting by single-occupancy car
The University encourages students, staff and visitors to consider using alternative transport
methods when travelling to the campuses in order to reduce the congestion and pollution
caused by single-occupancy car travel. The University's Green Travel Plan highlights the
ways in which the University is developing alternative travel options to help reduce
commuting by single-occupancy car.
Local bus services run to and from the University on a regular basis and link to key locations
and transport hubs within Northampton. Train services operate between Northampton and
London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Crewe and other intermediate stations.
Cycling is a cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly way of travelling, with over 350
bicycle spaces located across both campuses. The University operates an internet-based carsharing scheme for use by students and staff.
Staff and student travel surveys and traffic monitoring counts have been carried out since
2008, and are undertaken at regular intervals in order to measure and understand the mode
and level of commuting to/from the University.
Baseline percentage of students and staff commuting by single-occupancy car for 2008/09
academic year was 42.0%.
Annual percentage of students and staff commuting by single-occupancy car for 2012/13
academic year was 39.6%.
6
Step 3 - Set Targets
Resource
Total building area (Gross Internal Area)
Electricity
Target
Unit of
measure
Efficiency factor
m2
43% reduction
by 2020
MWh
2% reduction
kWh/m2
Target Progress
2005/6
2006/7
2007/8
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
91,185
92,063
92,818
93,742
98,058
98,801
99,946
99,861
8,506
8,283
8,112
7,999
8,672
9,003
8,535
8,423
93.3
90.0
87.4
85.3
88.4
91.1
85.4
84.3
3.5%
6.3%
8.6%
5.3%
2.4%
8.5%
9.6%
17,949
16,785
17,341
17,990
18,468
17,213
15,512
16,635
196.8
182.3
186.8
191.9
188.3
174.2
155.2
166.6
7.4%
5.1%
2.5%
4.3%
11.5%
21.1%
15.3%
101,069
92,117
90,325
95,335
97,664
95,059
85,684
83,558
1.11
1.00
0.97
1.02
1.00
0.96
0.86
0.84
9.9%
12.6%
8.1%
9.9%
13.5%
22.5%
24.3%
570
483
456
460
413
22
15.3%
20.0%
19.3%
17.5%
96.1%
25
44
41
38
58
76%
64%
52%
132%
42.0%
41.7%
39.6%
39.6%
0.0%
0.3%
2.4%
2.4%
Efficiency reduction
compared to baseline
Gas
43% reduction
by 2020
MWh
2% reduction
kWh/m2
Efficiency reduction
compared to baseline
Water
43% reduction
by 2020
m3
2% reduction
m3/m2
Efficiency reduction
compared to baseline
Waste sent to landfill
Reduce to zero
by 2015
Tonne
Reduction compared to baseline
Glass & food waste recovery
Collect from all
buildings by 2014
Tonne
Increase compared to baseline
Commuting by single-occupancy car
Reduce to 32%
by 2016
% of staff
& students
42.0%
Reduction compared to baseline
Carbon Footprint*
43% reduction
by 2020
Tonne CO2
8,458
Reduction compared to baseline
7
8,119
8,021
8,057
8,490
8,527
8,026
8,059
4.0%
5.2%
4.7%
-0.4%
-0.8%
5.1%
4.7%
*Annual Carbon Footprint emissions data (carbon dioxide emissions from all University scope 1 and 2 sources, plus other selected
scope 3 sources including from water usage and waste sent to landfill) is calculated by the Sustainability Team in order to monitor
progress, and is reported to the EWG, Senior Management Team and Governing Council.
Details of the University’s overall targets and initiatives to reduce scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide emissions from electricity and gas
usage are detailed in the University’s Carbon Management Plan (CMP).
Monthly resource consumption records are held by the Sustainability Team within the ‘Sustainability’ shared folder.
The University’s academic years run from 1st August to 31st July.
Step 4 - Action Plans
Plan
1
2
3
4
5
6
Overall Target
Annual Target(s)
Cut overall electricity consumption by 43% by
the end of 2019/20 in order to reduce overall
carbon emissions to 4,530 tCO2 in line with
institution’s Carbon Management Plan.
Cut overall gas consumption by 43% by the
end of 2019/20 in order to reduce overall
carbon emissions to 4,530 tCO2 in line with
institution’s Carbon Management Plan.
Cut overall water consumption by 43% by the
end of 2019/20 in order to reduce overall
scope 3 carbon emissions in line with
institution’s Carbon Management Plan.
Reduce total waste sent to landfill to zero by
end of 2014/15.
Reduce electricity consumption in existing halls of
residence by 1% in 2013/14 compared to 2012/13.
Reduce electricity consumption in existing non-domestic
buildings by 2% in 2013/14 compared to 2012/13.
Reduce gas consumption in existing halls of residence by
5% in 2013/14 compared to 2012/13.
Reduce gas consumption in existing non-domestic buildings
by 3% in 2013/14 compared to 2012/13.
Reduce water consumption in existing buildings by 1% in
2013/14 compared to 2012/13.
Increase glass and food waste recovery so
that all possible material is collected by 2014.
Reduce the proportion of staff and nonresidential students commuting to the
University by single-occupancy car to 32% by
2015/16.
Increase re-use and recycling to at least 80% by weight of
total waste arising in 2013/14 academic year. Reduce waste
sent to landfill to zero.
Introduce food waste recycling into Students’ Union and
certain University office areas during 2013/14.
Further improvements to Uno bus network in Northampton.
Personal Travel Planning for students and staff.
Support NCC/Sustrans ‘Access to Education’ project.
8
Responsible
Person
Paul R. Taylor
Target
date
July 2014
Paul R. Taylor
July 2014
Paul R. Taylor
/ADSM
July 2014
Paul R. Taylor
July 2014
Paul R. Taylor
July 2014
Paul R. Taylor
/ Uno /
George Pollard
July 2014
Essential actions
Since 2006, the University has been undertaking actions across the estate to improve its energy efficiency; including the
installation of high efficiency lighting, the replacement of old boilers, the upgrading of building insulation and the monitoring of
energy consumption via a half-hourly sub-metering system.
In 2013/14, the University is purchasing 98% of its grid-supplied electricity from renewable sources subject to LECs, and has
invested in on-site solar PV, solar thermal and air-sourced heat pump renewable energy systems.
The University’s Biodiversity Index was launched in April 2013, as a first-step for organisations to understand and assess plant life
on any site in the UK. The Biodiversity Index has won a number of awards in 2013, including a Green Apple Gold Award and a highlycommended Green Gown award.
The University’s Natural Environment Research Group survey and monitor the ecology and biodiversity found on the campuses,
and maintain the University’s Species Records, in order to understand the prevalence of UK Priority Species found on site, and how
natural areas can be maintained in a ecologically-sensitive manner.
The University holds the majority share in a Social Enterprise bus company, Uno Buses (Northampton) Ltd, which was started in
2012 to improve sustainable travel options to the University and to improve accessibility for the local community. Since starting in
2012 with two routes and eight buses, Uno now operates four routes with a total of eighteen buses in Northampton.
The University is a partner with Northamptonshire County Council and charity Sustrans in the ‘Access to Education’ Project, which
is funded by the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The project is running from 2012 to 2015 with the aim to increase
the use of healthy and sustainable travel to schools, colleges and the University within the Kingsthorpe corridor in Northampton.
Materials collected for recycling across the University campuses include the following streams: glass, baled cardboard, metal, mixed
paper/card/plastics/cans, waste electrical equipment, printer cartridges and clothing/textiles. Food waste is also collected for
treatment at an anaerobic digestion plant. All general commercial waste collected on campus is sorted off-site in a Materials
Reclamation Facility, with some material diverted for recycling and the rest sent to an Energy From Waste plant.
In conjunction with WWF, the University has created an Ecological Footprint calculator for use by students and staff.
9
Action Plan 1 - Electricity
Overall Target
Annual Target(s)
Cut overall electricity consumption by 43%
by the end of 2019/20 in order to reduce
overall carbon emissions to 4,530 tCO2 in
line with institution’s Carbon Management
Plan.
Reduce electricity consumption in existing
halls of residence by 1% in 2013/14
compared to 2012/13.
Action Plan reference
1
EcoCampus EMS aspect
EMP-2013-7/CO2
Reduce electricity consumption in existing
non-domestic buildings by 2% in 2013/14
compared to 2012/13.
Measure/indicator of
success
Overall consumption of electricity monitored through the University’s submetering system. DEFRA emissions factors applied to calculate carbon
emissions.
Project synopsis
Utility spend is a major capital expenditure for the Estates team,
particularly with the introduction of new legislation. The most significant
influence on electricity consumption is staff and student behaviour.
Through education and good practice (switching off of appliances etc) a
significant reduction in utility consumption is achievable. Key barriers to
reducing consumption are awareness of good practice, motivation of staff
and students and monitoring the practices within the local environment.
Scope of the project
All existing domestic and non-domestic buildings at both Park and Avenue
campuses.
Key milestones
Responsible
person(s)
Target date
Status
Oversee installation and commissioning of new
LCC humidification system & lighting projects
Darren Trotter
February 2012
Complete
Co-ordinate Student Switch Off programme in
conjunction with NUS.
Paul R. Taylor
From Sept 2012
In progress
Utilise Salix funds on energy saving projects in
compliance with Salix criteria
Darren Trotter
July 2013
Complete
Liaise with Students’ Union regarding Planet 2
Project
Paul R. Taylor
January 2014
Complete
Work with School Service Co-ordinators to develop
feedback mechanism to 1st Degree Facilities for
energy related matters.
Paul R. Taylor
March 2014
Help Students’ Union to submit Green Impact
awards criteria evidence, including energy
efficiency work
Paul R. Taylor
January 2014
10
Complete
Action Plan 2 - Gas
Overall Target
Annual Target(s)
Cut overall gas consumption by 43% by
the end of 2019/20 in order to reduce
overall carbon emissions to 4,530 tCO2 in
line with institution’s Carbon
Management Plan.
Reduce gas consumption in existing halls
of residence by 5% in 2013/14
compared to 2012/13.
Reduce gas consumption in existing nondomestic buildings by 3% in 2013/14
compared to 2012/13.
Measure/indicator of
success
Project synopsis
Action Plan reference
2
EcoCampus EMS aspect
EMP-2013-6/GC
Overall consumption of gas monitored through the University’s submetering system. DEFRA emissions factors applied to calculate
carbon emissions.
Gas is consumed for the provision of spatial heating and hot water
across The University. Therefore, consumption is dependent on
occupancy and external temperature.
The University has a BMS (Building Management System) which
provides central control over heating, ventilation and air
conditioning. Central control of these systems is influenced by
localised (generally adjustable) settings, thermostats and radiator
valves.
The combination of the BMS and sub-metering system is an excellent
tool that can be used to manage campus gas consumption.
Scope of the project
Domestic and non-domestic buildings across both campuses.
Key milestones
Responsible
person(s)
Target date
Status
Develop protocol for determining heating
seasons and timings
Darren
Trotter/Ian
Hardaker-Jones
Sept 2013
Complete
Change water heaters in Margaret Bondfield Hall
Darren Trotter /
Derrick Harris
January 2013
Complete
Liaise with Facilities Helpdesk to co-ordinate
heating and hot water provision for open days
and one off events
Darren
Trotter/Julian
Eastwood
October 2012
Complete
Establish a procedure for shut-down outside of
term dates during extended vacations.
Paul R. Taylor/Ian
Hardaker-Jones
April 2014
In progress
Installation of individual gas boiler in Walgrave
Matthew Waite
March 2013
Complete
Establish communication with local service coordinators for local environmental conditions
Darren Trotter
February 2013
Complete
11
Action Plan 3 - Water
Overall Target
Annual Target(s)
Cut overall water consumption by 43% by
the end of 2019/20 in order to reduce
overall scope 3 carbon emissions in line with
institution’s Carbon Management Plan.
Reduce water consumption in existing
buildings by 1% in 2013/14 compared to
2012/13.
Action Plan reference
3
EcoCampus EMS aspect
EMP-2013-23/W Halls
EMP-2013-24/W Non-res
Measure/indicator of
success
Overall consumption of water monitored through the University’s submetering system. DEFRA emissions factors applied to calculate carbon
emissions.
Project synopsis
Utility spend is a major capital expenditure for the Estates team,
particularly with the introduction of new legislation. The most significant
influence on water consumption is staff and student behaviour. Through
education and good practice (turning off taps etc) a significant reduction in
utility consumption is achievable. Key barriers to reducing consumption
are awareness of good practice, motivation of staff and students and
monitoring the practices within the local environment.
Scope of the project
All existing domestic and non-domestic buildings at both Park and Avenue
campuses.
Key milestones
Responsible
person(s)
Target date
Status
Monitor ADSM water saving scheme
Paul R. Taylor
From Aug 2012
In progress
Co-ordinate Student Switch Off programme in
conjunction with NUS.
Darren Trotter
From Sept 2012
In progress
Liaise with maintenance team to understand any
issue reported
Darren Trotter
July 2013
Complete
Liaise with projects team to ensure water saving
features are included in new construction projects
Paul R. Taylor
January 2013
Complete
Work with School Service Co-ordinators to develop
feedback mechanism for water related matters.
Paul R. Taylor
February 2013
In progress
Liaise with ADSM to understand future upgrades to
buildings
Paul R. Taylor /
ADSM
July 2014
12
Action Plan 4 – Waste sent to landfill
Overall Target
Reduce total waste sent to landfill to zero
by end of 2014/15.
Action Plan reference
4
Annual Target(s)
Increase re-use and recycling to at least
80% by weight of total waste arising in
2013/14 academic year.
EcoCampus EMS aspect
EMP-2013-2/GWAS
Reduce waste sent to landfill to zero.
Measure/indicator of
success
Project synopsis
Reduction in mass of waste sent to landfill.
Increased % of waste recycled.
The provision of accommodation for students at the University and
working environment for staff members generates significant volumes
of general waste. Costs associated with the collection and disposal of
waste has continued to increase, with some residual waste materials
capable of generating a revenue stream/rebate for the University.
Development in infrastructure and communication with staff and
students is critical to achieving the target set by the end of the
academic year.
Scope of the project
Both domestic and non domestic buildings at both campuses
Key milestones
Responsible
person(s)
Target date
Status
Tender and appointment of new waste
management contractor
Paul R. Taylor
September 2012
Complete
Conversion of general waste bins to Dry Mixed
Recycling in Halls of Residence
Paul. R. Taylor
December 2012
Complete
Training of staff for correct segregation of waste
and use of infrastructure
Paul R. Taylor/
Domestic
Supervisors
December 2012
Complete
Installation and commissioning of card baler at
Restaurant
Paul R.
Taylor/Julian
Eastwood
November 2012
Complete
Install food waste recycling bins in offices as
appropriate
Paul R. Taylor
June 2013
In progress
Conversion of general waste bins to Dry Mixed
Recycling in offices
Paul R. Taylor
July 2013
In progress
Student Switch Off campaign audits of waste
and recycling in Halls during 2013/14
Paul R. Taylor
May 2014
In progress
Conduct audit of waste management procedure
including visit to MRF
Paul R. Taylor
July 2014
13
Action Plan 5 – Glass and food waste recovery
Overall Target
Annual Target(s)
Measure/indicator of
success
Increase glass and food waste recovery
so that all possible material is collected
by end of 2014/15.
Action Plan reference
5
Introduce food waste recycling into
Students’ Union and University office
areas during 2013/14.
EcoCampus EMS aspect
EMP-2013-3/FWAS
Increased volume and weight of glass and food waste collected and
then sent for recycling/recovery.
Reduction in mass of waste sent to landfill.
Increased % of waste recycled.
Project synopsis
The provision of accommodation for students at the University and oncampus catering facilities generate significant volumes of glass bottles
and food waste. Costs associated with the collection and disposal of
waste has continued to increase, with some residual waste materials
capable of generating a revenue stream/rebate for the University.
Development in infrastructure and communication with staff and
students is critical to achieving the target set by the end of the
academic year.
Scope of the project
Both domestic and non domestic buildings at both campuses
Key milestones
Responsible
person(s)
Target date
Status
Tender and appointment of new waste
management contractor
Paul R. Taylor
September 2012
Complete
Installation of food caddies and guidance notes
to all students in halls of residence
Paul R. Taylor
December 2012
Complete
Training of staff for correct segregation of waste
and use of infrastructure
Paul R.
Taylor/Richard
Moore/Domestic
Supervisors
December 2012
Complete
Installation of bins to facilitate food waste
recycling in catering establishments
Paul R. Taylor
April 2013
Complete
Conduct visit to Anaerobic Digestion plant for
staff to see where food waste is treated and
recovered into energy
Richard Moore
December 2012
Complete
Install food waste collection bins in offices
where appropriate
Paul R. Taylor
July 2014
Undertake recycling audits in Halls of Residence
as part of the Student Switch Off campaign
Paul R. Taylor /
Jesse Scharf
May 2014
14
In progress
Action Plan 6 – Commuting by single-occupancy car
Overall Target
Annual Target(s)
Reduce the proportion of staff and
non-residential students commuting to
the University by single-occupancy car
to 32% by 2015/16.
Further improvements to Uno bus
network in Northampton.
Personal Travel Planning for students
and staff.
Support NCC/Sustrans ‘Access to
Education’ project.
Measure/indicator of
success
Project synopsis
Action Plan reference
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EcoCampus EMS aspect
EMP-2013-8/STC
EMP-2013-9/STAFFC
EMP-2013-9/SBT
Comparison of student and staff travel modes against previous
surveys.
Provisions have been made to enable staff and students to park at
both campuses of the University. The provision of car parking
spaces for students and staff members encourages the use of
private vehicles for commuting purposes and demand often exceeds
capacity. Combined with the commuting habits of staff and noresidential students, the usage of single occupancy vehicles leads to
increased carbon emissions and congestion experienced in the local
area.
Many staff members use their own vehicles for business travel with
consequential issues related to the use of this ‘grey fleet’.
Scope of the project
Members of staff and students at both campuses.
Key milestones
Responsible
person(s)
Target date Status
Conduct a staff and student travel survey
Paul R. Taylor
Feb 13
Complete
Install additional cycle storage facilities on
campus
Daniel Romberg
April 13
Complete
Engage with Uno Buses Ltd to discuss increased
routes and travel options to the University.
Paul R. Taylor
July 13
Complete
Ensure that Uno bus service to St Johns Hall has
increased capacity for full occupation in Sept 14
Paul R. Taylor
Sept 14
Devise and implement additional marketing
campaign for car-sharing scheme, bus network
and cycling facilities for start of 2014/15
academic year to encourage uptake of
sustainable modes of transport.
George Pollard / Paul
R. Taylor
Aug 14
Investigate implementation of Cycle to Work
scheme by University HR department.
Daniel Romberg/
Deborah Mattock
Sept 13
Complete
Undertake Personal Travel Planning as part of
the Access to Education project
George Pollard
July 14
In progress
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Step 5 - Monitoring and Reporting Progress
Details on how all resources are managed and action plan progress is summarised throughout
this manual. Cross-references to the University’s EcoCampus Environmental Management
System are shown in the action plans in Step 4.
The University’s Health, Safety, Welfare and Environment Committee meets quarterly
throughout the year to review and monitor the progress of initiatives and actions against the
resource targets set for the year. Information from the HSW&E Committee is reviewed by the
University’s Senior Management Team and an annual report is sent to the University’s
Governing Council. The University publishes annual consolidated financial statements
which include information about sustainability and environmental management. In addition,
the Sustainability Team produces regular articles for internal student and staff
communications, as well as material on the University’s website and in external publications.
The University is the lead partner in the HEFCE-Funded SEED Sustainability Project, which
has brought together many public and private sector organisations with Northamptonshire, in
order to share best practice and help meet shared sustainability targets. A key outcome from
the project has been the formation of the Northamptonshire Sustainability Practitioners’
Group, which brings together sustainability professionals from local organisations, with a view
to providing a means for discussion, review and support of environmental initiatives.
The University is a member of the Environmental Association for Universities and
Colleges and the Sustainability Team regularly participates in the Northamptonshire Climate
Change Officers’ Group and the East Midlands Universities Association.
The Sustainability Team also other oversee other sustainability related aspects including:
Sustainable construction and refurbishment
Biodiversity on the campuses
Sustainable and ethical procurement
Student sustainability initiatives in conjunction with the Students’ Union & NUS
This list is by no means exhaustive but does provide an insight into the areas of work covered
within the organisation.
Step 6 – Accreditation
The accreditation process is expected to be undertaken annually in the Spring. Supporting
information for audits is available on the Sustainability shared drive in the Investors in the
Environment folder.
The University was awarded the Investors in the Environment Green Award in April 2013.
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