Sustainability
The University has refreshed its strategic plan to further recognise that sustaining and enhancing the wellbeing of people, places and the planet are amongst the most important challenges we face today.
Our sustainability goals and processes
Sustainability has a significant role within the day-to-day operations across all our campuses and we endeavour to include sustainable development in all of our practices.
Annual data is provided via the Estates Management Record and is available at: HE Provider Data: Estates Management | HESA
Sub-Strategy 6 approved by the Vice-Chancellor’s Group, with the Climate Change & Carbon Reduction Strategic Group responsible for steering implementation. Annual reports will be provided to the Vice-Chancellor’s Group.
The Carbon Management Plan and Sub-Strategy 6, Future Proofing the University are reported to the Safety, Health & Environment Committee which includes membership of the three recognised Trade Unions, Professional Services, Academic representatives and the Students’ Union.
We recognise the urgent need to reduce carbon from our own operations, our influence within the supply chain and the regional leadership we can provide. As a result, sustainability is one of the six strategic priorities for the university to 2028 and UCLan declared a Climate Emergency in 2019.
The University has been active in sustainability but we recognise the need to increase our efforts in Scope 1 & 2 (our direct emissions) and also Scope 3, the indirect emissions resulting from our waste management, travel, water use and procurement.
To help us manage and mitigate at both the local and global level our environmental impacts (adverse or positive changes to the environment) caused by the things we do our ‘aspects’ such as travel, waste, land development and buildings, use of natural resources, procurement and pollution, the University has implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) which has been accredited since October 2010 to the internationally recognised ISO14001 certification.
In 2007 we produced our first Carbon Management Plan and have continued building on these initiatives. Our current Carbon Management Plan 2020-2023 describes our ongoing activities to reduce carbon emissions, with a £200k annual budget for initiatives within the plan. We are undertaking a comprehensive review with a building condition survey and decarbonisation study which will form the basis of a new Carbon Management Plan for 2023-2028.
We are working within the higher education sector’s target by reducing scope 1 and 2 (direct) emissions by 78% by 2035 and achieving net-zero by 2050 at the latest, with scope 3 (indirect) emissions to be reduced as soon as possible.
Annual progress is reported via Carbon Management Update Reports:
Our Travel Plan, updated annually contains measures and targets to reduce solo car usage and encourage more sustainable travel choices in order to contribute to the overall reduction of carbon emissions generated by travel to the University. Through the implementation of our plan, we are working hard to help make our University campuses a healthier and sustainable place in which to work, study or visit.
The main objectives of the plan are:
- To reduce the environmental impact of the University's travel demands.
- To reduce the number of single occupancy cars arriving at the University.
- To improve the choice of transport options available.
- To ensure maximum utilisation of the University resources.
The anticipated benefits of the travel plan are numerous and include:
- By promoting and improving sustainable methods of transport such as public transport, walking, cycling and car sharing we can reduce its carbon footprint.
- Through a reduction in the amount of carbon produced, which contributes to climate change, we are benefiting the global environment.
- The local environment also benefits from improved air quality through reduced pollution levels and noise reduction.
- Reduced congestion around campus and ease of access and car parking means that commuters, visitors, deliveries and local residents can all benefit from shifts in travel modes.
- By changing from an often stressful and expensive solo car journey to more sustainable modes, commuters can take advantage of individual costs savings and health benefits.
Sustainability initiatives
We’re dedicated to reducing our carbon emissions and we’re always looking for new and innovative ways that really make an impact. If you have an idea, however big or small, please contact us and let us know.
We also would like to hear about any issues or energy matters which could be improved. You can report any arising issues in University buildings by emailing the Estates Team.
Our Strategic Plan to 2028 includes a number of key objectives which relate to sustainable food, to promote mental, physical, social and ecological wellbeing and to inspire healthy choices. We will minimise consumption of resources whilst considering sustainable procurement. Our catering service has undertaken several projects and initiatives and has forthcoming plans for 22/23 to continue to develop and promote sustainable food. We work closely with the Students’ Union on sustainable food growing and cooking projects.
UCLan Catering - Foster / Harrington Refectory
- Refectories use as much compostable food packaging as possible, which is made of plant-based, recycled and biodegradable material.
- Currently 75% of the food supplies in the kitchen are from local suppliers, for example milk from local dairies, free-range eggs, and meat from a local butcher.
- Food suppliers are requested to use biodegradable or reusable packaging wherever possible.
- Refectory menus feature a variety of healthy and sustainable food options including daily vegetarian and vegan choices. The menu is regularly changed to promote sustainability and encourage students to explore plant-based options.
- Coffee served is a Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee which promotes more sustainable agricultural production and responsible supply chains.
- All eggs are free range and Freedom Food Accredited and fish is Marine Stewardship Council
- All our bananas are Fairtrade and a range of products are sold.
- Unsold food from refectories is discounted at the end of the day, and any remaining food is collected by ReFood, a food waste recycler.
We engage with the TUCO buying consortium to share good practices. TUCO is committed to promoting the learning and development of catering and hospitality staff and provides quality standards, advice, and information to those working in catering. In addition, UCLan catering has started to implement the Menus of Change Programme and its Healthy, Sustainable Menus Principles. It guides the food industry about many aspects of sustainability in catering, such as nutrition, environmental science perspectives on optimal food selection, and consumer preference trends.
Edible campus
The plants and trees around campus were carefully chosen to provide habitat for birds, bees, and other wildlife, allowing students to appreciate closeness to nature while learning and benefiting from edible food. We have an orchard on campus with pear, plum and apple varieties.
Healthy eating
In 2020, the University, the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing, and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collaborated to create a free event to promote healthy eating. The event discussed how diet and nutrition choices can contribute to a healthy life and well-being now and in the future. The presenters discussed maternal diet and lifestyle concerning gestational diabetes, as well as how to identify, regulate, and manage food allergies.
Students' Union
The University has supported the Students' Union activities by providing space on campus and facilities. In 2022/23 the SCRAN and Secret Garden project (details below) will be combined into a new volunteering initiative ‘Grow & Eat’ to benefit those who want to start growing their food, learning gardening and cooking, selling produce on campus and contributing to our sustainable development.
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SCRAN initiative started in 2018 as a social enterprise to provide on-campus cooking classes and raise awareness about food and sustainability issues. SCRAN has a regular stall at our Students' Union Craft and Food Fair on campus, selling food cooked from sustainably sourced ingredients. Healthy and sustainable recipes and cooking videos are available on SCRAN's Instagram to help students get started on sustainable cooking and eating journeys. |
Secret Garden is an internal courtyard area in Foster Building used as an allotment space for growing vegetables and fruits. Work will be underway in the summer to tidy up the area and get ready for the new academic year. |
Community fridge
The Students' Union obtained funding from the Co-op as a part of their Community Partnership. Found to create a community fridge in the Students' Union building, with plans to open the refrigerator in September 2022 as a 12-month pilot.
The community fridge initiative will offer a place where students can access healthy and sustainable food while saving money and, most importantly, reducing waste. The community fridge provides an innovative and collaborative solution to reduce food waste and creates an opportunity to unite the student community.
Our Students’ Union regularly organises craft and food markets on campus.
Sustainability is one of the key priorities in the UCLan strategic plan that runs from 2021 until the institution's 200th anniversary in 2028. Read our policy to find out more.
Responsible procurement
The University has an annual turnover in the region of £225 million, of which c£85 million is spent on goods and services to support the running of the University with a further £25 million on average on its capital program. We, therefore, have a significant opportunity to work with our supply chains to deliver additional benefits to the University’s students, local residents, businesses and communities.
The University ensure that decisions taken by the University on the procurement of goods, works or services are undertaken in line with our commitments set out in this code under the following themes:
- Delivering social value
- Improving environmental sustainability
- Promoting ethical sourcing practices
- Encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion
- Accessibility
The following social value outcomes are the priority areas the University has identified as best able to support the University, its students, local residents, businesses and communities.
- Opportunity: We know employment has many benefits – from creating life chances to the related physical and mental health consequences of being employed. We want suppliers to take a part in helping:
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- UCLan students to develop skills to support their personal development and employment when they leave education; and
- Local unemployed residents back into meaningful employment.
- Locality: Demonstrating visible commitment to the University’s local neighbourhood by volunteering time or skills to support local voluntary groups in making local neighbourhoods thriving places
- Environment: Making a difference to the University and the local community by making a positive contribution to a healthier environment.
While the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 only requires relevant authorities to consider social value in service contracts (and goods or works contracts where there is a services element), the University will also apply the approach to goods and works contracts with a total contract value over £150,000.
The University is a member of the North West Universities Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC), which operates under the banner of UK Universities Procurement Consortia (UKUPC), a body dedicated to improving both the quality of procurement and the level of collaborative procurement across the HE sector. Together these consortia have published a shared Sustainability Policy to which all members, including the University, are committed. UCLan is a member of Electronics Watch via NWUPC Ltd.
A carbon literacy pilot took place in 2021/22 with 33 colleagues undertaking training across professional services to enable them to be more confident in having conversations within their teams about climate change and carbon reduction. Each delegate undertook a pledge for their own individual actions, and a group action with their team. The training will be rolled out to the senior management team in 2022/23. The number of colleagues who have successfully undertaken carbon literacy training will be reported through the Annual Carbon Management Update.
Colleagues joining the University will be provided with details of our sustainability policies in induction events from July 2022. This means they'll have the information they need to be sustainable in their roles. Information is provided to all colleagues on the intranet. A dedicated area on the Student Hub provides advice and information to students on ways to be sustainable.
Sustainability is incorporated in the UCLan Student Charter. The university commits to investing in a sustainable future and considers impact on the climate in all that we do. Students are encouraged to play their part in culture change for sustainability. The University takes part in an annual green week, in conjunction with the Students’ Union.
The University is currently reviewing all of its curriculum to be in line with a new Institutional Curriculum Framework which came into operation from September 2020. The framework provides the vehicle for curriculum content discussions at a subject level and drives the manifestation at a course level. It is anticipated that the initial institutional review will be completed by August 2023 which is a cyclical process of consideration and review for courses.
To date, 205 courses have completed full curriculum re-approval against the Curriculum Framework principles. This includes consideration of embedding sustainability within their programme. Many remaining courses are part way through this process and the majority of the remaining 565 are due to be completed by September 2023. Progress is reported through Academic Quality and Standards Committee. The Curriculum Framework is a key component of UCLan’s Strategic Plan – Leading the Way in Modern Learning (Priority 2).
Sustainability is one of the key themes included in the Curriculum Framework, drawing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Course leaders and academics can access resources through the Curriculum Framework interactive site, including the ability to upload resources for others to use.
Sustainability was the topic of focus for 27th June 2022 Initial Teacher Training conference, providing an opportunity for those involved in initial teacher training for 14+ age range within the UCLan network of partner colleges to explore what sustainability means, what UCLan is doing and resources that can be utilised.
Professor Mark Dooris is Education for Sustainable Development Lead.
Ruth Connor
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Ruth is the lead for Sustainability on Vice-Chancellor's Group.
Liz Gatheral
Director of Estates and Capital Projects
Contact Liz
A qualified architect with a postgraduate qualification in Climate Change & Sustainable Development, Liz leads the Estates and Capital Projects Service, which encompasses the operation of the estate and the development of new facilities. Liz oversees the Sustainability Team, the delivery of the Estates Enabling Strategy, Carbon Management Plan, Energy Policy and delivers actions within the Strategic Plan to 2028 relating to Sub-Strategy 6, Future-proofing our university.
Bill Hancox
Assistant Director, Estates Services & Capital Projects
Contact Bill
Bill oversees estate development, estate maintenance, and space and property management at the University. Environmental sustainability is embedded within these three areas of work, and specific carbon-reducing projects are progressed via a dedicated annual decarbonisation budget.
Liz Campbell
Director of Safety, Health & Environmental Compliance
Contact Liz
Liz leads the Safety, Health & Environmental Compliance Team and the strategic implementation of the University’s accreditation to the Occupational Health & Safety Management System ISO45001 and Environmental Management System ISO14001. These are combined into a Safety, Health & Environment Integrated Management System (IMS) which is externally audited by the British Standards Institute (BSI) every 6 months to help reassure and demonstrate the University is managing its safety, health and environmental responsibilities correctly.
Pete Hill
Lead SHE Adviser
Contact Pete
Pete is responsible for day to day implementation of the University’s SHE Integrated Management System, accredited to the Occupational Health & Safety Management System ISO45001 and Environmental Management System ISO14001. The University has implemented an accredited EMS, since October 2010 to the internationally recognised ISO14001 certification.
Claire Lowe
Campus Development Lead (Interim Head of Sustainability)
Contact Claire
Claire has a Masters in Environmental Monitoring and works across the three UCLan campuses providing project leadership and co-ordination to various sustainability initiatives, including leading the roll out of Carbon Literacy, development of resources for students and colleagues and delivery of carbon reduction initiatives.
Jo Hall
Sustainable Travel Co-ordinator
Contact Jo
Jo leads the delivery of UCLan’s Travel Plan, promoting sustainable and active travel to contribute to the overall reduction of carbon emissions generated.
Sarah Robinson
Head of Estates Operations
Contact Sarah
Sarah’s areas of responsibility includes building services, waste disposal & recycling, event support, grounds maintenance, cleaning and caretaking, mailroom, parking and customer services. Sarah has taken part in Carbon Literacy and is leading a number of initiatives across campus to deliver sustainability targets.
Dave Genther
Campus Appearance Manager
Contact Dave
Dave is responsible for the external campus environment, including biodiversity and oversees the Waste and Recycling team. Dave is also a beekeeper, as our Student Centre has rooftop hives with around 100,000 bees.
Dave Grime
Catering Services Manager
Contact Dave
Dave oversees sustainable food aspects of all our in-house catering services, including Marine Stewardship Council fish, Good Egg Award products, Rainforest Alliance coffee, daily vegan and vegetarian options at all catering outlets in addition to measures to reduce single-use plastic.
Jamie McDowell
Outdoor Team Supervisor
Contact Jamie
Jamie’s responsibilities include waste and recycling covering the full range of collection services from litter picking to removing large unwanted objects, working with contracted waste and recycling services to minimise landfill and increase recycling.
Tom Pattinson
Operations and Transformation Manager
Email Tom
Focusing on strategic projects and governance to ensure that sustainability is incorporated into new projects and initiatives.
Professor Mark Dooris
Education for Sustainable Development Lead
Mark is a member of the University Climate Change & Carbon Reduction Strategic Group, Co-lead for the Healthy and Sustainable Settings Unit and Co-Director of the Institute of Citizenship, Society and Change.
John is Co-Director of the UCLan Centre for Sustainable Transitions and Co-Director of the Institute of Citizenship, Society and Change and is a member of the University Climate Change & Carbon Reduction Strategic Group
Ulrike is a member of the University Climate Change & Carbon Reduction Strategic Group and Co-Director of the Institute of Citizenship, Society and Change.
Karl is the Director of the Centre for Waste Management and alongside academic interests leads two regional projects which engage SMEs to improve carbon efficiency within their organisations and products.
Charlotte has a dual role alongside her academic interests as Healthy University Advisor, developing and implementing a range of initiatives to develop a healthy, safe, active and sustainable campus.
Head of Sustainability
Vacant
Energy, Carbon and Utilities Manager
Vacant
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