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 has over 20,000 students and over 1,500 staff based across three campuses: Avery Hill and Greenwich in London and Medway in Kent. Many of the buildings occupied by the university are historically significant and a substantial proportion of the estate is leased.
A widely accepted definition of 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). 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 at local, national and global levels. As a result the University is committed to:
- Maintaining compliance with all relevant UK, European and international legislative and regulatory requirements and agreements as a minimum standard
- Reviewing all our activities and operations in order to identify, understand and evaluate all the direct and indirect environmental aspects and impacts, and prioritise action to address them
- Supporting continuous improvement by establishing sustainability performance targets that are reviewed and externally reported annually
- Ensuring that sustainable development is fully understood by staff and students and is enshrined within all aspects of planning and activities
In order to implement this policy, the University has undertaken a baseline review and has determined a set of key sustainability impacts and associated objectives:
- Energy and water: to reduce energy and water use and establish a utilities monitoring and targeting system and to continue to explore the possibilities of less carbon intensive energy sources either through the purchase of renewable energy or through an increased use of onsite renewables.
- Waste and natural resources: to prevent pollution by reducing emissions and discharges and to promote the zero waste principle (rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle) in order to minimise the environmental impact of waste disposal and use of natural resources.
- Procurement: to develop and implement a sustainable procurement policy that integrates environmental and social issues with economic issues and that supports the use of products and services from contractors and suppliers who are in accordance with the University Sustainability policy.
- Education and Research for Sustainable Development: to further develop the Centre for Sustainability and encourage the teaching of and research into sustainable development in the university.
- Transport: to develop and implement a university wide green travel plan in order to minimise emissions arising from business travel, commuting and deliveries.
- Construction and Refurbishment: to incorporate the principles of sustainable development into any new build or refurbishment projects.
- Cultural and Natural Heritage: Continue to protect and conserve the heritage buildings occupied by the university and develop and implement a biodiversity policy that seeks to protect and enhance wildlife on campus.
- Community Involvement: Build partnerships and take part in networks to share experience and knowledge of sustainability with the affiliated Student Unions and broader community and contribute to debate on sustainability issues.
- Health, Welfare and Safety: Promote the highest standards of health and safety for our staff, contractors and students and provide a good working environment for our employees, treating them with fairness, dignity and respect.
- Training, awareness and communication: Increase the awareness and understanding of sustainable development amongst staff and students through learning opportunities and training.
The University of Greenwich Sustainability Policy is fully supported by the Vice Chancellor’s Group and the Senior Management Team who have ultimate responsibility for the sustainability performance of the university. All staff, students, visitors and relevant external stakeholders share this responsibility. They are supported by the University’s Sustainability Staff who advise the Sustainability Management Review Group and the Sustainability Working Groups.
Baroness Blackstone
Vice Chancellor
January 2010