Sustainability at UCS
At UCS, we believe that sustainability means meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of others to meet theirs, now and in the future.
UCS Sustainability Policy
As a young, vibrant, forward thinking higher education institution, UCS is committed to continuous improvement in the sustainability of all of its activities. UCS does not merely comply with statutory requirements, but consistently aims to achieve the highest standards of sustainability excellence. UCS also seeks to ensure that it has a positive impact on society, on the economy and on the environment, and promotes sustainability with all of its stakeholders.
UCS Sustainability Strategy
Introduction
Sustainability is defined as “meeting our needs today without compromising the ability of others to meet their needs, now and in future”. This definition applies to the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic and environmental.
This strategy builds on the UCS sustainability policy, which was agreed by the Executive on 4 October 2011. It is fully aligned with the UCS Strategic Plan 2010–2015.|
The strategy has three sustainability themes: Academic, Enterprise and Operations.
Academic sustainability
This theme covers the sustainability aspects of learning, teaching, assessment, research, recruitment and employability.
UCS will include Education for Sustainable Development in curriculum development and will bid for sustainability related research funding. Each year, UCS will seek to improve its position in the Green League and Green Gown Awards in order to enhance its attractiveness to potential students and improve employability for existing students.
Enterprise sustainability
This theme spans the sustainability aspects of stakeholder engagement, business development and brand enhancement.
UCS will engage on the sustainability agenda with students, UCS Union, staff, HEIs, FEIs, schools and other relevant organisations. We will work with government, business and the New Anglia LEP to promote the growth of a sustainable economy in our region and we will support start-up businesses in the sustainability sector directly and/or via the UCS business incubator.
Operations sustainability
UCS will develop an Environmental Management System (EMS) so that it can manage the environmental impacts of its operations. These include carbon emissions and consumption of energy, water and materials, as well as procurement, travel, transport and waste. To ensure that UCS's EMS implements best practice and to maximise reputational benefits, we will secure third party certification to ISO14001.
Implementation and delivery
Implementation of this strategy will be managed by UCS’s Sustainability Officer on behalf of the Sustainability Committee. The strategy will be delivered collaboratively via UCS Schools and Departments with support from the Sustainability Officer. Delivery targets, resources and benefits are set out in the UCS Sustainability Delivery Plan.
Contact
For more information about Sustainability at UCS please contact Steve Marsden, UCS Sustainability Officer, s.marsden@ucs.ac.uk.