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13/03/2013 04/04/2013 20/01/2014 Review Date 12/09/2013 03/10/2013 19/07/2014 Comments Version 1 created Version 1 superseded by Version 2 Version 2 superseded by Version 3 2 Introduction The University of Northampton is a dynamic, modern university situated in the heart of England, which was awarded full university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 6 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 15 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. 16
© Copyright 2024