University of Liverpool Sustainability Strategy - A collective vision for a responsible future
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Contents Introduction 2 Context 2 Our vision 3 Delivering sustainability 4 UK framework for sustainable development 4 Sustainability in the higher education sector 4 Governance 4 Engagement 4 Core themes for sustainable development 5 Aim 1 6 Embedding principles Aim 2 8 Research and knowledge exchange Aim 3 10 Education for sustainability Aim 4 12 Living within our limits Aim 5 14 Promote a happy, healthy and equal community Aim 6 16 Widening participation www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability 1
Introduction Our vision Context In essence, sustainable development is about achieving The University wishes to create a community for its As one of the cross-cutting strategic enablers essential social and economic aspirations, while at the same stakeholders that operates in an environmentally for delivering the plan, the Sustainability Strategy There are many definitions of sustainable development, time protecting and enhancing the environment with sustainable, economically feasible and socially themes align with key priority project streams and with perhaps the most recognised and generally the underlying aspiration for a better quality of life responsible way. Sustainability University of Liverpool develop in more depth the implications of taking an accepted being the Brundtland Comission’s¹ for everyone, both now and in generations to come. - a collective vision for a responsible future - develops integrated approach to sustainable development. This ‘development that meets the needs of the present The University of Liverpool has a corporate social our longstanding commitment to social responsibility is the first document designed to specifically address without compromising the ability of future generations to responsibility to create a sustainable environment for and environmental impact, as set out in the University’s the principles of sustainable development at the meet their own needs.’ its staff, students and surrounding communities, whilst Strategic Plan: University of Liverpool and set out the strategic aims and The concept of sustainable development has emerged creating conditions in which staff and students are objectives for sustainability for the period 2012-2014. in response to concerns about the uneven distribution inspired to contribute to sustainability “...we will ensure the development of of wealth around the globe as well as the state of the throughout the University and beyond. a sustainable environment through planet. In particular, current concerns focus on the threat to human wellbeing presented by climate change It is within this context that this strategy has been the wise use of all resources and (see Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, developed. The strategy includes a statement of the adoption of a framework by which University’s understanding of sustainable development 2007; Stern Report, 2006) as well as the integrity of and identifies six key themes. It also sets out high-level environmental, social and economic ecosystems (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005; aims and will be supported by an implementation plan factors can be considered...” United Nations Environment Programme, 2007). detailing specific objectives and targets to be sure that (University of Liverpool Strategic Plan 2009-2014) The scale and urgency of these issues are significant, we can deliver our agenda. with social human wellbeing, ecological and economic elements being interlocked, complex, and subject to reaching the point of no return. However, as governments, business and others respond to these challenges and tackle the issues, significant opportunities are created for the University community. For universities, there is a necessity to both continue with discipline-specific research and to further develop new modes of intellectual investigation, bringing together knowledge from many disciplines to engage with this set of complex, interlocking, and ethically- imbued problems. There is also a need to develop teaching and knowledge exchange programmes to ensure that the knowledge we develop is transferred to those responsible for policy and user needs within society, and a need to deliver this agenda with the minimum detrimental impact on the environment and community, and with awareness on cost control. ¹ World Commission on Environment & Development (WCED). Our Common Future. Oxford University Press, 1987 2 www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability 3
Delivering sustainability Core themes for sustainable development Using the UK Framework for Sustainable Development and HEFCE approach as guidance, the University of Liverpool has identified six core themes for sustainable development, see Figure 1. UK framework for sustainable These contributions are developed further in the later HEFCE policy statement 2005/28, which sets out its development approach to promoting the sustainability agenda and In the sustainable development white paper Securing Figure 1 vision for the higher education sector in this country to the Future, the UK Government identifies five principles University of Liverpool themes for be recognised as a major contributor to society’s efforts dding principles of sustainable development and the associated key to achieve sustainability within the next 10 years. sustainable development Embe priority areas for UK action: Strategic planning Principles of sustainable development Re Governance Monitoring and reporting se • Living within environmental limits Quality assurance a In developing a sustainable community, the University n rc • Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society should address environmental, social, political, io h at an • Achieving a sustainable economy economic and cultural aspects. Consequently, a cip d Sustainability Advisory Board has been established to rti Kn • Using sound science responsibly Pa develop and embed sustainability across the institution. ow • Promoting good governance. ng led The board will support the sustainability agenda through eni Business links Research ge Key priority areas the provision of advice and guidance and act as a Wid Staff development Knowledge Exchange Exch • Sustainable production and consumption consultative forum for the consideration and discussion of proposed sustainability policies, procedures and Community engagement • Natural resource protection and environmental ange initiatives. The board will also raise the profile of Transition University Policy enhancement of Liverpool sustainability internally and encourage participation in Networking • From local to global: building sustainable initiatives from staff and students. Sustainablity Advisory communities The board is chaired by Professor Dinah Birch, Board • Climate change and energy. UoL Sustainability Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange,who will act as the University’s Sustainability Challenge Happy In achieving the principles and delivering the sustainable development agenda in the UK, it has been Advocate. Key roles for the Chair will be to raise the ity recognised that there needs to be a shift in the choices profile of the University’s sustainability efforts and to Formal and abil monitor progress against targets. and that individuals make. It is here that higher education informal education t a in institutions can make a substantial, sustained and hea Campus development exemplary contribution to the challenge of sustainable us Engagement Carbon management lth development, not only through their teaching and rs (Scope 1&2) and (Scope 3) y research, but as estate managers, employers and Ensuring that staff and students take responsibility fo eq Environmental Management leaders within local communities. for the campus environment and our interaction n ua System (EMS) ti o lc with the wider community is an important factor ca om when considering improving the sustainability of the m du un E Sustainability in the higher University. ity education sector In addition to increasing awareness amongst staff, Having made sustainable development a central the University has a duty to promote sustainable part of its strategy for the future development of the development in all areas of its teaching, research and L iv i n g w its higher education sector, the Higher Education Funding third stream activities, including: ithin our lim Council for England (HEFCE) has released a series of publications around sustainable development. • Developing curricula, pedagogy and The HEFCE 2005/01 document identifies the five extracurricular activities that enable participants key contributions that higher education can make to to acquire the values, skills and knowledge to Equality and Travel and Carbon sustainable development: contribute to sustainable development Diversity Waste Biodiversity Green IT Transport • Supporting Faculties, departments and services • Embed the principles of sustainable development in achieving the long term aims and objectives of Local, Organic Health and in its values, strategies, operations and Procurement Energy Built Estate Water the strategy and Fairtrade food Wellbeing organisational learning • Sharing good practice or supporting the • Develop curricula, pedagogy and extracurricular development of good practice, and acting as a activities that enable students to develop the role model to other educational establishments values, skills and knowledge to contribute to that the University works alongside. In adopting these themes, our approach to delivering sustainability is: sustainable development • Strengthen links to business, the community, 1 Lead by example by embedding the principles and University civil society, government and others in pursuit commitment to sustainability in our policies, strategies and procedures of sustainable development 2 Actively support best practice, innovation and leadership in relation to • Build the new skills, knowledge and tools needed sustainability in learning and teaching, research and Knowledge Exchange, for sustainable development in research and across our services and physical infrastructure • Continuously improve its own impact on the 3 Demonstrate and report main social, environmental and economic impacts environment, society and economy. 4 Recognise and communicate relevant activity by staff, students and alumni. 4 www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability 5
Aim 1: Embedding principles 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 we will: • Ensure compliance with environmental legislation • Embed sustainability into policy, strategies and procedures • Ensure continual improvement in reducing environmental impacts through the implementation of an accredited Environmental Management System, ie ISO 14001 • Participate in benchmarking exercises to monitor the University’s performance against other institutions within the higher education sector and against other business sectors • Provide effective communications to ensure that all staff are aware of internal and external drivers for sustainability practice in relation to their role, and that they are aware of their own personal responsibilities. How will we do this? Case study • Continue to report on environmental sustainability via the Carbon Trust Standard University Risk Register • Have dialogue with managers to develop an appropriate In June 2011 the University was awarded the Carbon Trust framework to include awareness and skills for environmental Standard after demonstrating its commitment to tackling climate sustainability in job descriptions as appropriate and relevant change by reducing its carbon footprint by more than 4%. to specific roles • Ensure all new staff receive information about sustainability The savings have been achieved through a combination “ Our goal is for the University of of Facilities Management-led projects funded by SALIX, the and that practice for sustainability is integrated into staff social enterprise ‘not for profit’ company, including a gas engine Liverpool to become a low carbon induction programmes Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant, voltage optimisers, and university and this endorsement • Ensure that sustainability training is made available to all University staff energy-awareness activities such as the Green Impact Awards proves that our strategic approach • Report on performance to the Sustainability Advisory Board and Student Switch Off project. to carbon management is not only on a quarterly basis and produce an annual sustainability These initiatives have significantly contributed to plans to cut helping to reduce our environmental report outlining current performance and achievements the University’s scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 36% by impact, but is also generating real • Monitor performance in sustainability-related external 2020. To build on this achievement, the University is committed cost savings as well.” league tables to investing more than £3 million of the current Capital Plan in sustainability/carbon reduction initiatives. Steve Dickson, Director of Facilities Management • Seek third party endorsement of achievements where appropriate, eg the Carbon Trust Standard and Acorn Certification. 6 www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability 7
Aim 2: Research and Case studies Stephenson Institute for knowledge exchange Renewable Energy The Stephenson Institute was founded in November 2010 with an initial investment by the University for 11 academic positions in the School of Physical Sciences. Two years later, there are 12 academic researchers in the School and eight associated members across two Faculties in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Biology. The Institute currently contains a To raise awareness and communicate research rapidly-growing population of more than 20 PhD students and which is related to environmental sustainability PDRAs and - following an investment of £6 million from the and to ensure that our operations are informed University Council - a central lab and office building housed in the Chadwick Laboratories will open in June 2013. by this research where possible. With a funding level of more than £20 million from sources as To achieve this we will: diverse as the European Union, English funding councils, the • Capture and communicate current research activity in Department of Energy and Climate Change, the US Department environmental sustainability to the University and the of Energy, and regional development funds, research into all wider sector aspects of energy generation, distribution, conversion, and • Expose our students to world-leading research in climate consumption has become the blueprint for interdisciplinary change and sustainable futures research centres at the University, and the Institute prides • Integrate research activity into campus as a itself on its high connectivity with regional businesses. One ‘living laboratory’. of the key ambitions of the institute is to play a leading role in the transformation of Merseyside into a sustainable and smart region with an associated increase in the quality of life of How will we do this? its population. • Identify sustainability research opportunities - including those which would present opportunities to conduct research on the University estate • Ensure the research community has access to information about current operational activities through annual Living with environmental change sustainability reports, publication of case studies, briefing sessions and training opportunities As one of the University’s key research themes, • Explore opportunities for establishing a network of ‘living with environmental change’ sees study at Liverpool research-experienced alumni working across the world focus on the drivers of environmental change such as in academia, industry, government and civil society, ocean warming, the effects on the transmission of human who are engaged with and contributing to the University’s and animal diseases, and the political dimensions of research, knowledge exchange and teaching environmental concerns. • Signpost key research activity on the sustainability web pages Under this theme, researchers at the University have come • Incorporate research activity into high-profile disciplinary together from across science, engineering, life sciences, and interdisciplinary sustainability initiatives. social sciences and arts, to pose new questions about climate change and promote further debate amongst policy makers and members of the public on environmental issues affecting the planet. “ Climate change is a major problem which we all need to address. The challenge is to first understand what is happening, and then to reliably inform policy makers and the public, and ultimately to develop solutions to moderate the impacts.” Professor Ric Williams School of Environmental Science 8 www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability 9
Aim 3: Education for sustainability To provide all staff and students with access to education for and about sustainability To achieve this we will: • Work with Faculties to embed elements of education for sustainability in the curriculum across all subject areas • Develop a suite of sustainable development related degree programmes that build on the distinctive profile of the University of Liverpool and existing strengths in sustainable development teaching programmes • Provide staff and students with opportunities to develop skills for sustainable development. How will we do this? Case study • Identify different approaches to progressing sustainable School of Engineering: development as a priority for improving the quality of teaching and learning, consider those strategies that align sustainable development in the with the institutional setting, and develop a model for curriculum moving forward • Review the governance structure for reporting sustainability In view of the increasingly important role played by Each student selects a product or system that in order to engage more widely with the curriculum, professional engineers in providing solutions to sustainable they consider worthy of sustainable development learning and research development problems, engineering institutions have for some analysis due to perceived negative impacts. A • Carry out a review of all current degree modules and time required an appreciation of sustainable development to be defined methodology then follows, including a programmes to ascertain the extent to which sustainable included in undergraduate courses. qualitative life-cycle assessment, arriving at design development issues are taught at the University improvements to reduce the negative impact of the • Support the development of new modules and programmes Since 2003/4, all first-year undergraduates in Mechanical, product or system. In some courses, students are with relevance to sustainability Aero, Civil and General Engineering, and all undergraduates asked to outline an implementation plan for one • Integrate quality enhancement and quality assurance in Electrical and Electronic Engineering since 2005/6, have of their ideas which has a materials engineering indicators for Education for Sustainability into existing been given a ‘Design for Sustainable Development’ assignment component. frameworks as part of a more general engineering module. This typically • Collaborate with the Liverpool Life project to develop comprises an introductory lecture early in the year and then a In recent years incoming students have had learning and volunteer opportunities for students to gain series of lectures to develop the assignment, which is expected a much greater awareness of sustainable skills in sustainable development to require 12 hours of private work. development issues and the scope for impact • Launch sustainability modules as part of the professional from the engineering profession. It is hoped that services toolkit and online development tool their individual assignment helps each student to • Showcase good practice through a variety of appreciate the relevance of the more specialised communications engineering modules throughout their courses to • Develop and promote high-profile sustainability facing sustainable development challenges. disciplinary and interdisciplinary initiatives. 10 www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability 11
1 Biodiversity 6 Local, organic and Fairtrade food Aim: To maximise the range of habitats and Aim: To influence our suppliers, to ensure all species on the University estate. goods and services procured and consumed Objective(s): To enhance green space to support seasonal, healthy and ethical choices, Aim 4: improve the ecological and social value. and in turn that all suppliers progressively improve their own environmental performance. Case studies Objective(s): To actively encourage food Student Switch Off Living within production, sales, recycling and delivery in the most sustainable manner, including purchasing choice, preparation, distribution and awareness. Student Switch Off is an annual campaign run with support The results of the campaign are directly measurable our limits To maintain Fairtrade University status. from the National Union of Students which aims to encourage through electricity meters in the halls of residence 2 Built Environment Supporting policy documents: Fairtrade Policy, students to save energy and bring about a carbon reduction and at the end of the year students in the halls with Aim: To develop and maintain the estate and Sustainable Hospitality Policy. surrounding landscape with due regard to whilst living in University halls of residence. Social marketing the biggest energy savings have the chance to environmental impact and social value. has been essential in bringing about behaviour change, as well hold a party or event. Nick Doran, Liverpool Guild To enhance the staff Objective(s): To reduce space use through the as prize incentives such as Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, tickets to of Students Environmental Co-ordinator, said: “In and student experience sustainable construction and refurbishment of Liverpool Guild of Students gigs, and energy-saving gadgets. 2011/12 University of Liverpool halls of residences by creating and sustaining buildings and to ensure all construction and refurbishment works meet a recognised managed an overall reduction of 6% in their energy 7 Procurement Over the course of the academic year, picture competitions and consumption. Carnatic Hall, the 2011/12 Student an estate that is attractive, building standard. quizzes are run every two to three weeks to raise awareness Aim: To encourage the purchase of goods and Switch Off winner, smashed this with an impressive supports quality Supporting policy documents: Estate Strategy services which have minimal impact on the about the energy-saving actions that are being encouraged, and 16% reduction, and celebrated with an afternoon tea 2011-2015, University of Liverpool Design Guide. recruitment and retention, Action plan: BREEAM and Considerate natural resources and avoids exploitation of training events are held which are specifically aimed at students party at Ness Gardens.” and contributes to an Contractor Frameworks. individuals, committees or organisations. Objective(s): To ensure external suppliers and concerning social marketing techniques and sustainable living. excellent overall University contractors are working progressively towards of Liverpool experience. improving their own environmental performance. Supporting policy documents: Procurement Policy. This section outlines the aims and objectives needed to address key impact areas for the 3 Carbon management (Scope 1& 2) purpose of delivering Aim 4. For each key Aim: To use energy more efficiently to impact area, detailed plans have either been progressively reduce dependency on fossil fuels developed or are in development, setting out in and contribute to achieving a 36% reduction in greater depth how the aims and objectives will scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions by 2020. 8 Travel and transport be met. Objective(s): To reduce energy use in both Aim: To reduce local, national and global residential and non-residential buildings and to environmental impacts of the University’s increase the amount of on-site electricity/heat travel demands. generation. Objective(s): To reduce the need to travel and Action plan: Carbon Management Plan. to develop sustainable and inclusive travel and transport that improves health and access to the University. Supporting policy documents: Travel Plan 2009-2013. 4 Carbon management (Scope 3) Aim: To use goods and services which produce a low level of carbon emissions as a result of their activities. Objective(s): To reduce the level of carbon 9 Waste management generated as a result of indirect emissions from Aim: To develop and implement waste water, waste, procurement, commuting and management practices that prioritise disposal in business travel. line with the waste hierarchy. Supporting policy documents: Procurement Objective(s): To reduce waste sent to landfill/ Policy, Waste Management Policy, Travel Plan incineration through recycling and reuse Bin the Bin “ The herb gardens proved so 2009-13. initiatives and to minimise waste generated. popular with staff that we had to Action plan: Carbon Management Plan. The Bin the Bin initiative was launched across the University in Supporting policy documents: Waste Management Policy. run a second event. Money raised 2011 to enable staff to increase the amount of waste recycled, following a pilot in five buildings. As part of the scheme, from the sale of the herb gardens recycling stations were installed at centralised points across has also enabled St Anne’s the University within administrative and teaching areas. These Primary School to develop a wild 5 Green IT include a general waste bin for items that are non-recyclable. flower meadow, reflection area and Aim: To minimise the environmental impact of 10 Water management Since introducing the scheme the University has seen its a ‘grow your own’ area for pupils.” IT solutions and favour manufacturers whose Aim: To use water more efficiently to recycling rate increase to 40%. Clare Scott supply chains demonstrate environmentally progressively reduce dependency on Sustainability Officer sustainable practices. natural resources. To ensure the new scheme was as sustainable as possible, Objective(s): To deploy IT solutions which Objective(s): To reduce water use in both redundant waste bins collected from offices were given a new are energy efficient, to make effective use of residential and non-residential buildings. lease of life by the Sustainability Team and Ness Gardens the latest technologies for reducing power Supporting policy documents: consumption, and to use IT solutions to monitor and turned into herb gardens which were sold to staff for a University of Liverpool Design Guide. and reduce the environmental impact of nominal donation. non-IT services. 12 www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability 13
Aim 5: Promote a happy, healthy and equal community To meet the diverse needs of staff and students, promote personal wellbeing, social cohesion and inclusion and equal opportunity for all, and ensure these values are reflected both in our interaction with the wider community and in the goods and services used. To achieve this we will: • Develop an understanding of and promote healthy working, learning, and living environments for students and staff • Explore with Human Resources how sustainable development issues are related to, and can be integrated with, the delivery of the staff strategy • Explore with Student Services how sustainable development issues are related to the student experience and can be integrated with this area of activity Case study • Ensure a consistent and ethically informed approach to investment, research funding and procurement. Liverpool Guild of Students Roof “ I am so pleased that we have been Garden Project able to assist such an innovative How will we do this? project. This is just the sort of • Bring together existing initiatives for the health and wellbeing In 2009, the Guild of Students successfully secured funding legacy activity that the Year of the from the University and Homebase to create its own roof of students, staff and the wider communities to enhance garden based on the roof area on top of the University of Environment 2009 was established participation and co-ordination Liverpool Student Guild building, with the aim of: to promote and it is a great • Promote Sport Liverpool as a one-stop-shop for sport and • Insulating and protecting roof coverings example of young people of the physical activity, serving students, staff and members of the community • Cleaning air and countering climate change city working together creating a • Develop a performance measurement system to guide the • Providing microclimates for fauna and flora truly sustainable city.” University’s activities in this area • Creating new spaces for living, working and Councillor Bernie Turner entertaining. Executive member for Environment • Establish an award mechanism to recognise exceptional at Liverpool City Council. contributions for promoting sustainable development. The roof garden has four raised beds where various bedding plants, herbs and salads are being grown. The produce is being used by the Liverpool Guild of Students catering service and sold at the University’s farmers’ market. The garden is also home to two beehives, a bird table and four bird nests, and two staff members and one student are currently being trained as beekeepers. The Guild has partnered with local children’s charity Team Oasis to help open up the garden to the wider community. Volunteers are working with the charity to develop the garden and will also be engaging other charities and local school groups to get involved with the project. 14 www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability 15
Aim 6: Widening participation To take a leading role in advancing the sustainability agenda in the North West region and continue to develop local, national and global partnerships and networks. We shall create opportunities where students, staff and alumni can develop and share their knowledge, skills and experience to engage with, and contribute effectively to, tackling global challenges. To achieve this we will: • Build partnerships and create local information and learning networks for sharing experiences and knowledge of local, national and global sustainability issues • Optimise University operations and activities to maximise social and economic benefit whilst minimising impacts on the local community • Promote staff development, value stakeholder involvement, and social inclusion and equity • Communicate current environmental sustainability activities and achievements to staff, students and alumni. How will we do this? Case study • Deliver the Transition University of Liverpool project, SustainableNESS aiming to cut University carbon emissions in response to the challenges of climate change and peak oil Ness Botanic Gardens on the Wirral peninsula is a unique • Actively seek formal and informal partnerships with outward-facing facet of the University of Liverpool which boasts strategic regional, national and international stakeholders a significant plant collection, including many early introductions and identify opportunities to exchange knowledge and from China, and offers over 100,000 visitors per annum a 64 best practice acre oasis of plant and habitat biodiversity. Sustainability lies • Establish a programme of public engagement across at the heart of Ness from our small army of 219 volunteers who multiple disciplines with the local community, the city region maintain the gardens and grow produce for our restaurant to and other partners to discuss, understand and respond to recycling our tree waste for mulch. global challenges and their implications We have reduced our water extraction from our bore hole through • Create a structured framework to assist with engaging the introduction of controlled micro irrigation to our commercial University Schools and departments and the wider plant sales area and installed 218 solar panels on site to reduce community, for instance Liverpool City Council and Royal our energy consumption and generate surplus to feed the Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital Trust, in the national grid. Green transport options have been improved with a University’s Sustainability Challenge new public footpath and cycle network extension to the gardens • Maintain and develop active networks of staff and students underway. We actively promote sustainability awareness online to enable consultation and active involvement in the and through customer engagement. development of localised sustainability policies, strategies and action plans • Engage with the Corporate Communications team to ensure that sustainability activity is accessible and is promoted to all stakeholders. 16 www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability 17
THE UNIVERSITY IS A MEMBER OF THE ELITE RUSSELL GROUP OF RESEARCH-LED UK UNIVERSITIES
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