University of Greenwich Sustainability Policy
1.00 Definition
The most widely used definition for Sustainable development is: "Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (The Brundtland Commission 1987).
This definition is underpinned by the "Triple Bottom Line" a phrase coined by John Elkington in 1994 to describe the extent to which the response to the environment, society and the economy form the basis of an organisation’s value and performance.
2.00 Policy Statement
The University of Greenwich recognises the importance of sustainable development for future generations and that its decisions and actions affect society and the economy, as well as the environment and natural resources.
Senior management is committed to ensuring that sustainable development is fully understood by staff and students and is enshrined within all aspects of its planning and activities.
This means:
- Increasing the awareness and understanding of sustainable development amongst staff and students through learning opportunities and training;
- Adopting sustainable development as a guiding principle in planning and policy;
- Encouraging the teaching of and research into sustainable development in the university;
- Establishing an environmental management policy in order to maintain and develop the university in a sustainable manner;
- Building partnerships and networks to share experience and knowledge of sustainability with the broader community and contributing to debate on sustainability issues;
- Establishing a management framework that will promote and support sustainable development and monitor and report on initiatives and progress.
Baroness Blackstone
Vice Chancellor