UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Introduction
University of the Arts London consists of six internationally renowned colleges, Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, Chelsea College of Art and Design, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Art.
The University’s mission is to be at the forefront of learning, creativity and practice in creative arts. Comprising more than 24,000 students from over 100 countries, the University offers a range of academic programmes from further education through to undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees.
The University aims to promote talent, creativity and intellectual excellence in an organisational culture assisting staff and students to develop and commercially advance their abilities and ideas. It works to provide a bridge between higher education and professional practice, serving creative economy.
Vision
The University recognises that in pursuing its strategic objectives, not least in relation to research and teaching, it has a responsibility towards, and should aim to protect and nurture the environment. By exercising proper control over all its activities the University will aim to ensure sustainable use of resources and prevent wasteful or damaging practices.
The University of the Arts, London will aim to manage its operations in ways that are environmentally sustainable, economically feasible and socially responsible. Therefore, this policy represents an important component of the University’s broader sustainability strategy.
This document sets out the University’s aims and objectives for safeguarding the environment, and details the organisation and arrangements for implementing and monitoring them.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Environmental Management
- To promote sound environmental management policies and practices throughout the University
- As a minimum, to comply with the requirements of relevant legislation
- To reduce and, where practicable, prevent pollution
- To adopt targets, and measure progress, for improving environmental performance
- To ensure a sound understanding of current environmental performance
Carbon Reduction
- To implement a carbon reduction strategy, including the efficient use of energy
- To reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Universities targets by 34% by 2020, using 2005/06 levels as the benchmark
- To ensure the uptake of low carbon technologies in buildings and equipment
Water
- To make efficient and environmentally responsible use of water, including identifying opportunities for water reuse, with the aim of reducing water use across the University by 15% by 2015, using 2009 data as the benchmark
Procurement
- To promote life cycle thinking in the procurement of goods and services
- To investigate how UAL can develop a whole life costing approach to procurement by summer 2013
Waste Reduction and Recycling
- To implement sustainable resource management practices, based on reduce, reuse and recycle principles
- To set and achieve targets for reducing resource use
- To minimise the adverse environmental impacts of the decommissioning and disposal of University assets
- To increase the rate of recycling of all appropriate materials based on life-cycle principles, with the aim that by 2015 50% of all waste will be recycled
- To audit toxic chemical and hazardous emissions by 2015 to comply with relevant legislation and as part of our commitment to review the feasibility of obtaining ISO14001 accreditation, by summer 2013
Transport
- To implement sustainable transport practices across all activities with the aim of achieving the University’s carbon reduction targets. Each College to map transport practices and to develop a Transport Plan by 2014
University Estate
- To develop and implement a University estate strategy based on sound environmental and sustainability principles
- To manage the University estate with a view to enhancement of biodiversity wherever possible, with each College having a project in place at all times
- To require a sustainable construction component within all plans for any new University development (BREEAM compliant) and refurbishment projects by 2015
Awareness and Training
- To communicate internally and externally the University’s environmental objectives and performance
- To raise awareness of staff and students of the University’s environmental impact, activities and performance and good practice
- To engage with each of our of local communities specifically to discuss, debate and action environmental issues, with each College meeting relevant environmental stakeholders annually
- To provide appropriate environmental educational activities for staff and students
- To encourage and facilitate feedback and suggestions on ensuring good practice
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
- To undertake an annually review of environmental management procedures and activities to ensure suitability adequacy and effectiveness
- To ensure that the University’s Sustainability Strategy and associated Action Plan supports the achievement of the aims and objectives of this Environmental Policy
RESPONSIBILITIES
The overall responsibility for implementation of this policy lies with the University’s Executive Board who shall assume responsibility for ensuring compliance with the University’s Environmental Policy within their area of control.
Deputy Rectors, Heads of Colleges, Directors and Heads of Functions are responsible for ensuring compliance with University Environment Policy within their areas of control.
The University will actively monitor the performance of all activities identified in the aims and objectives section of this policy.
Whilst the University accepts the main responsibility for implementation of this policy, individuals have a very important role in co-operating with those responsible for safeguarding the environment. Individuals are required to abide by rules and requirements made under the authority of this policy.
Nigel Carrington
Rector, University of the Arts London
Reviewed and revised March 2012