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Issue 89 | July 2015 | ISSN 1756-0225 | ÂŁ3.99 where sold

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HE NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS Diary: People and Planet's Hannah Smith

p.05

Industry news

p.06

The Young Leaders Awards 2015

p.10

Sustainability update from the EAUC

p.12

Opinion: Roehampton's Ann MacLarnon

p.14

Sustainability news

p.16

Event preview: Education Forum

p.53

Last word: The University of Leicester's p.70

Paul Boyle

CAMPUS SERVICES News on campus

p.23

ASRA: The importance of putting students first

p.37

New faces at CUBO

p.40

Sports news: UHI's sports hub gets go-ahead

p.42

International spotlight: Phase one complete at Singapore University of Technology and Design

p.44

CATERING & HOSPITALITY 18

FEATURES

Cover image: © Hufton+Crow

Going green Larry Day looks at the universities championing sustainable initiatives on campus p.18 Best builds Mark Ferguson rounds-up the latest and best new builds with sustainability at their core p.31 Campus spotlight: MMU How Manchester Met became a leading institution for environmental sustainability p.38

Bitesize news

p.46

Seafish – the healthy choice in more ways than one

p.48

Opinion: The Russell Partnership's David Russell

p.49

Preview: Skills for Chefs 2015

p.50

Recipe: Tasty treats that won't ruin your diet

p.51

FINANCE & MARKETS News brief

p.55

Legal advice: Sustainable leadership in HE

p.58

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY 71

News wire

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Recycling ICT equipment

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@ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 0 3

In the next issue: Revamp time on campus

An equal education

has a female head. This inspired us to look at this pressing topic more closely over the coming months, so this issue, we kick-off our series of ‘Equality in HE’ features with an inspiring opinion piece from Professor Paul Boyle, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester. The University was recently selected to take a leading role in the United Nations Women HeForShe Campaign, where it will champion gender equality in UK HE and beyond. Prof. Boyle explains how gender imbalance in the leadership of higher education is a serious issue world-wide on page 70. If you’d like to take part in our new ‘Equality in HE’ series, or know someone who is championing gender equality in the higher education sector, get in touch. I would love to hear and share your views.

arlier this month, the news broke that Oxford University is on track to have its fi rst female Vice-Chancellor. Professor Louise Richardson is currently in charge at St Andrews and previously held a senior role at Harvard University. If she is formally adopted as the 272nd Vice-Chancellor, she will follow almost eight centuries of male heads. The news will make Oxford the latest high profi le university to appoint a female leader. When digging deeper into the idea of the HE gender divide, I was stunned to discover that just 20% of Vice-Chancellors are female, despite the fact that 45% of all academic staff are women. The Times Higher Education magazine recently highlighted that only one in seven of the world's top 200 educational institutions

Adapting to international student regulations Catering for special diets Tech-savvy learning spaces

Until next time,

Rebecca Paddick Editor

Connect with us…

For all the latest news and views in HE visit: www.universitybusiness.co.uk www.facebook.com/ubmag

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Disclaimer: The legal responsibilities for all images or copy supplied to University Business by third parties remain that of the third-party supplier. The magazine cannot be held responsible for copyright – or similar – infringements that may arise as a result of images or copy sent in by contributors outside of Wildfire Comms Ltd. The obligation to check for such issues is the duty of the party who supplied the images or copy. Content supplied for print may also be used online, and vice versa, unless otherwise requested.

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DIARY | NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

The voice of the future Hannah Smith, University League Manager at People & Planet, is focusing energy on empowering students to push the sustainability agenda in HE n 2007 I worked at a university that took part in an environmental indices pilot, funded by HEFCE; Universities That Count (UTC). That same year the People & Planet University League (Green League in 2007) published its first environmental assessment of UK universities. Perhaps an example of 'simultaneous invention', the notion that multiple incidents of the same idea are inevitable; born from zeitgeist. It was the sustainability facilitator who registered for participation in the UTC index and it was the same person that relished the results of the People & Planet University League when it opened dialogue with senior decision makers and spurred faster action on the green issues that students had campaigned for. In recent years we've seen the HE sustainability conversation move from middle to senior management – an absolute success when you consider the epic proportions of climate change and the attention it surely deserves. Eight years ago I watched HEFCE venture bravely into the relatively unknown world of education for sustainable development – could it be the moment that our universities realise their potential by answering the biggest questions of our time and equipping graduates with the tools we needed for social and climate justice? It wasn't. The academic community rebuffed this move as officious and so HEFCE turned their attention to reducing carbon emissions through better estates management. But this year People & Planet doubled the weighting given to education for sustainability in the University League and we were told it wasn't enough. We recorded an impressive 44% of all UK institutions making senior level commitment to implement sustainability education across all aspects of teaching and learning. The latest People & Planet University League also triggered what an AUDE executive described as “the most email traffic experienced on any one subject, ever” by estates directors. This indicated a shift from the hunger of sustainability professionals to more of a conservative risk-averse approach, where some universities decided they would not complete the People & Planet request for information after eight years

the politics of ranking universities publicly is a challenge at best and this route no longer seems viable. People & Planet will focus energy on empowering students – that's what we're here for. We hold a powerful position in the sector, one that asks unashamedly for transparency, for moral leadership and a willingness to hear the voice of the future. Our student campaigners keep me inspired. Their passion to move UK university money out of the fossil fuel industry has caught the imagination of the world's NGO's, councils, churches, academics, politicians and philosophers. Transparency is paramount. If a student asks a university, “where does my money go? What do you invest in? What do you believe we can do as a university community to address climate change and social injustice?” I'd expect them all to willingly answer. Whilst Oxford continue to keep their investment portfolio a secret, their recent statement on coal and tar sands is one of morality. It is no longer acceptable for companies to exploit fossil fuels in such abhorrently destructive ways. The field is open for UK universities to take a stance, to make investments that will nurture societies, benefit our communities and prevent a climate disaster future for their students. Going forward, People & Planet will focus energy on empowering students. In terms of the league table, we'll certainly be doing things differently from now on. The 'how' remains to be seen, but we know we hold a powerful position in the sector, one that asks unashamedly for transparency, for moral leadership and a willingness to hear the voice of the future. UB

Hannah Smith

“IN RECENT YEARS WE'VE SEEN THE HE SUSTAINABILITY CONVERSATION MOVE FROM MIDDLE TO SENIOR MANAGEMENT” of doing so. Whilst celebrating the time and consideration that senior management teams have put into sustainability communications this year, I'm also wary that this shift may not be a wholly healthy change in attitude. With cuts to HEA resources, no second round for the NUS student green fund and neither pressure nor support from government in England, I worry about the loss of key sustainability drivers and cannot de-couple this from the core funding cuts that push our universities into deeper relationships with business, asking that they act all together more business-like. In response to the sector's campaign this year we offered AUDE and EAUC the opportunity to manage components of the People & Planet University League, but

@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 05

N E W S A N D C U R R E N T A F FA I R S

NEWS AND CURR

International students give economy £2

I Cambridge remains top of Guardian league Cambridge University tops the Guardian’s undergraduate university league table for a fi fth consecutive year. Oxford and St Andrews regain second and third places respectively, while Surrey has overtaken Bath, rising two places to fourth. Warwick and Durham also performed well, moving up into sixth and seventh place. Exeter has entered the top 10, rising three places from 12th to ninth, and Coventry has rocketed up 12 places from last year to move into 15th. Sussex was one of the big successes this year, climbing 24 places to 19th. Leeds Trinity gained more ground than any other university, rising 27 spots to 84th.

nternational students boost the UK economy by £2.3bn, a major new report from London First and PwC has found. Students who responded to the study came from about 70 countries and attended 10 of the 39 higher education institutions in London. As well as contributing to the economy, the study says, international students "support nearly 70,000 jobs" because of the money they spend in the city. However, a vast majority of the students said it was difficult for them to secure work aft er they had fi nished their courses because of the complex immigration system. According to Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive of London First: “International students are made to feel unwelcome because of anti-immigration rhetoric – and the fact that they are currently included in the government’s net migration target. But students’ expenditure here is a modernday export: they pay substantial fees and contribute significantly in consumer spending. “As a matter of priority, our new government should follow the lead of Australia and Canada and reclassify international students as temporary visitors, not migrants. It makes no sense to imply through classification and rhetoric that they are unwelcome, which is harming our universities’ abilities to sell education to

talented students around the world.” The team behind the research said that international students do not burden public services. Their fi gures show that while international students contribute a "total of £2.8bn" through the spending they bring to the country, they consume £540m in public spending, including the NHS.

“Budgetry pressures arise today," says HEPI

he Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) has said that the potential impact of low loan repayments decades ahead is beginning to affect universities' budgets now. In a new HEPI pamphlet, The accounting and budgeting of student loans, Andrew McGettigan revealed how the treatment of student loans in the national and departmental accounts is driving policy. In the report, McGettigan said: “Questions about the sustainability of the current undergraduate fee-loan regime are not academic questions about what happens after 2045. Budgetary pressures arise today. “Uncertainty surrounds the estimations of future graduate repayments but their estimated value has deteriorated markedly in recent years. This decline generated a major challenge for the BIS budget, which has faced a cumulative shortfall of perhaps £10bn over the last four years. Unplanned cuts of around 0 6 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K

£800m for 2015/16 were only averted by changing retrospectively the accounting and budgeting conventions for student loans in 2013/14. “The Treasury has incentivised BIS to improve the value of repayments from an estimated equivalent of 55p per pound loaned to 65p. Achieving that target would be the equivalent of improving BIS’s fi nances by £1bn for each year’s loan issue. How can BIS do it? Most likely by restricting maximum tuition fees for the majority of courses at the majority of institutions and by toughening up repayment terms for borrowers. “Efforts to sell loans to the private sector are driven by concerns regarding their risk and their impact on public debt. Loans will only be 'off-balance sheet' if they can be sold. “These policies may achieve fiscal sustainability for undergraduate funding but will challenge public goodwill, a more fundamental sustainability.”

Read McGettigan’s full report here: http://bit.ly/1PyeWSj

S A N D C U R R E N T A F FA I R S

N E W S A N D C U R R E N T A F FA I R S

N E W S A N D C U R R E N T A F FA I R S N E W S A N D C U R R E N T

my £2.3bn boost THE REPORT CALLS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO: Use hard data when setting immigration targets: there’s a real opportunity to develop better data collection on migration so that we can see the real facts on inward and outward flows Classify students as temporary visitors not migrants Create an environment where Britisheducated overseas talent is valued as an asset rather than treated as a liability: the government should reinstate the automatic option or make it easier for international students to work here for a few years after graduation.

More than

33%

of students found that Britain’s immigration system negatively affected their experience of studying in the UK

They contribute a total of

International students support nearly

70,000 jobs in London because of the money they spend here

£2.8 billion

through the spending they bring to the country, while only consuming £540m in public spending

Oxford on track for first female VC

xford University is set to have a female head for the first time in its history, with the nomination of Louise Richardson as Vice-Chancellor. Prof Richardson is currently in charge at St Andrews and has previously held a senior role at Harvard University. She will replace Andrew Hamilton, who is moving to New York University. If she is formally adopted as the 272nd Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Richardson will follow almost eight centuries of male heads. Oxford University appointed its first head in 1230 – and until now all of its vice-chancellors have been men. A political scientist, her academic expertise has been in security and terror. She has written books about terror and counter-terror in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Subject to the approval of Congregation, the University’s parliament, Prof Richardson will

take up the post in January 2016. Oxford will become the latest high profile university to appoint a female leader. Harvard University and Imperial College London are

both headed by women. But The Times Higher Education magazine has highlighted that only one in seven of the world's top 200 institutions has a female head. @ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 0 7

N E W S A N D C U R R E N T A F FA I R S

People

NEWS AND CURR

International BATH’S SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Prof. J onathan K night

NEW CHANCELLOR FOR SALFORD The University of Salford has welcomed its sixth Chancellor, renowned poet Professor Jackie Kay MBE. The role will see the distinguished, awardwinning writer of fiction, poetry and plays act as the ceremonial head of the institution and play an important part in representing the University of Salford and supporting the work of students and the wider community. As well as her role as Chancellor, Jackie will also take up the position of University ‘Writer in Residence,’ which involves contributing major commissions to enhance learning and teaching, and broaden the students’ experience at the University.

SIR JOHN O’REILLY TO RECEIVE HONORARY AWARD Leading academic and scientist Sir John O’Reilly will receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Huddersfield for his outstanding contribution to science and technology on a national and international level. Sir John is Chairman of NICC (Standards) Ltd, the pan-industry and government body responsible for ensuring telecommunication network and service interoperability in the UK, a Director and Board Member of ERA Foundation Ltd and a commissioner of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. He served recently for a two-year term as Director General of Knowledge and Innovation for the UK Government within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, previously having been Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University and before that Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. In 2007, he received a Knighthood in recognition of his contributions to science. 0 8 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K

Prof. Peter Lambert

BCU PROF HAILED AS CHIEF IN GHANA

The University of Bath has appointed Professor Jonathan Knight as Pro-ViceChancellor (Research), and Professor Peter Lambert as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching). Prof. Knight is currently the Associate Dean for Research in the Faculty of Science, a position he has held since 2013. He will take on the post from 1 August 2015 for a three-year period, and will succeed Professor Jane Millar who has fulfilled the role with distinction for the past seven years. Prof. Lambert is currently the Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. He will take on the post from 1 July 2015 for four years and succeeds Professor Bernie Morley who started in his new role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Provost earlier this month.

UNIVERSITY THINK-TANK ANNOUNCES NEW CHAIR

The university think-tank million+ has announced that Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University (LSBU), will become Chair from the 2015-16 academic year. Prof. Phoenix has been Vice-Chancellor of LSBU since January 2014, having previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire for six years.

A Birmingham City University (BCU) Professor has been bestowed the honour of 'Chief for Educational Development' in Ghana. Prof. David Edwards was presented with the honour at the Royal Palace in Aaskyiri in recognition of his ongoing commitment to local students and the progression of education in the region. He said: “It’s such an honour and privilege to be nominated to become the Chief for Educational Development in Asakyiri. Ghana is the shining star of Africa, its progress in primary education should be seen as a massive beacon of hope and inspiration for all Africans. “However, more needs to be done to raise the importance of further and higher education. Two-thirds of Ghanaians (26 million people) are farmers – there is so much more we could be doing with this talent to help move the country forward. “I hope to use my time in Ghana to begin working with younger children at nursery, primary and secondary levels to help guide their further learning. Eventually I would like to see all locals of Asakyiri have a fair shot at a university education and the opportunity to transform their lives.” In 2009 Professor Edwards took up the post of Visiting Professor at the second largest university in Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The post followed the new education plan for Ghana that was finalised in 2007 which proposed plans to get more children into education by 2015. Since then Ghana has been heralded as a role model for many African countries due to its access to free basic education. Almost 90% of Ghanaian children are now in school, compared with 64% in Nigeria and 72% in Pakistan. Ghana spends 8% of GDP on education, more than the UN’s 6% benchmark and more than the UK’s 6.5%.

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ANNOUNCEMENT

HAVE YOU NOM

Time is running out to submit your en trie

YOUNG LEADERS AWARDS 2015

BROUGHT TO YOU BY UNIVERSITY BUSI

BUSINESS

ur distinguished panel of HE experts will select a shortlist of three fi nalists for each of the eight categories, along with the winners. All fi nalists will be contacted in July and invited to attend the Awards; and the winners will be announced at the Award’s evening.

KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Entry deadline – Tuesday 30th June Shortlist announced – Tuesday 21st July Awards ceremony – Wednesday 4th November

JUDGING PANEL Stewart Ross, Head of Commercial Services, University of Leeds, and representing CUBO Joy Palmer, Senior Manager for National Library and Archival Services at Jisc Melanie Loizou, Melanie Loizou, Director,

Fish Climb Trees Lee Fellows, Comms & IT Officer, University of

Edinburgh, and representing ASRA Rebecca Petford, EAUC,

Scotland Programme Coordinator

“As a Youth specialist research agency, we’re passionate about championing the positive contribution that young people are bringing to education, to the workplace and to society. That’s why we’re delighted to be sponsoring the Young Leaders Awards 2015 – to celebrate the future of this vital sector by recognising the achievements of its youngest champions.” Tim Daplyn, Managing Director, Redbrick

To nominate your young leader visit www.ylawards.com 10 |

Park Lane image by Rept0n1x, licensed under CC-BY-SA-3.0. No changes were made. The author is independent of YLA and Wildfire Comms.

I V E R S I T Y

NES

OMINATED YET?

r en tries for the 2015 Young Leaders Awards

BUSI

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WHO CAN ENTER?

practice across the legal HE sector

The awards are open to anyone aged 30 years and under, as of 4th November 2015, working in, and in partnership with, UK higher education institutions.

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magician Sponsored by Redbrick The social media and marketing guru taking their university to the next level Admin angel The tireless organiser keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes Money mogul Sponsored by UPP The neat numbercruncher with their finger on the financial pulse.

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“The Unite Foundation works to raise aspirations of young people who otherwise might not get to university. We’re proud to support the Young Leaders Awards who want to recognise the dedication and inspiration many young people bring to their roles in the HE sector and, in turn, help raise aspirations for their peers and other future leaders.” Jenny Shaw, Unite Foundation, Chair.

Deadline for submissions: 30th June 2015

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS | EAUC

DEDICATED ENERGY AND WATER COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE LAUNCHED FOR HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR This Community of Practice (CoP) allows for sector-wide responses to specific consultations, which sees EAUC providing a voice for its Members nergy and Utilities Management has been an especially hot topic for Members of the EAUC and further tertiary educational institutions in recent years and in the 2013 Member survey it proved to be one of the top choices of potential EAUC Communities of Practice. It has since furher been the focus of out-of-sector site visits and various other meetings, training and events. The creation of this new EAUC Energy & Water Community of Practice coincided with an EAUC Member response to the “Display Energy Certificates: current regime and how it could be streamlined and improved” Consultation in March 2015. This CoP has now been formally launched for Members of the EAUC and last month saw the first meeting take place at The University of Warwick. The agenda for this one-day meeting included discussions on topical issues, such as heat network schemes and an informative tour of Warwick’s campus, including the “Energy Trail”.

EAUC Communities of Practice are exclusive to EAUC mem ers ﬁnd o t more about EAUC membership at: www.eauc.org.uk/ join_ eauc

As at all EAUC Community of Practice meetings, there was plenty of opportunity to discuss specific issues that are current or upcoming at Member Universities and Colleges. The minutes to this meeting can be found on the CoP’s homepage. www.eauc.org.uk/energy1 Typical topics being discussed by Members of the EAUC Energy and Water Community of Practice: • Combined heat and power (CHP) • Energy-related procurement • Institution energy reduction • ESOS and other relevant programmes • ISO15001 • Building refurbishments • Soft landings • Electricity metering • Gas metering • Water metering • ENMS – Energy Management System

MEET THE CONVENORS! All EAUC Communities of Practice are convened by fellow Members at Universities or Colleges in the UK. The Energy and Water CoP is co-convened by Joel Cardinal who is the Head of Energy & Sustainability at The University of Warwick and Andrew Bryers who is the Energy Manager at Aston University. Both Joel and Andrew have many years’ experience and are experts in these fields.

Andrew Bryers:

Joel Cardinal:

After doing an MSc in Managing the Environment at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Andrew was recruited as the Assistant Energy and Environment Manager at the University of Nottingham in 2007. In 2010 he moved to his current post as Energy Manager at Aston University. In 2012 he obtained a Chartered Energy Manager grade with the Energy Institute.

Among many other responsibilities, Joel is responsible for the University of Warwick Energy and Environmental Sustainability agenda including carbon emissions reduction plan and energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. Joel also leads the University Carbon Management Implementation Plan aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2020/21 with provisional £50m funding.

12 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK

MATCHING MEMBERS’ NEEDS WITH NEW NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES The EAUC supports our Members to exchange ideas, skills and experience. Our network now comprises over 3,000 colleagues in universities, colleges and learning and skills institutions. To encourage more specialist learning and information sharing, we seek out and launch a range of Communities of Practice to support focused and efficient networking. The new Energy and Water Community of Practice recognises the need to share ideas, experience and expertise – between different institutions, and also between academic staff, non-academic staff and students – on monitoring, measuring and minimising energy and water usage.

PROMOTION | TEXTHELP

STEPHENSON COLLEGE IMPLEMENTS READ&WRITE SOFTWARE TO PROVIDE INDEPENDENT LEARNING FOR ALL STUDENTS AT A GLANCE What they wanted to do Find a product that would support the work done by Learning Support assistants. Assist learners who struggle with English. Provide all learners with access to the assistive product.

What they did Purchased a Read&Write site licence for the College. Learning Support assistants received training on the soft ware. Set up all College computers so that Read&Write could be used by everyone at any time.

WHAT THEY ACCOMPLISHED

• Learners can now work more independently with boosted selfconfidence. • Provided assistance for all members of the college community. • Winnacunnet literacy test scores have increased and its students are fi nding increased independence and collaboration in completing their work. BACKGROUND

Stephenson College is renowned for excellence and innovation in learning and has trained thousands of people to get the qualifications they need to get a better job or seek promotion at work. The College has a long tradition of working with employers and has excellent links with the business community on both a national and local level. Stephenson College was also one of the fi rst Further Education Colleges in the East Midlands to achieve the Emskills Quality Kitemark for employer engagement and responsiveness. The College’s vision is to be the bridge across which students travel to enable excellent future prospects. They have made it their mission to provide excellence and innovation in learning in an environment offering.

• Flexible access during College opening hours. • Cluster areas for study and research. • Small class sizes to enhance the learning experience.

"THE VARIETY OF TOOLS AVAILABLE IN READ&WRITE BRINGS TOGETHER A WHOLE HOST OF SUPPORT IN ONE PACKAGE" CHALLENGE & SOLUTION

The College chose to purchase Texthelp’s literacy support soft ware, Read&Write to support the excellent work that was being done by the Learning Support assistants. Chris Ison, the ALS Co-ordinator, says: “It had become apparent over time that learners coming to the college could struggle with English for a variety of reasons. Read&Write provides a way forward, enabling learners to work more independently which boosts their self-confidence. The aim is to provide all learners with access to Read&Write. It is clearly a product that benefits not only students but also staff at the college.” IMPLEMENTATION

Chris continues: “Read&Write has been

set up on all college computers, so it can be used at any time by all parties. The Learning Support assistants have attended Read&Write training sessions and are in a position to cascade their knowledge to individuals and groups.” CAPABILITIES

“The variety of tools available in Read&Write brings together a whole host of support in one package, providing a versatility that other products do not. We are aware that during exams, learners are not always comfortable working with a human support and it is anticipated that Read&Write will provide that independent support that will better suit learner needs. “This is a most useful tool which we would recommend because it assists all members of the college community, provides an opportunity to develop skills independently and for staff, once they become familiar with the programme, it will speed up production of materials and make their jobs much easier.” UB

For further information on Read&Write for your School, University or College, call Tel: +44(0)28 9442 8105, email the Education team at: education@ texthelp.com or visit www.texthelp.com @ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 1 3

XXXXXXXXXXXXX NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

Creating a thriving research environment

Universities must create the right culture for researchers to thrive, says Ann MacLarnon BELOW: Professor Ann M acLarnon is D eputy Provost for R esearch at the University of R oehampton

eputations are built on multiple factors in modern-day universities: the standing and quality of research output is part of a triumvirate alongside premium teaching and an exceptional student experience, all of which ultimately work together to create rounded, highly employable graduates. Successful research drives our staff and students and is the funnel through which academia influences government, the public and private sectors, and popular consciousness. We all know it, but it’s worth repeating: Great research builds a stronger reputation, which in turn attracts the sharpest and most original-thinking staff who discover, analyse and create. This feeds into cutting-edge teaching and better educated students. It’s a hackneyed concept, but students genuinely learn better from people who are engaged with their subject areas. Universities which create the right working conditions for academics to carry out their research will benefit across the board. Roehampton’s commitment to world-class research in all areas makes us stand out from a number of modern universities, and our academics really proved themselves in the Research Excellence Framework. We did not just submit a small number of ‘research stars’: two thirds of our staff, coming from every academic department, were submitted to 13 REF panels, and 66% of their work was judged world leading or internationally excellent. From my perspective, it was exceptionally pleasing to submit such a high percentage of our people. Our REF results demonstrated Roehampton is the most research-

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intensive modern university in the UK, a position of which we are justifi ably proud, and which we will seek to maintain and build on in future. I’ve been involved in many research audits, including multiple Research Assessment Exercises and each time, Roehampton has improved significantly. Seeing progression over time is incredibly gratifying, especially the latest step up from RAE 2008 to REF 2014, in which virtually all our subjects rose substantially in standing. Research is clearly not just about a regular audit though, and we need to provide an ongoing supportive environment for our staff who engage day in day out with new and exciting work, with critical issues in their fields, challenging orthodoxy and working to improve society. We focus on improving our understanding of the world, and creating new knowledge which changes lives. For example Dr Lewis Halsey, from our Department of Life Sciences, is an expert in environmental physiology. Working with PhD student Astrid Willener he has challenged conventional understanding of the ‘fi ght or fl ight’ reaction in animals. The study successfully questioned the validity of a long-held assumption within the scientific community. Continually challenging our understanding is a crucial element of cutting-edge research. Our Department of Dance was rated top in its panel in the REF, which placed it sixth in the country for outputs, across all 1,191 units. Among a number of leading academics, Professor Theresa Buckland specialises in the study of social and popular dance in Britain. She charts changes in styles and from the waltz popular in Victorian society, to the rise of the tango among the middle classes in the growing number of dance halls in the capital at the turn of the century. Her latest research explores popular dance forms as

expressions of English cultural and national identities in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Studies such as these are integral to our understanding of the country’s social history. Within our Department of Social Sciences, Dr Amanda Holt has played a key role in a new government-backed guide for family workers to deal with child-to-parent violence. She was part of a specially-convened Home Office panel which spent 18 months devising the guide which provides specific best practice examples for professionals who have a role in reporting or safeguarding families at risk. Among our English and Creative Writing staff, Dr Shelley Trower is involved in an ongoing project entitled Memories of Fiction, which has set out to discover why reading groups have returned to popularity – taking reading from the private to the public domain. The project looks at how we share our memories of fiction and will create an archive of oral interviews with readers, complementing traditional archives focused on authors. By turning to readers themselves, the project will enable insights into questions such as how memories of books are associated with particular experiences and emotions. Dr Trower and her colleagues are examining how reading groups have turned written text into group talk, turning back the clock from literacy to orality. Tackling such key activities in our lives leads to greater self awareness, and on a subject in which so

“We focus on improving our understanding of the world, and creating new knowledge which changes lives”

many of us take great pleasure. These pen portraits highlight how diverse and highly relevant research really thrives in a strong research environment and can have impact far beyond our own walls. The onus is on senior management in all universities to make sure that the conditions for such a culture exist, and continually to ask ‘what should we be doing?’ We are recruiting new staff with strong research profiles attracted by our agenda and the conditions that support it, from regular sabbaticals, to dedicated research facilitators in every department to assist with grant applications and engagement. Key to our success is that all our staff know research is highly valued and supported from the ViceChancellor downwards. Roehampton will continue to invest significantly in research, in both our excellent facilities and in our people. Our intention is to focus on our strengths, whilst developing in new, related fields – hence the launch of a Law School within our Department of Social Sciences, which is already attracting excellent staff and students. Amongst our research initiatives, we have just advertised 50 project areas for fully funded PhD scholarships, five in each of our 10 academic disciplines, for the strongest and most innovative doctoral students. Key to Roehampton’s success thus far has been the genuine partnership which exists between our students and staff, so the successful candidates will join highly active research teams to work on their projects from this autumn. By investing in research students now, we will help create the senior researchers of the future, at the same time as supporting current staff with the benefits of new team members with challenging ideas and novel contributions which, dare I say it, fresh new minds do bring. UB

CENTR E AND ABOVE: The University has just advertised 5 0 fully- funded scholarships for PhD students to join established research teams at R oehampton

@ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 15

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS

SUSTAINABLE ASSETS, REDUCED COSTS Warwickshire College Group’s £12m redevelopment project at its Royal Leamington Spa College is reaping the rewards of a sustainable approach eveloping existing property assets in a way that improves the educational setting with an excellent business case for payback through operational savings is a challenge for all HE providers. However, it’s a balancing act that Warwickshire College Group has tackled successfully across several of its campuses. Now, a showpiece £12m redevelopment project at its Royal Leamington Spa College exemplifies how designing improved thermal performance and energy efficiency into a building can both raise the standard of facilities and drive down operational costs.

Phased delivery Prior to the project, the main campus building at Royal Leamington Spa College was a pair of unremarkable 1950s teaching blocks. The recent scheme has updated the appearance and the space while reducing the electrical load by 30% and halving the gas load to provide the college with a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ sustainable building. Greenways, the building services engineers on the project, conducted an in-depth dilapidation survey of the existing M&E services to ascertain what could be recycled, saving the client £150,000 thanks to reutilisation of M&E plant and equipment. An enabling project involving a new mains distribution board, a new heating system and new distribution network was carried out, allowing floor-by-floor strip out, installation and connection so that the building could remain operational throughout the main programme. Andrew Bruton, project manager for main 16 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK

contractor Speller Metcalfe, said: “Finding a way to keep the blocks operational during the scheme was business critical. By designing the scheme with floor-by-floor strip out, installation and connection, Greenways helped us achieve this key objective.”

Heating and cooling The biggest changes to the fabric of the building were the installation of new double glazing and a 4” insulated cladding system, which not only updated the teaching block’s appearance but also dramatically improved its thermal performance. Speller Metcalfe also constructed a new atrium at the entrance to the building. Greenways designed a natural ventilation system for the new atrium, with automated window opening and louvered vents, linked to temperature, CO2 and rain sensors. Nik Chambers from Greenways explains: “The purpose of the natural ventilation system is to reduce the need for heating and cooling by providing a real-time, automated response to climactic conditions and CO2 levels, enhancing both safety and comfort. “In the summer months, the system will automatically open vents and windows during the night to cool the building ready for the students the next day.” Amongst other significant changes to the

mechanical services was the introduction of air source heat pumps to provide the energy for the domestic hot water (DHW) supply throughout the two teaching blocks. Greenways also introduced a gas-fired water heater to supplement this system as a back-up but the air source heat pumps have been specified to provide 100% of the heat required.

Electrical efficiency The 30% reduction in the building’s electrical load, despite the increase in square footage, is largely due to the use of LED lighting and lighting controls throughout. LEDs have been used for exterior feature lighting, classroom lighting and emergency lighting with PIR sensors for automated switching. The emergency lighting has been designed on a self-test, self-reporting system networked to a central building management system (BMS) to generate automated alerts of any faults to the maintenance team. The electrical installation also includes a fully addressable fire alarm system, designed to enable installation, programming and commissioning on a floor-by-floor basis before decommissioning of the old system. Andrew adds: “The aim of the project was to transform the existing property assets into an exemplar teaching space for a 21st-century college environment, combining energy efficiency and low operational costs with modern aesthetics and inspirational learning spaces. “With this scheme, we believe that we have truly achieved those goals, working with Greenways to deliver a landmark scheme in the field of college redevelopment.” UB

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SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL | NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

BELOW: NTU is currently placed fourth on the People & Planet G reen League

EVERYONE’S AT IT.

‘Going Green’ is no longer niche, with most universities implementing genius strategies to cut emissions… and costs. Larry Day takes a look at some of the UK’s leading environmental champions to find out how they do it 18 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK

NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY.

he continual rise in universities implementing rigorous green policies proves that it isn’t some fad, but rather an integral part of university life. Last year saw universities across the board slash carbon emissions by 3.6%. This might not seem like much, but given that it’s almost doubling the Carbon Trust’s target of 2% per year, it’s not half bad at all. Building on that, 44% of UK universities have committed to sustainable development across the board, for both staff and students. Dozens of awards from local to international level promote green advances, like the People & Planet University League, the EAUC’s Green Gown Award, NUS Green Impact, EcoCampus, Gold Green Apple, and the Sound Environmental Impact Awards. Over the years, being environmentally conscious has transcended being a ‘phase’, and forged its own path in daily routines for both staff and students. Although there are a great many initiatives and schemes on a national level, and obvious things – like recycling – are carried out by a majority of universities, there are also those who are forging an enlightened path; pioneers in green living for both staff and students are becoming increasingly common, and it looks like we will soon see a carbon neutral establishment in St. Andrew’s University. This is not only helping protect the environment, but it’s saving heaps of money too – which can then be invested in better teaching and research facilities. Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is one of a number of leaders in championing green changes – it’s deservedly placed

“44% OF UK UNIVERSITIES HAVE COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE. DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE BOARD, FOR BOTH STAFF AND STUDENTS”.

ABOVE: NTU’ s Ucycle scheme encourages staff and students to hire a bicycle to cut down on using their own cars or public transport

fourth on the People & Planet rankings (an independent league table “ranked by environmental and ethical performance”). Sarah Robertson, one of NTU’s Environmental Projects Officers, said that the main targets were “ambitious” reductions in the size of their carbon footprint, and they’ve been achieving this with a variety of grassroots changes, including the wildly successful Ucycle scheme. Costing only £35 per year, staff and

students can hire a bicycle to cut down on using their own cars or public transport. Now in its fi ft h year, Robertson says that the scheme is “part of the university culture on all three campuses”. Although initial take-up when it was launched was “disappointingly low”, it’s exploded in popularity, so much so that they’ve had to significantly increase the fleet. Additionally, a new Bike Hub has recently opened on their city site offering low cost bike servicing for any bike, not just those from the hire scheme, as well as free maintenance classes for students and staff. In some part due to the costs being recuperated in the long term with yearly revenue, it’s become a self-sufficient @UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 19

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL | NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

THE UNIVERSITY OF READING .

way to ‘go green’, and that’s really where NTU has broken ground. Now that it’s a sustainable scheme, the University can reinvest in other green initiatives, or put the money back into the university. To emphasise this, NTU use social media and open days to push their green reputation to prospective and existing students. Speaking to the University, it’s abundantly clear that they are proud of the

ABOVE: R eading has a set of energy saving trials, started in 2 011, aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 4 5 % in 2 02 0, and 3 5 % by 2 016

Dan Fernbank, explained that: “The University’s Carbon Management Plan set out the business case for investment in energy efficiency; identifying £3.5m investment could return cumulative savings

As it stands, Fernbank believes that they are on track to hit that 35% target. In 2014, they’d achieved a 23% drop in emissions (saving £8.5m), and reports suggest that the 35% remains within the University’s grasp. He also describes the feedback and uptake of both staff and students as “encouraging”, highlighting two cases in particular: “Around 100 volunteers gave up one Friday night in November

“AROUND 100 VOLUNTEERS GAVE UP ONE FRIDAY NIGHT IN NOVEMBER TO TAKE PART IN OUR FIRST. NUS-BACKED ‘BLACKOUT’ EVENT; GETTING TEAMS OF STUDENTS LED BY STAFF VOLUNTEERS TO AUDIT. BUILDINGS OUT OF HOURS, IDENTIFYING AND TURNING OFF UNNECESSARY EQUIPMENT”.

2 0 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK

of £18.5m over the five-year programme.” To achieve these targets, Reading has invested in improving existing facilities’ efficiency alongside some significant estate changes. This includes, but isn’t limited to “replacement of ageing halls of residence and our brand new district heating system… a major programme of insulation improvements, lighting upgrades, IT server room efficiencies and improved building controls…” – expensive in the short term, but if the University’s calculations are correct, they can save bundles in the future.

to take part in our first NUS-backed ‘Blackout’ event; getting teams of students led by staff volunteers to audit buildings out of hours, identifying and turning off unnecessary equipment.” Like Nottingham Trent, Reading use social media as a tool to promote new changes, with a focus currently on their Carbon Countdown campaign in the build up to their July 2016 target deadline. “It’s been a real learning curve,” he added. “Some projects have been surprising in how much they have saved; £88,000 annual saving from upgrading

Reading images courtesy of the University of Reading

results, and for good reason – it’s not just changing the face of the University, but the local community as well. The University of Reading is another place that’s boosting cycling to cut its carbon footprint, adopting the local council’s ReadyBike programme. However, this isn’t their only focus. Reading has a set of energy saving initiatives, started in 2011, aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 45% in 2020, and 35% by 2016. This doesn’t just apply to energy itself, but also water, travel and waste. The University’s Energy Manager,

ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY . the ventilation and controls to 44 fume cupboards across two Chemistry laboratories was particularly encouraging.” Another energy-hungry element of universities is a big one: temperature control. In winter when the degrees plummet below zero, and in summer when they soar above the heady highs of… nine, if we’re lucky… it’s important that students and staff are able to work in a comfortable workplace. Anglia Ruskin University is one of 10 universities benefitting from £1.45m in loans from the HEFCE Revolving Green Fund (“recoverable grants to help higher education institutions in England reduce emissions”) to help develop a heating and power energy network on their Cambridge campus. In short, the project aims to “generate heat to be distributed around the campus via a new pipe network, and at the same time generate electricity to be used on campus,” Simon Chubb, the University’s Environment Manager says. They will achieve this by using gas to power a new retrofitted pipe system, as opposed to electricity; this may seem counterproductive, but with electricity prices skyrocketing (rising three times higher than gas), Anglia Ruskin looks to

ABOVE: Anglia R uskin University s one of n vers t es eneﬁt n from £ 1.4 5 m in loans from the HEFCE R evolving G reen Fund

save over a quarter of a million pounds per year. Not only that, but the carbon intensity levels of gas are about a third of electricity’s, so the university will also reduce the campus’ carbon footprint by approximately 22% (a reduction of 740 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year). As well as this centrepiece project, Anglia Ruskin has also been running their ‘Green Love’ programme, which is a social media campaign to “engage staff and students in achieving our environmental policy objectives related to energy and water efficiency, waste minimisation, sustainable travel, biodiversity and Fairtrade.” It first ran in 2013/14, and saw “robust” strategies and targeted approaches to promote the “pro-environmental behaviours” that Anglia Ruskin sought to adopt. As well as monthly competitions, and a push for cycling, the Business School also got involved, with marketing students evaluating the data to further their own experience with social media, as well as assessing the effectiveness and development

of Green Love as a whole. As you might expect, the University found that activities or particular drives that were seen as fun or hands-on, or even that promoted a sense of wellbeing, were the ones that were most successful. Although Nottingham Trent, Reading and Anglia Ruskin all have some majorly impressive tactics to help reduce the environmental impact of the university, many other places across the UK have lofty goals too. It’s not a niche thing any longer, and the more that students and staff are aware of the projects – as the three examples above prove – the better they work. Social media plays a vital role, and it’s easier than ever to organise events or to rally around a cause. Going Green is not something strictly limited to universities, of course, but it is especially important in educational establishments; these are places that lead the nation in advanced thinking, research and discovery, and shape the best and brightest of the UK’s youth. It matters considerably more in universities that students’ minds are imbued with environmentally conscious ideas, so that they may go on to help solve some of the biggest issues facing the planet. UB @UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 21

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Cutting ‘Edge’ building for Bath

Images: Nic Delves-Broughton, IDPS, University of Bath

RH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO has formally opened the University of Bath’s newest building, The Edge, at a special showcase evening of music, dance and debate. The Earl of Wessex, the University’s Chancellor, was joined by 200 guests at the opening ceremony. The state-of-the-art four-storey building, The Edge, provides students, staff, and the wider community with a unique hub of culture and innovation. It offers a 220-seat theatre, performance studio, rehearsal studios, three galleries and a contemporary café. It is also home to the School of Management’s executive education training suite – offering an extended

programme of short courses, masterclasses, speaker events and seminars. University of Bath Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell said: “Bringing the creative arts and the study of management together under one roof is a new departure for Bath and is unique amongst UK universities, arts organisations and business schools. Our aim is that this will foster a culture of creativity and innovation, add greater depth to our management programmes, and promote leadership development and innovative business practice in the arts. The Edge provides a dynamic environment for creative minds and a wonderful enhancement to our facilities here at Bath.” @UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 23

CAMPUS SERVICES NEWS

Cambridge’s David Attenborough building revamped David Attenborough is lending his name to a newly refurbished centre for conservation at the University of Cambridge. The Arup Building at the University of Cambridge has been given a new name some 40 years after it opened. The iconic brutalist building designed by Arup Association in the 1960s is being refurbished and reinvented as a centre for conservation for the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and the Museum and Department of Zoology, and will now be known as the David Attenborough Building. Designed by Nicholas Hare Architects, the project aims to create a collaborative working environment that will enable both creative interaction and the sustainable occupation of the building.

"It is fantastic that the building will have such an inspiring name to launch its new future" Carbon reduction has been a key driver for the scheme. The project includes an extension of the museum, providing new storage facilities and a new entrance. A skeleton of a finback whale will float above the entrance, inviting a new audience to explore its collections which have until now been primarily an academic resource. “It is fantastic that the building will have such an inspiring new name to launch its new future,” said Carol Lelliott, a partner at Nicholas Hare Architects. “I can think of no one more appropriate to personify the nature and ambition of this complex project.” 24 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK

CAMPUS SERVICES NEWS

Sustainability central to Cambridge refurb plans

nergy-efficiency improvements were central to plans to refurbish one of Cambridge's grade I-listed buildings. Embarking on a project to refurbish its New Court Building, Trinity College decided to focus on sustainable accommodation rather than the traditional refurbishment of a Grade-I listed building. New Court is located in the centre of Cambridge, on the Backs of the River Cam and adjacent to the Wren Library. Dan Thomas, who led the project on behalf of Bidwells, said: “We needed to refurbish 140 rooms and achieve an 80% reduction in carbon consumption, as well as reduce running costs. The college also looked closely at the maintenance strategy, taking a longerterm view of 30-35 years. “Clearly a highly strategic approach was needed to achieve these objectives, as well as a robust and fully integrated building monitoring and control system. The timescale was also tight – we started on the project in January 2014 with a deadline of September/October for the rooms to be ready for the students returning. “The external walls, although thick, did not help retain heat and some of the existing dormers and windows did not fit as well as

they could and were draughty. As a result of the fabric, the heating system was run almost constantly through the year delivering uneven heat in different areas of the building. “With a team of specialists including Cambridge-based 5th Studio Architects and Cambridge Architectural Research, together with Trinity’s junior bursar, Dr Rod Pullen, we put together a plan which incorporated a range of sustainable technologies and features to meet the objectives.” These included ground source heat pumps linked to high-efficiency underfloor heating in all rooms, providing even heating across the entire space, improving comfort, reducing point heat losses and allowing greater flexibility in the positioning of furniture. Other features included the installation of photovoltaic cells on existing roof slopes, enhancement of the building fabric to achieve much greater air tightness and putting in a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system to provide constant ventilation to rooms which had been enhanced to be more airtight. Dan Thomas added: “We also insulated the walls and refurbished the existing double and triple glazing with a specialist glazing system used in the restoration of historic buildings to enhance energy efficiency, but maintain the historical profile. This slimline glazing was chosen from 15 possible options which were researched and tested for internal and external appearance, operation, reliability and maintenance, as well as thermal performance. “In addition, energy-efficient lighting was installed throughout, with new power and data cabling accommodated within built-in furniture elements to allow maintenance access for future adaption, rewiring or repair and avoiding the need to ‘chase’ into the historic walls.”

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Leicester to host UK’s largest Passivhaus

he University of Leicester’s new Centre for Medicine building is set to become the largest Passivhaus building in the UK when it opens during the next academic year. The university has revealed the plans for the £42m centre, including details on how it will achieve the Passivhaus standard and how this could reduce the University’s energy bill for its new teaching and research facility by six times. Insulation and air-tightness are key facets of Passivhaus – which was developed in Germany in the 1990s – and to this end the new centre will deploy the latest heating, cooling and ventilation systems. The Centre for Medicine will record a ‘-2’ energy performance asset rating, placing it in the ‘A+’ category and will have a green wall and roof. These will have a planting regime designed to attract insects and birds. External

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planting will also help to reduce the overall temperature of the building. Dave Vernon, project manager at the University of Leicester, said: “Users from the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology have been heavily involved in the design of the building and through our soft landing process are fully engaged in learning how to work in such an innovative building. Many of the myths surrounding Passivhaus buildings have been dispelled and users are now energised and excited about the imminent move.” The centre will bring together academics, researchers, clinicians and students who are currently spread across multiple university sites across the city. The University is investing £32m into the project and is seeking to raise an additional £10m through a fundraising campaign to complete the build.

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CAMPUS SERVICES NEWS

Exeter student housing project takes shape Work is now well underway on a new multi-million pound student accommodation hub in Exeter. Midas Construction has been on site at Exeter Cricket Club for a month and has already begun the bulk groundworks for the £8m development, which will boast halls of residence for 159 students. As part of the project, Midas has also taken down the former cricket pavilion at the Prince of Wales Road venue, replacing it with a temporary building on the grounds while the development works are ongoing. A new, state-of-the art, two-storey pavilion complete with changing rooms, kitchen, bar and office space will be built in conjunction with the student accommodation. “This is an exciting new development, which will not only offer more modern accommodation for those studying at the nearby University of Exeter but also a brand new cricket pavilion protecting the future of Exeter Cricket Club,” said Alan Hope, Chief Executive at Midas. “One of our fi rst jobs on site was to erect a temporary cabin for those using the current pavilion so as not to disrupt the cricket season.” Midas is due to work on the site until June 2016, with the keys to the new pavilion expected to be handed over to the cricket club this December.

26 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK

NUA to open Digital User Research Lab

orwich University of the Arts (NUA) will open a Digital User Research Lab at the Ideas Factory Digital Creative Incubation Centre. The project will be funded by a grant from the HEFCE Catalyst Fund, along with support from New Anglia LEP, and business partners in the Digital Creative business community. The idea behind the project is to incorporate innovative User Experience (UX) design thinking into NUA courses, as well as offering local digital creative businesses the chance to incorporate UX cost-effectively into their own design and development processes. The Lab will be a place where users of all sorts of digital products will be invited to trial prototypes, using mobile phones, tablets, consoles and computers. Their experience will be tracked by specialist Morae soft ware, and watched live by clients and designers in the Incubation Centre board room. This enables designers and creative developers to optimise their products, putting the user at the very centre of product design. By situating the Lab in the Ideas Factory Incubation Centre, NUA will be creating a truly contemporary facility that the resident start-up businesses scan make full use of, bringing fresh, insight-based design to market. As part of the University’s strategy to prepare its students for the world beyond

graduation, by equipping them with highlevel skills, an exposure to the principles of UX is becoming increasingly important. As Rob Johnson, of project sponsors Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, puts it: “It’s invaluable for creative students, particularly games designers, to have experience of UX testing while they are still at university, even if it only extends to understanding what it is, and how the professional world uses this type of methodology every day. It will be part of their working lives as soon as they graduate” BA Games Art & Design and MA Games will be among the fi rst courses to use the facility. For regional businesses, the Lab will meet a need for an affordably priced, gold standard facility, located conveniently in the centre of the City. The intention is that this will enable talented digital creative entrepreneurs to access a national and international customer base which is not currently open to them. Professor John Last, NUA’s Vice-Chancellor sees the project as an essential catalyst for the digital creative sector. “NUA is a net importer of creative talent into the region, and we play a pivotal role in supporting and accelerating the businesses in our sector. The Digital User Research Lab will be a focus for digital creative business, enabling us to inspire the designers of tomorrow and create economic mobility for regional business to access an international customer base.”

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CAMPUS SERVICES NEWS

Birmingham residence topped-out

alfour Beatty and the University of Birmingham have held a topping-out ceremony for the 21-storey Chamberlain student residence, which has reached its highest point of construction, ahead of opening its doors to students this autumn. Friends and neighbours of the University were among guests who travelled to the roof of the building in Edgbaston to see Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood lay the final area of concrete at the top. Balfour Beatty is delivering the project in 103 weeks, utilising BIM (building information modelling) for the planning and value-engineering of the project and Balfour Beatty Engineering Services and its modular systems+ facility in Wednesbury to provide bespoke prefabricated modular mechanical and electrical units housing ducting, cabling

and pipework for the building. The building will meet the government-approved EPC ‘A’ category for energy efficiency through the use of brick cladding for insulation, a CHP (combined heat and power) plant, LED lighting, a copper rainscreen and glazed curtain walling to reduce heat loss. The building, which rises around 75m from ground level, will be home to more than 700 first year students at the University from September, replacing the previous Eden Tower which closed in 2006. Lesley Stewart, director of residential and environmental services at the University, said: “We have an ongoing commitment to invest in our accommodation stock to ensure that students coming to Birmingham have outstanding homes to live in, to get their university lives off to a flying start. “The redevelopment of Chamberlain is the latest project to come to fruition after many years of hard work to get it to this stage and I am delighted that we have reached this important point. The tower looks wonderful and I look forward to welcoming the first residents of the new Chamberlain this autumn.”

East Anglia student residences get go-ahead

lanning permission has been granted for a new 915-bed student residential development at the University of East Anglia on the former Blackdale School site in Norwich. The residences, designed by LSI Architects, are required to support an increase in student numbers at the University and maintain its identity as a campus university. The design is based on the principles developed for Crome Court – the student residence building also designed by LSI and completed in September 2014. Like Crome Court the Blackdale Development will act as a significant catalyst for economic activity for the area that will provide hundreds of jobs over the next few years and a new income stream for the UEA that will

help support groundbreaking research and teaching facilities. Martin Lovatt, Senior Estates Project Manager at the University, said: “This new scheme will continue the theme of the University providing excellent facilities for its students and enhancing their experience.” The development will also include a café, launderette and office space, with the accommodation blocks ranging from three to eight storeys high. Trevor Price, Partner of LSI Architects, said: “The Blackdale project provides an attractive new residential quarter for the University which follows a pattern of development that relates to the original campus buildings and also to the local environment. It will achieve very high standards of sustainability, and we now look forward to the completion of the project.”

CAMPUS SERVICES NEWS

THE SUPPLY CHAIN: SUSTAINABILITY’S VITAL LINK By Iain Patton, CEO of the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC). According to a recent report by Universities UK, investment in green technologies and more efficient usage of space has reduced the higher education sector’s carbon footprint by almost 1.2 billion kg over the last decade*. This has gone a long way towards achieving the goals of the EAUC and our Members but we do recognise we have much more to do if we are to meet 2020 sector carbon reduction targets. Boosting sustainability is about more than cutting the carbon emissions of an individual university estate. To be truly sustainable, university managers must consider the impact of the entire supply chain. There is support available to help you make informed decisions about the sustainability of the equipment or services you purchase. For example, many manufacturers now provide environmental product declarations (EPDs) for their products. These are independently verified documents confirming a product’s environmental impact, based on the manufacturer’s lifecycle assessments (LCA). Creating EPDs requires complete transparency about manufacturing processes, which ensures information is accurate to help you compare products. Like we have done at the EAUC, you can also partner with suppliers that have implemented cuttingedge ways to maximise supply chain sustainability. We partner with modular flooring specialist, Interface. Louise Swift, Public Sector Sales Director, told me: “Interface has pioneered the Net-Works™ initiative to tackle the growing problem of discarded fishing nets in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities by recycling them into yarn, which is then used in the manufacture of new carpet tiles. “Since the launch of Net-Works™ in the Philippines and, recently, in Cameroon, 61,845kg of nets have been collected, transforming local wildlife habitats. The initiative also offers socio-economic benefits by establishing a community-based supply chain to collect and transport the nets, creating jobs for local people.” By working with suppliers offering innovative solutions, you too can significantly improve your university’s social impact and carbon footprint. It is important to look beyond the label to see the full picture of your supply chain impacts.

www.net-works.com www.eauc.org.uk *Efficiency, Effectiveness and Value for Money, February 2015, Universities UK

@ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 2 9

partnerships that create communities We know students; it’s our business. We’re not just about beds; we’re about providing the best possible all round experience for our residents and a completely bespoke solution for each of our university partners. Our tailored campus living solutions include the management of existing accommodation and the refurbishment of build and own schemes. We have experience in creating on or off balance sheet packages with our university partners. Our business allows you to concentrate on your business, managing core academic buildings and student satisfaction, and offers you help in attracting and retaining happy residents year on year.

41,000 students at the heart of our business

Speak with CLV at CUBO about your accommodation needs email: info@clvuk.com phone: +44 20 7036 8444 website: campuslivingvillages.com

SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS | CAMPUS SERVICES

Lean

Universities across the UK are increasingly looking to bolster their green credentials through a series of sustainable building initiatives. Mark Ferguson reports

GREEN

LEARNING

Machines

@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 3 1

SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS SPECIAL | CAMPUS SERVICES R I G HT: Leicester’ s stateof- the- art Centre for M edicine will be aiming to achieve record levels of energy efﬁ en FAR R I G HT: The 2 4 ,3 00m² Curz on Building is the second phase of the University’ s City Centre Campus expansion

or some red brick universities with their city-locked campuses, miles of electrical cabling, single pane windows and expansive 19th-century lecture theatres, the growing demand for green refurbishment and replacement has been a challenge. Some have refused to submit data to the latest People & Planet league tables arguing that the high levels of data required, lack of allowance for differences between universities, and summer timing of the survey has made it impossible for them to respond. Their opponents and league table-leaders counterclaim that under-performing universities are simply refusing to play ball and don’t want to engage in an arena they cannot [or will not] make efforts to improve in. That said, the results from a growing list of universities show that HEIs are taking the challenge of becoming greener more seriously than ever before. BREEAM has become widely accepted as the industry standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation, and it is this measure that most HEIs are using to illustrate their environmental worth. A BREEAM assessment recognises levels of a building’s environmental performance and uses measures of performance set against established benchmarks to evaluate a building’s specification, design, construction and use. These criteria cover a broad range of categories, ranging from energy to ecology, water use, health and wellbeing, through to pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology and management processes. Others are taking approaches such as the Passivhaus system, a German-devised standard which aims to make properties efficient in heating and cooling. So which universities are helping save the planet and creating a good impression for their current and prospective students at the same time? Here are some of the most innovative and forward-looking examples in 2015:

THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER .

University of Leicester When it opens during the next academic year, the University of Leicester’s state-of-the-art Centre for Medicine will be aiming to achieve record levels of energy efficiency. From the outset, the University was keen to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, working with architects and designers to develop an environmentally friendly building. The six-storey, 12,863m2 facility will feature flexible teaching and research spaces as well as two green roofs and a green wall, emphasising the University’s ecological contribution. The Centre’s underground piping system will help it to achieve Passivhaus status, becoming the largest Passivhaus building in the UK, featuring some of the most stringent energy performance standards in the world. A ground air heat exchange system will control the building’s temperature, sucking air from outside the building through 1.6km of underground pipes, heating 3 2 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K

(or cooling) it to 16 degrees. Whether the external temperature is minus five or plus 30, this system will provide a constant temperature at a low cost in terms of carbon emissions and energy, reducing the University’s annual energy bill by up to six times. Other features set to lower the building’s energy consumption include: ‘intelligent lifts’ permitting access only to floors authorised to cardholders, eliminating unnecessary journeys; external blinds that will descend automatically when certain heat levels are reached, avoiding the need for mechanical cooling; and low-energy LED lights throughout. Designed by Associated Architects, the Centre for Medicine features a ground and first floor covering the whole site. It then rises to three separate towers of three, five and six floors to meet the demands of Passivhaus, and to accommodate lecture theatres, laboratories and offices. “We chose the three towers design because of the need to get natural light in and have glazed areas that would help to heat the building,” explains Jon Chadwick of Associated Architects. “Having three towers gives the building a larger surface area. We have positioned the large lecture theatres on the lower floors so that the building becomes more private as you go up in height. “From an aesthetic point of view, we did not want the architecture to be subservient to the environmental performance.” The £42m facility will be the largest investment in medical teaching and applied research by a UK university in the last decade. In addition to its environmental credentials, the building is also offering the University an opportunity to transform its medical curriculum, providing cutting-edge facilities to harness innovative technologies to put patients right at the heart of teaching.

Birmingham City University Birmingham City University has continued the development of its world-class estate with the construction of The Curzon Building. The 24,300m2 Curzon Building is the second phase of the University’s City Centre Campus expansion, opening in September 2015. Built to provide a ‘front door’ to the University and act as a landmark presence at the end of Eastside City Park, The Curzon Building has been constructed to the University’s usual high standards with a high performance envelope and to engage the thermal mass of the structure. Through the use of mixed mode ventilation, including opening windows, the internal environment

BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY . of the building will be maintained at a comfortable level with user control where appropriate. A biomass boiler and adiabatic cooling will also contribute to the target of the building obtaining a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of A. The Curzon Building will be the location of the University’s student hub in the City Centre, in addition to housing services such as the library, catering, student services and the Students’ Union. The building will also be home to business, English, law and social sciences students. Unique to this project is the restoration and incorporation of the previously derelict and neglected Grade II listed Eagle and Ball public house into The Curzon Building and the University’s estate. Connected to The Curzon Building by a direct bridge on two levels, the public house has been restored it to its former glory using traditional materials and techniques. Built between 1840 and 1850 the Eagle and Ball pub is Victorian in style with some Georgian influences and has been listed for its architectural features.Closed in 2007, many of its original features had been lost through vandalism and theft and the building fallen into disrepair. The University has worked with specialists in the reconstruction of historical properties to rebuild structurally unsound walls using reclaimed bricks, sourced reclaimed slate to replace the roof and used traditional construction methods such as lime plastering to restore the building to its original state. Opening in September 2015, the Eagle and Ball will house the University’s Students’ Union.

The University of Manchester The National Graphene Institute is a new research facility dedicated to the research of Graphene to enable the University and UK to lead the commercialisation of this new material. Graphene was discovered in 2004 by two University of Manchester Scientists in the Physics Department, Professor Andre Geim and Professor Konstantin

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER . Novoselov, who were jointly awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for their achievement. This miracle material is tougher than diamond, has more elasticity than rubber and is a better conductor than copper. Its uses are numerous, such as for flexible mobile screens, in super-light batteries, artificial retinas, and as a highly effective drug delivery systems to name a few. Research and development into this material of the future required an appropriate facility in line with the University’s commitment to developing a sustainable campus along with a 40% carbon reduction by 2020. The project team, led by EC Harris, subsequently collaborated to design, build and deliver a sustainable facility with a BREEAM Very Good rating. This goal was realised in March 2015, putting the facility in the top 15% of UK new non-domestic buildings.

ABOVE: The National G raphene I nstitute is a new research facility at the University of M anchester

@ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 3 3

SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS SPECIAL | CAMPUS SERVICES

" From an aesthetic point of view, we did not want the architecture to be subservient to the environmental performance"

The sustainable features of The National Graphene Institute include: Low and zero carbon technologies, such as making use of waste heat from other University processes to heat and cool through an absorption chiller The use of sustainably sourced and manufactured materials Thermal modelling, thermographic survey and seasonal commissioning to reduce overheating, thermal bridging and efficient plant operation Maximised natural daylight to reduce need for artificial lighting High efficiency T5 fluorescent lamps and LEDs controlled by absence detection and daylight sensors Energy efficient lifts featuring standby mode, variable speed and LED lighting Enhanced acoustics to improve comfort and remove external noise Sub-metering of plant and systems to maximise energy monitoring and reductions. Intelligent water metering to identify leaks Rainwater harvesting to minimise mains water requirements Excellent access to public transport Enhanced biodiversity for planting and wildlife through the use of bird boxes, a green roof, off-site planting and a five-year habitat management plan.

Swansea University The Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI) at Swansea University is a BREEAM Outstanding building and the centrepiece of the University’s research into renewable and alternative energy production. Measuring 3968m2 and delivered at a cost of £12.6m, it is also the new home of SPECIFIC, a renewable energy joint venture with Indian steel manufacturer, TATA. Designed by Stride Treglown architects, the building accommodates a showcase lecture theatre, high-quality offices, communal areas, meeting rooms, research offices, scientific testing and experimental laboratories. Its orientation, layout and natural ventilation help to achieve passive low energy. In addition it incorporates a micro CHP unit as well as solar PV, rainwater harvesting and full LED lighting. All areas except the lecture theatre are naturally ventilated with opening windows. Natural cross ventilation is provided to the main open-plan spaces on the north with

acoustic attenuation against the traffic noise of the busy main road into Swansea - Fabian Way. A displacement ventilation distribution system provides conditioned air for the lecture theatre.

University of Gloucestershire The University of Gloucestershire is an integral part of Cheltenham, providing a range of educational, vocational, economic and community benefits to the town. One of the University’s most recent estates projects is the redevelopment of its Pittville Campus. Partially used for student accommodation the proposal is an opportunity for the University to make better and more efficient use of its existing assets, while also enhancing the social, environmental and economic benefits of Cheltenham. This position is supported by the environmental benefits, which can be seen in plans to redevelop brownfield sites, plant trees, improve building energy efficiency, and reducing the overall carbon footprint of the site. In line with its estate strategy the University hopes to add 577 new student bedrooms to the Pittville Campus, while refurbishing 214 existing bedrooms and its existing Media Centre. Design took a ‘fabric first’ approach and incorporates measures to efficiently reduce energy use and achieve an energy efficient campus with as low as possible CO2 carbon emissions within the constraints of budget. The main energy use for the development (80%) will be fossil fuels to provide heating. This demand will be constant, which suggests that combined heat and power (CHP) is the best technology to achieve the facility’s carbon offset target. A spokesman adds: “The key drivers are to provide a new vibrant, efficient and sustainable residential community in the form of a new Student Village with a range of accommodation formats and amenity facilities. “With regards planning permission and policy, the project has three agendas it must achieve: BREEAM Excellent standard; a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions using low or zero carbon technology; and a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions from regulated building energy consumption.” UB

R I G HT: One of G loucestershire’ s most recent estates projects is the redevelopment of its Pittville Campus

UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE . 3 4 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K

PROMOTION: FARRELL & CLARK

LEAD BY EXAMPLE University building designed by architects Farrell & Clark sets example for sustainability

ABOVE: Southern elevation and the main entrance

ABOVE: The sunspace breakout deck

ABOVE: The Sunspace Atrium

he University of Bradford's Bright Building, designed by Leeds based Farrell and Clark, has this month been awarded a BREEAM “Outstanding” rating, which firmly places it within the top 1% of UK buildings in terms of sustainability and reducing environmental impact and has achieved a Post Construction BREEAM credit score of 95.20%. The £5.2 million building has been funded by ERDF, HEFCE and the University. The project has attracted £2.32 million capital grant investment from the European Regional Development Fund. This mixed-use educational and private enterprise facility utilises extremely high levels of insulation, a passive ventilation and heating strategy and a number of low and zero carbon technologies. Innovative building techniques are incorporated within the fabric of the building's design including biologically friendly hemp material within a structural timber frame to form the external walls. Internally, spaces have been designed to support creative thinking. The aim of the building is to promote collaboration, exchange of ideas and adaptability. This is not the first award-

winning building that Farrell and Clark have designed for the University of Bradford. In 2013 the firm were recognised for their energy saving library retrofit project at the Green Gown Awards. The JB Priestley Library GLEE (Green Library Education and Environment) project fought off stiff competition from nine other shortlisted contenders in the Facilities and Services category to win the prestigious award. Quality is at the heart of the service and design approach adopted by the firm. Experienced and talented architects are supported by interior designers and technologists, all working as a team aimed at delivering inspiring projects that meet time, cost and aspirational targets. Delivering effective, sustainable buildings has been the key to success for Farrell and Clark who are contributing to our higher education environments by encouraging appropriate development. Having completed more than 325 complex campus projects for Northern universities, plus a wealth of other council and private company projects, you can see why Farrell and Clark are the architects of choice with a reputation for delivering quality and consistency. UB

For further information call: 0113 259 0922, email: leeds@farrellandclark.co.uk or visit: www.farrellandclark.co.uk | 35

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CAMPUS SERVICES | ASRA

A personal approach

Bob Crompton, CEO of ASRA Associate Member, The Student Housing Company, explains the importance of putting students first

ABOVE: Ablett House, The Student Housing Company’ s new accommodation in Liverpool, will be home to 3 9 7 students from September BELOW: Bob Crompton

“It wasn’t so long ago that a box room and shared bathroom facilities were the norm for students across the board”

tudent accommodation has come on leaps and bounds since I was studying. It wasn’t so long ago that a box room and shared bathroom facilities were the norm for students across the board. If you were lucky you might even have a sink in your room in case you were in desperate need of water after a heavy evening! The student accommodation sector now is a completely different landscape. As the power of the consumer has risen over the last couple of decades, so have expectations for quality, service and tailored offerings, which is exactly why we at the Student Housing Company put such an emphasis on feedback from students themselves. They’re the ones we serve, so their input is absolutely invaluable to us if we’re to continue driving up the standards of student accommodation across the sector. Aside from offering excellent properties in unrivalled locations with fantastic around the clock support, we pride ourselves on the

fact that we’re constantly listening to students to ensure that we provide them with the best possible experience. It is company policy that all senior management stay in the accommodation whenever possible and get involved in “Back to the Floor” days which get company directors doing all manner of tasks, from sweeping leaves, to changing light bulbs, helping students check in and out of their accommodation, and spending time on reception. The days are embraced by the senior management team, which unanimously agrees that they provide a deep understanding of student requirements. Additionally, we actively seek out students to get involved and work at the company, meaning that our offering is actually shaped by students themselves. As a result of this constant dialogue between directors and students, and feedback given via focus groups, an array of new features are being introduced across our portfolio to improve facilities,

including 100Mb internet as standard, sockets under mirrors for hairdryers and straighteners and USB sockets in headboards for mobile phones, plus huge pin boards to allow students to personalise their space. Feedback has also taught us that our accommodation should focus heavily on communal areas which encourage interaction between residents. Event calendars at each site are designed not only to ensure that students enjoy their accommodation, but also to prevent any students from feeling homesick or isolated – two problems commonly associated with students that are away from home for the first time. A personal, conscientious approach that closely monitors what students actually desire and require, combined with a high attention to detail helped to ensure that in 2014 we achieved a 100% occupancy rate across its entire portfolio for the third consecutive year. In the National Student Housing Survey 2014 (the UK’s largest survey of students), we were voted “Best Private Halls Provider” and were the only private accommodation provider shortlisted in the “Best Customer Service” category. In addition, we received the International Accommodation Quality Mark, an award given to those that receive more than a 90% satisfaction rating from international students. By bringing together high-quality accommodation with outstanding levels of service focused on student priorities we have formed rapidly growing business, satisfying investors and students alike. Student feedback is central to our ethos and our success – I personally read all feedback emails we get – and it’s fair to say that we won’t be changing this approach any time soon. UB

@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 37

MMU | CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT

Sustaining a high standard Manchester Metropolitan University has been on a journey to position itself as one of the leading institutions for environmental sustainability

I The sustainability trail features a wetland area, orchard, sensory garden, an onsite energy centre, z ero water systems and a d o er area

n 2007, when People and Planet released their first University league table, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) occupied a humble 91st position. By 2013 the institution had risen to top the table, and it has maintained a top three position ever since. But the University isn’t resting on its laurels – a new environmental sustainability strategy stretching until 2020 sets out how MMU will become one of the most environmentally sustainable universities in the world, outlining their 2020 Vision and approach to support the delivery of the core strategic pillars: Teaching, Learning and Research, and Estates and Operations. This strategy includes some ambitious targets – to achieve 50% less CO2 by 2020, 85% recycling rate by 2020 and reduce water consumption by 25% by 2016. THREE ZEROS

The trail is based at M M U' s new Birley development and is an open access resource for the local community, staff and students to learn about sustainable design, technology and landscaping

With the opening of the Brooks building, which houses the faculties of education and health, psychology and social care, MMU has completed a 10-year, £350m investment plan, and the first phase of creation of an outstanding and inspiring learning environment. It represents one of the largest and most ambitious investment programmes of any UK university, and for the first time in its long history provides MMU with two outstanding university campuses, in central Manchester and Crewe, Cheshire. Aspiring towards zero carbon, zero water, zero waste campuses, the BREEAM excellent-rated buildings embed sustainable design principles and support a wide range of technologies to minimise environmental impacts, create renewable energy and minimise and reuse natural resources. This has been recognised by numerous awards panels - the Business School and Student Hub has won the Prime Minister’s Award for Better Public Buildings and was the Sustainability Award Winner at The Concrete Society Awards 2012, and the Brooks building was named the RICS North-West Regeneration Award Winner 2015. The next phase work in MMU’s estates masterplan will lead to a further £200m-plus investment, which will focus on a range of new and existing buildings along the Oxford Road and the public spaces that connect these buildings. Combined with the investment that has already been realised, this will transform MMU into an outstanding centre for university students, staff and the wider community, with world-class buildings and facilities, and setting new standards in environmental design, management and our student experience. MMU has created a sustainability trail across its new Birley development, designed as an open access resource for local community, staff and students to learn about sustainable design, technology and landscaping right

38 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K

in the heart of Manchester. The trail features a wetland area, orchard, sensory garden, an onsite energy centre, zero water systems and a wildflower area. The University is working towards the international environmental management standard ISO 14001:2015 – they will be one of the first universities to achieve the standard. In March this year they achieved the EcoCampus Gold award, which is the leading environmental management system and award scheme for higher and further education sectors. SUSTAINABLE STUDENTS

These successes were achieved by developing an innovative approach that covers not only the physical estate of the University but also teaching, learning and research. They are also instilling a love of sustainability in their students through a range of projects, including the multi award-winning student-led food network, MetMUnch, which won the national Green Gown award for student engagement, and then went on to win the international prize. Nurturing entrepreneurship and social enterprise amongst students, the network brings affordable, nutritional, local and sustainable food to communities, and provides real-life experiences for students, preparing them for their future careers. Deputy Vice-Chancellor MMU Myszka Guzkowsa said: “MetMUnch is important to the University because actually this is the strategic direction we want to go in – having live projects working with the community where students get the skills they need.” MMU was commended by People and Planet for its approach to education for sustainable development, and is taking strides to ensure graduates possess knowledge and skills for sustainability. MMU and The Union MMU, along with 14 other FE and HE institutions, have piloted a new NUS-led accreditation mark called Responsible Futures. It aims to assess how well an institution embeds the principles of social responsibility and environmental sustainability into the formal and informal curriculum. Dr John Hindley, Head of Environmental Strategy at MMU, said: “Our own research shows that 60% of our students think that ‘gaining skills and knowledge to understand key global sustainability issues’ are enhancing their employability prospects. “Our latest drive is to create degree courses which are

“60% of our students think that ‘gaining skills and knowledge to understand key global sustainability issues’ are enhancing their employability prospects"

strong on sustainability issues and we are pleased to have been recognised as a model for other universities in socalled ‘education for sustainable development’.”

REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS In a bid to reduce carbon emissions, the University MMU is working in partnership with Geothermal Engineering Ltd and Arup on an energy project which aims to demonstrate the first deep geothermal single well in the UK at the Cheshire campus, in Crewe. Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) were successful with a bid to the Innovative Heat Network fund managed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). This successful bid builds on the groundbreaking field trial already undertaken by GEL in Cornwall last year. The project hopes to demonstrate how a cluster of buildings can be heated by geothermal energy using a single 2km well system. It is estimated that the project could reduce the gas use of the academic buildings by 37% – reducing carbon and saving money. If successful, the project will make the Cheshire Campus a showcase for green technologies – having a number of low carbon technologies on site already including solar panels, solar

heating and rainwater harvesting. Dr Ryan Law, Managing Director of Geothermal Engineering Ltd, said: “This represents a very exciting opportunity for all parties involved to deliver and connect the first deep geothermal single well heat system in the UK and would be a watershed for the industry. We look forward to working with MMU, DECC and ARUP on this project.” This isn’t the only work the University is doing to reduce carbon emissions on a wider scale. In 2012, MMU founded the Greater Manchester Hydrogen Partnership (GMHP). The Partnership brings together a network of hydrogen fuel cell stakeholders across the region to improve the capacity of Greater Manchester to address the challenges of grid demand, energy security and ability to create lower carbon economies. As part of a transition to cleaner energy, a prospective project to install a fuel cell-powered combined heat and power unit within MMU’s estate is underway, alongside a range of outreach, infrastructure, research and hydrogen fuel cell deployment opportunities. MMU’s cutting-edge green credentials have also seen the University become part of a €24 million European “Lighthouse Cities Project” called Triangulum to drive Smart City development in Manchester. As part of the Triangulum consortium, which successfully beat bids from the likes of London and Milan, Manchester has teamed up with Eindhoven in the Netherlands, and the Norwegian city of Stavanger, with each conurbation creating low carbon districts as part of an EU scheme to drive Smart City development. As part of Corridor Manchester and alongside technology partner Siemens, MMU will be part of a series of energy, ICT and transport projects planned for The Corridor along Oxford Road, transforming the area into a Smart City innovation zone, the first district of its kind in the UK to bring together new ways of thinking around energy, transport and ICT. UB

ABOVE: The Business School and Student Hub won the Prime M inister’ s Award for Better Public Buildings LEFT: D r J ohn Hindley, Head of Environmental Strategy at M M U

The Brooks building was named the R I CS North- West R egeneration Award Winner for 2 015

@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 39

CUBO

New faces at CUBO The last year has seen a number of changes to the CUBO Executive committee in the form of new people and new roles. Following the departure of several Executive members in the summer of 2014, Chair Frances Stone set about reviewing Executive roles and recruiting fresh faces to the team A NEW AND EXPANDED CUBO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IS NOW IN PLACE

Chair

Frances Stone

Executive Secretary

Emma Furnival

Benchmarking Portfolio

Liam Cairns

International Portfolio

Richard Kington

Knowledge-sharing Portfolio

Pat McGrath

Marketing and Communications Portfolio

Stewart Ross

Partnerships Portfolio

Alison Smith

Quality Assurance Portfolio

Bryan Carroll

Research Portfolio

Gillian Almond

Sustainability Portfolio

Jon Greenwood

Chair of CUBO Awards and Conference host 2016

Martin Chalker

Martin Chalker Director of Estate Services, University of Sussex

While Emma Furnival and Jon Greenwood have returned to the Executive for a second time, Liam Cairns, Stewart Ross, Bryan Carroll, Gillian Almond and Martin Chalker are all new members bringing new ideas and experience. Here is a brief insight into some of the new team and their roles.

CHAIR OF CUBO AWARDS PANEL & CONFERENCE HOST 2016

Liam Cairns Business Accountant, University of Kent BENCHMARKING PORTFOLIO

As Chair of the Awards Panel, Martin oversees the CUBO Awards, taking over from Peter Church who stepped down in 2014. His role includes chairing the shortlisting meeting at which the panel draws up the list of nominees for the awards before CUBO members vote online. Martin will also be arranging the CUBO Summer conference for July 2016 at the University of Sussex, for which he already has a number of ideas up his sleeve to create an unmissable event next summer.

Liam has the portfolio for Benchmarking and he is also chair of the finance group. He is a qualified accountant and has been at the University of Kent for 12 years. Liam wants to continue to foster the collaborative knowledge sharing and networking that exists within the finance group and build upon the benchmarking that has been happening successfully for some time. Having benefited by learning best practice from colleagues in the sector, Liam is keen to continue this culture.

Stewart Ross Head of Commercial Services, University of Leeds MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS PORTFOLIO

Gillian Almond Commercial Director, Oxford Brookes University RESEARCH PORTFOLIO

With the new portfolio of marketing and communications Stewart is seeking to step up CUBO’s communication to members, stakeholders and wider sector bodies. His role includes working closely with the marketing group which has been successfully running for the past few years, promoting and developing marketing skills across the sector. Stewart will be working closely with CUBO’s media partners such as University Business to lift the profile of work carried out by CUBO members and the association as a whole, as well as seeking to grow membership numbers.

Gillian looks after the research portfolio. Her remit is to support those who are conducting research in the sector, to identify and share existing research and to work with colleagues to commission research where needed. CUBO recognise the importance of ensuring members are up to date but not overloaded with information. Gillian is keen to find her way through the mass of information that is available and provide the most relevant to CUBO members. She would be delighted to hear from anybody who is currently conducting research or is planning to do so in the future.

The forthcoming CUBO summer conference in July will announce a number of changes to the administration and plans for the future development of CUBO. Keep up to date with all CUBO news by visiting: www.cubo.org.uk. 40 |

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TO D O N AT E

T E X T: GDES50 TH A M O U N T TOE N T H E 70070 This summer ASK4 was proud to sponsor 4Challenge in their bid to raise £10,000 for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity in Sheffield. Cycling 380 miles over gruelling terrain in 4 days, and passing each of the 4 internet exchange points in England, the team exceeded their goal in style to raise £26,000. Huge congratulations to them all and bring on 4Challenge 2016.

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PROMOTION | STUDENTCOM

ARE YOU READY FOR THE CONNECTED CLASS OF 2015?

Did you know that three in four students would prefer to have access to Facebook than access to a car? Following recent survey results, it is clear that students’ addiction to technology and social media shows no signs of slowing down, so how can we use this knowledge to help you prepare for the Class of 2015?

ith traditional means of communication such as emails and printed collateral no longer hitting the mark, the question is how can you reach students effectively and in a way that they will listen to? A recent survey taken by more than 7,000 students on the StudentCom network offers some interesting insights into students’ online behaviour and technology habits, and as such can potentially be used to help tailor your approach to getting your message across to students. The survey revealed:

75% OF STUDENTS RATE WI-FI AND/OR ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AS A MAIN PRIORITY WHEN CHOOSING THEIR ACCOMMODATION When choosing university accommodation, a reliable and fast internet access is now considered an essential service that is 4 2 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K

expected by students, just as they expect running water and electricity!

A THIRD OF STUDENTS RATE ACCESS TO EXTERNAL WI-FI AT THEIR ACCOMMODATION AS VERY IMPORTANT Whilst students rated their bedrooms as the most important place to be able to connect to the internet (90.34%), access within communal areas has become increasingly important to students with almost 70% expecting access in the kitchen and lounge, 42% in corridors and 34% in external areas. One reason behind this could be the growing importance of communal study for which Wi-Fi is essential, particularly during exam periods when students often get together for group revision sessions.

TWO IN FIVE STUDENTS SPEND MORE THAN SIX HOURS A DAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET

Students spend most of their days connected to the internet in one way or another whether it’s socialising with friends, listening to music or studying for their course. According to a global study entitled ‘the World Unplugged’, students were even described as having withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen in drug addicts after just one day without using gadgets or technology, proving just how crucial the internet is to students.

150% INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DEVICES ON THE STUDENT NETWORK According to the results of the survey, 96% students connect to the internet using two or more devices, with some using as many as five. Whilst laptops continue to be the most important means of connecting to the internet for students (94.04%), access via mobiles is increasingly important (91%). Other popular devices that students are using to connect to the internet include

tablets, games consoles and internet TV, all of which have shown a significant increase since last year.

96% OF STUDENTS USE FACEBOOK

students now use social media as a means of contacting their university, communicating with their lecturers online. The chief executive of Jisc, Martyn Harrow, explains: “Higher education providers need to ensure that they are tech savvy and that education technology is at the very top of their agenda to secure the future of their institution.”

300 HOURS OF VIDEO ARE UPLOADED TO YOUTUBE EVERY MINUTE

As social media continues to soar far more students are turning to online communication, with web email on a steady decline, often seen as a chore and not a form of simple instant messaging. In many cases students appear to have by-passed email altogether with a trend in using social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to communicate. A recent Jisc survey highlighted the importance of social media amongst students, discovering that one in four

Online video has become increasingly popular, making up 2/3 of all mobile data traffic.This statistic is also reflected on the StudentCom network with 1/3 of their total bandwidth consumption from video usage, demonstrating just how students spend their time online. YouTube videos have become increasingly popular as a means of communicating, whether it’s watching tutorials or how to guides, it offers a more engaging solution to our queries. The demand for digital video content is ever increasing, with students watching it on a variety of devices either for educational, music, or entertainment purposes According to Campuslife, recently

Tablet image: © Pressureua | Dreamstime.com

CAFETERIA, CONFERENCES AND BANQUETING: FRIMA HAS ALL DEGREES OF UNIVERSITY CATERING COVERED

University kitchens need equipment that can adapt to varying demand and varying menus, often in kitchens where space is tight. At TUCO 2015 FRIMA will be showing how the multifunctional VarioCooking Center Multificiency can offer university chefs the versatility to produce student cafeteria-type meals, conference catering and banqueting, all in the one unit. On the FRIMA stand will be the VarioCooking Center Multificiency 211+, a bulk-cooking expert.

The 211+ offers a completely reliable and accurate way to pressure cook, doing it faster and more consistently than most dedicated units and without any need for monitoring. It is also excellent for long, slow, overnight cooking. For those needing equipment on an even larger scale, FRIMA also has the VarioCooking Center 311, which has a single 150 litre pan. FRIMA representatives will be available on the stand to answer any questions.

For information and brochures, or to come to a free Cooking Live demonstration, call FRIMA UK on 0845 680 3981, email info.uk@frima-online.com or visit www.frima-online.com

“WITH THE RISE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS LIKE SNAPCHAT AND INSTAGRAM, THE NEED TO COMMUNICATE IN MORE VISUALLY APPEALING WAYS TAKES PRECEDENCE” acquired by StudentCom and known by many in the sector as experts in student communication, they believe the answer lies in delivering your message to the heart of the student community through a medium that they understand and enjoy … According to Tom White, Executive Director at Campuslife: “Today’s students can convey a message to each other in less than 15 seconds purely by video or photo. With the rise of social networks like Snapchat and Instagram, the need to communicate in more visually appealing ways takes precedence. That’s not to say written content is dead but keep it short, snappy and bring the issue to life. It’s also about ensuring a multi-channel approach and getting your message in as many different places but at the most relevant times.” UB

NEW ALTRO FORTISTM OFFERS TOUGH LOVE FOR WALLS, DOORS AND CORNERS Altro has expanded its range of wall cladding with the introduction of new Altro Fortis™ – a system that provides seriously tough protection for walls, doors and corners. Altro Fortis keeps interiors safe from impact and scuff damage, and looking good for longer. Altro Fortis has been developed to work with the popular Altro Whiterock™ range to create aesthetic consistency between hygienic and general areas. Where Altro Whiterock offers an ultra-hygienic wall protection system, Altro Fortis offers enhanced protection for areas where scuff and impact protection is the priority. Altro Fortis also combines perfectly with Altro’s 2.5mm safety flooring ranges, providing a complete, durable and fully-integrated system for hard-working areas. As the name suggests, Altro Fortis has the strength to deliver

long-term protection where high levels of impact are expected. It is ideal for use where walls, doors and corners are constantly knocked, such as school classrooms and corridors, non-clinical areas in healthcare, retail and any busy public and service areas. In fact, anywhere that needs to work hard, but where appearances matter. Whittington Health, in north London, is already using Altro Fortis wall protection in their Emergency Department (ED) ‘hot corridor’, and the system is proving robust enough to withstand the rigours of busy hospital life. The new system comprises three options to offer protection exactly where it’s needed; Altro Fortis Titanium™ wall protection, Altro Fortis door protection™ and Altro Fortis corner protection™. For further information visit: www.altro.co.uk

@ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 4 3

XXXXXXXXXXXXX INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT | CAMPUS SERVICES

SINGAPORE’S UNIVERSITY MASTERPLAN COMPLETES FIRST PHASE After five years of planning and construction, the east coast academic campus for the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) opens its doors ABOVE AND R I G HT: The SUTD has been designed to counteract the conditions caused by Singapore’ s tropical climate

Images: © Hufton+Crow

esigned by UNStudio and DP Architects, the academic campus for the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) reflects an in-depth understanding of the changing requirements of learning institutions today. The SUTD offers four key academic pillars: Architecture and Sustainable Design, Engineering Product Development, Engineering Systems and Design, and Information Systems Technology and Design. The SUTD is a driver of technological innovation and economic growth, with the new campus bringing together people, ideas and innovation. The new academic campus directly reflects SUTD’s curriculum, using the creative enterprise of the school to facilitate a crossdisciplinary interface. The design offers an opportunity to embrace innovation and creativity through a non-linear connective

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relationship between students, faculty and professionals. Following the masterplan, the academic campus is designed through two main axes: the living and learning spines, which overlap to create a central point and bind together all corners of the campus. At the centre of this node UNStudio proposed a flexible space for exhibitions, events and interaction: this Campus Centre forms the intellectual heart of the campus and directly links the main programmatic anchors of the Auditorium, the International Design Centre and the University Library. The SUTD is a highly sustainable building, and has been designed to counteract the conditions caused by Singapore’s tropical climate. Based on extensive orientation and wind studies, natural ventilation principles are applied throughout the design, alongside cooling techniques, covered walkways, louvred facade shading, open voids, extensive daylight to the interiors and protection from heavy rain showers.

@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 45

C A MPUS SERV ICES | NEWS ON C A MPUS | 23

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CATERING AND HOSPITALITY The latest catering industry news and views, recipes, trends and advice www.facebook.com/ubmag

@UB_UK

Join the debate on LinkedIn – search for University Business Professional Network in groups

New products take centre stage at Caffè Culture Show

niversity caterers were amongst 4,700 coffee-loving visitors at this year’s Caff è Culture Show. The show is the only national event for the UK café industry and hundreds of suppliers from artisan producers to global brands showcased the very latest products, innovations and trends in food and beverage, equipment and technology, design and packaging. Recognising the industry’s most exciting new product launches at the show, show judges for the hotly-contested Caff è Culture Show Exhibitor Awards crowned three exceptional winners who impressed with their quality, innovation and market appeal. Winner of the Best Drink Product category

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were Oxfordshire-based artisan yoghurt drink producers Lashbrook Lassis. Award judge Brian Williams, Editor of Brian’s Coffee Spot, said: “What made Lashbrook Lassis stand out for me was the enthusiasm of the founders, Mat and Jo. The story of how and why they came up with the product (the result of a bike trip around India) is wonderful and their passion is infectious.” Taking the Best Food Product title were Shropshire meringue makers Merangz’ Pistachio Bites. Judge Maria Bracken, Editor of Lunch Business Magazine, said: “The Merangz product is very unique. I love its versatility. Whether you enjoy it as an addon to a cup of coffee or a dessert option, filling the nests with cream or in fact whatever you

like, the bite-sized treats have it all. It's a fun, innovative and extremely delicious product. I can see these going down a storm in coffee shops." Scooping the Best Innovative Product prize was Tea Fusion from Unilever, a tea solution for operators providing freshly brewed loose leaf tea in under a minute, with a visible brewing chamber. Judge Helen Marriott, Editor of Caffè Culture Connect, said: “Tea Fusion combines fantastic ingredients – quality loose leaf tea, the perfect temperature, flavour, quality and consistency, with a sense of theatre that tea-drinking café customers will love.” Next year’s Caffè Culture Show takes place at London Olympia on 10-11 May 2016.

C AT E

C AT E R I N G N E W S

Natural and Organic Awards – the 2015 winners

he winners of the Natural and Organic Awards 2015 were announced at The Platinum Suite at ExCeL London. Hosted by Natural Products News, in association with the Soil Association, the annual awards brought together over 400 industry professionals to recognise and celebrate the standout brands and products of the year. Broadcaster, comedian and MasterChef finalist Hardeep Singh Kohli introduced the awards after declaring his own “20 years involvement in the organic movement,” and describing the all-organic dinner as “by the far the best and most sustainable food I've ever had at an awards ceremony.” The winners of this year’s awards are:

NATURAL PRODUCTS SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD Wendy Atkinson, managing director, Modern Herbals

BodyMe Ltd, BodyMe Matcha Tea

BEST NEW NATURAL LIVING & HOME PRODUCT Humble Brush, Humble Brush

BEST NEW HEALTH & NUTRITION PRODUCT Natures Aid Ltd, PRO-30 Max

BEST NEW NATURAL BEAUTY & SPA PRODUCT Savannah Bee Company, Royal Jelly Body Butter

NATURAL PRODUCTS SALES PERSON OF THE YEAR

ABOVE: Pukka Herbs – Outstanding Achievement award winners

BEST NEW ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCT InSpiral Visionary Products, Kale-os – kale crisps

BEST NEW ORGANIC PRODUCT

BEST NEW FOOD PRODUCT

Faiq Arif, Solgar Vitamins

Pulsin’ Ltd, Mint Choc Chip Protein Snack

MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR

Viridian Nutrition, 100% Organic Liquid Iron

BEST NEW SPECIAL DIET PRODUCT

Viridian Nutrition – www.findahealthstore.co.uk

NATURAL PRODUCTS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER

Tim Westwell & Sebastian Pole, co-founders, Pukka Herbs

Coyo, Coyo Cherry Coconut Milk Yoghurt

BEST NEW DRINK PRODUCT

Amaranth, Stockport

Cambridge to become a Sustainable Fish City

he University of Cambridge College catering departments have joined forces with Cambridge Sustainable Food to pledge their commitment to making Cambridge a Sustainable Fish City. As part of a campaign to transform

Cambridge’s impact on our depleting fish stocks, catering departments from 15 of the Cambridge Colleges, who between them prepare around two million meals per year for students, Fellows and visitors, will now serve solely sustainable fish on their menus. The Colleges who have signed the

sustainable fish pledge are: Churchill, Christ’s, Darwin, Fitzwilliam, Girton, Jesus, Madingley Hall, Magdalene, Peterhouse, Robinson, Selwyn, Sidney Sussex, St John’s, Trinity Hall, and The University Centre. They have each committed to serving only sustainable fish on their menus such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish and those from the Marine Conservation Society’s ‘fish to eat’ list. David Oakley, Chairman of the University of Cambridge Catering Managers’ Committee and Catering Manager at Churchill College, said: “The Colleges are keen to support and make a difference to the marine ecosystem and fishery industry for the long term by taking direct responsibility over our purchasing behaviour and the fish that we serve from our kitchens. Working together across the group of 15 participating colleges, we are pleased to be giving our support to the ‘Sustainable Fish City’ campaign.” @ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 4 7

CATERING AND HOSPITALITY | HEALTHY EATING

SEAFOOD – THE HEALTHY CHOICE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE By Andy Gray, Trade Marketing Manager, Seafish s well as offering a great variety of A different flavours, textures and enjoyable eating experiences, the regular consumption of fish and shellfish can help to keep you in good health. Many experts recommend that we should try to eat at least two portions of seafood a week – but why is it so good for us? Seafood is a ‘health-food’ in more ways than one; first and foremost, it’s jam-packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that help to keep our bodies in great shape. Seafood is well-known as an excellent source of Omega-3, a very important fatty acid that the human body can’t produce on its own. Secondly, seafood is low in calories and high in protein. This makes it the perfect food for dieters; high levels of protein keep you feeling fuller for longer, without the extra calories. Studies have even shown that people who eat seafood regularly are, on average, slimmer than people who don’t. WHAT IS IN SEAFOOD?

Seafood is a great source of certain vitamins and minerals which perform very important functions within the body. Oil-rich fish such as mackerel, herring and sardines are a great source of vitamins A and D, which are important in the growth and development of children. Whitefish such as cod, haddock and hake are a good source of B vitamins, and all seafood is an excellent source of minerals including potassium, selenium, zinc and iodine. Iodine is needed for our thyroid glands and brains, while zinc keeps us in good reproductive health, and selenium is believed can actually help to protect us from cancer. Seafood is also an excellent source of protein, and also contains small amounts of ‘good’ fats. Protein-rich fish and shellfish can 4 8 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K

help to nourish your muscles, as well as warding off colds and flu. Foods with high protein contents tend to be low in calories while keeping us feeling ‘fuller’ for longer. Despite being so high in minerals, seafood is very low in salt and sodium. Most of us eat too much sodium, which has been linked to high blood pressure, strokes and heart disease. Swapping a ready meal that’s high in sodium for an easily prepared seafood dish can help you to lower your salt intake and boost your health. It’s also worth bearing in mind that shellfish contains dietary cholesterol. However, saturated fats (which seafood is low in) are much more responsible in causing high blood cholesterol levels than dietary cholesterol, which needn’t be avoided unless you suffer from a genetic condition called Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) or Familial Combined Hyperlipidaemia (FCH). Certain fish species such as mackerel/herring/ salmon/sardines are high in long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 comes from the family of ‘good’ fats that are not only beneficial for health but are essential in the diet. These fats cannot be made by the body, so a dietary supply is essential. Seafood is now widely recognised as the best, natural source of Omega-3 oils, the long-chain fatty acids which are beneficial for heart health. Further studies have revealed it is also necessary for brain development, joint function and healthy skin – in fact, for every cell in our bodies. The results reveal that species which have not traditionally been thought of as oil-rich have emerged as valuable sources, and this is particularly good news for those who are not keen on stronger-tasting fish. They are also significant because they show that consumers concerned about the sustainability or provenance of a particular species have far more options than previously thought, if they want to protect their hearts from damage. UB

For more seafood hints, tips and recipes visit www.seafish.org

CATERING AND HOSPITALITY | OPINION

Meatless Mondays By David Russell, Founder and Chairman of the Russell Partnership ccording to the Food and A Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) latest data, every year each omnivorous Brit consumes roughly 85kg of meat, which amounts to 33 chickens, one pig, three-quarters of a sheep, or a fifth of a cow. Between 1961 and 2007, British meat consumption increased by 20%, and this trend shows no sign of stopping. In response to growing meat consumption, global meat production has quadrupled since the early 1960s from 71 million tonnes to over 290 million tonnes in 2010 (FAO). This had led to approximately 70 billion farm animals now reared for human consumption each year. Something needs to change. We have a real opportunity to inform today’s students about the damaging environmental consequences of meat-based food products. While it is important to note that meat products are not the sole producer of negative environmental consequence, the prominence and demand for animal-based produce is increasing and is therefore, creating a

greater strain on the earth’s natural resources. Though it is not justified, expected or anticipated that the Western world will adapt to a vegetarian diet full-time, it is within reason and a somewhat necessary step to suggest that a reduction in meat consumption is essential to ensure longevity of a sustainable environment. In response, the implementation of ‘Meatless Mondays’ or similar schools of thought within university outlets would propagate and resonate across the students of today. A one-day-per-week adoption of plant-based meals within campus outlets would not only absorb student interest and support global sustainability, but

would save money by replacing costly meat produce in place of less expensive alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu. Globally, the current livestock industry contributes 18% of human-produced greenhouse gas emissions – more than the entire contribution of transport (including air travel) and an area of land equivalent to the size of the European Union is used to grow feed for farm animals. The industry supplies the required demand – and by encouraging our food outlets to adopt an environmentally friendly ethos one day per week, we truly have the power to revolutionise the way our students see sustainability through food consumption. So, go meatless for just one day a week… UB

“WE HAVE A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO INFORM TODAY’S STUDENTS ABOUT THE DAMAGING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF MEAT-BASED FOOD PRODUCTS” @ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 4 9

CATERING AND HOSPITALITY | EVENT PREVIEW

BELOW: M att G illan CENTR E: D aniel Clifford LEFT: R ichard Bertinet

Skills for Chefs 2015

The 18th annual Skills for Chefs conference is gearing up to showcase some great chefs and exhibit a selection of the most renowned catering firms in the UK his year’s Skills for Chefs conference is hosted by Sheffield City College and The University of Sheffield. Around 180 chefs will attend the conference over two days and many are travelling from afar to be inspired by the business programme. Delegates are coming from across England, Wales, Scotland, Spain, and, for the first time, Finland! Highlights include the first appearance in the history of the conference by Daniel Clifford from Midsummer House, a twostar Michelin Chef whose culinary skills are highly regarded in the profession. The conference is also spreading its general appeal by including a baking masterclass by Richard Bertinet, an award-winning authority all things bread and pastry. The team behind Skills for Chefs are also diligently preparing for the arrival of the chefs: “We are really pleased to see delegates booking this year who have never been to the conference before. We always look forward to welcoming new chefs to the conference,” says David McKown,

This year, the Skills for Chefs conference is exhibiting the finest products, and services by renowned companies from the food service sector, the culinary industry and affiliated organisations. McCain Foods • Koppert Cress • Essential Cuisines • Tilda Rice • Maldon Salt • S.J. Fredrick & Sons: Label Anglais Chicken • Callebaut Chocolate, Russums, Sous Vide Tools • Nisbetts • MSK Ingredients • Country Fresh Foods • LSA

Director of the Skills for Chefs Conference. Conference communication manager Mina Kidwai says: “From interacting with the old and new delegates of the conference to signing off exciting deals and packages with the sponsors, the pre-conference ride is so exciting, and nothing less than a roller coaster ride.” This year the conference is making available a whole range of different delegate packages, as David McKown explains: “We have taken on board the feedback from the industry and it is now possible to attend the conference on a day basis in addition to a whole range of residential packages that are available.” The social media launch of Skills for Chefs this year has also been trending. The #SkillsForChefs tweets describing mouthwatering dishes have kept the chefs and other audiences hooked. Current engagement through both Facebook, and Twitter is at an all-time high – an outright indication of how big Skills for Chefs 2015, is going to be. UB Meats • Rational • Amore Di Gelato • BPEX • Master Chefs of Great Britain • Craft Guild of Chefs • British Culinary Federation • Essential Cuisine, Wild Atalntic Prawns • Cafeology • MAM Solutions • Induced Energy • Seasoned by Chefs • White House Crockery • Le Bon Vin • Thornbridge • Thermomox • HK Projects, MSL Truffles • First Contact Chefs • Wenlock Spring. (correct as of 15 May 2015)

This year’s conference takes place on 1 and 2 July 2015. There are still more places available for delegates, exhibitors and sponsors. Visit: www.skillsforchefs.org.uk or call 0114 222 8983. 5 0 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K

Conference programme D AY 1 Welcome Session 1: A Warm ala OBE diw To s Featured chef: Cy ru

ly ing Comes Natural Session 2: Cook r House me um ids M , ord l Cl iff Featured chef: Danie er Class in Desserts Session 3: A Mast rer at rke, Senior Lectu Bu ick M Featured chef: ge lle Sheffield City Co Cook ing Session 4: Artful ngham Fields cGur ran, Winteri M lin Co f: che Featured Night with Event: Café Spice Evening Socia l ala OBE Chef Cy rus Todiw ing of the café ence the delectable din eri exp ll wi s ate leg De with its awardrs ito vis its g d excitin known for alluring an d services winning cuisines an D AY 2 ing cook ing, keep go Session 1: Keep ngton Restaurant, rli Bu , ith Sm am Featured chef: Ad Devonshire Ar ms Looks Matters Session 2: Food South llan, The Pass at the Gi att M f: che Featured Lodge Hotel about Baking Session 3: It’s all ard Bertinet Featured chef: Rich Clever Session 4: Cook ing wley, Fischers Ro rt pe Ru f: Featured che ts al Cook ing Ta len Session 5: Technic nd lla Ho ris Featured chef: Ch s Dinner Event: Ga la Award Evening Socia l nce, and the fere con the of ony em This is the closing cer am of the Young restaurant Te night on which the UK ced un no an be ll wi s Year 2015 champion

CATERING AND HOSPITALITY | RECIPE

Healthy helpings Peter Walters, Keele University’s Executive Chef, shows us how to ditch the junk food for some tasty, slimline snacks

ENJOY WITH:

“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.” Anthony Bourdain cientists reckon we can retrain our brains to like healthy food and even be addicted to it. We don’t start life craving chips and burgers. I only started craving them in the '60s when Birds Eye advertised them to me as a small boy via television. A recent study put a group of obese volunteers through a sixmonth weight loss programme while gauging their reaction to different foods, scanning the areas of the brain associated with learning and addiction using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The researchers found that after a strict, six-month diet the participants’ brains responded more actively to healthier food and showed a “decreased sensitivity to the unhealthy higher-calorie foods”. The programme included a high fibre diet, low glycemic foods and behaviour change education. So, all you have to do is ditch the junk and buy some fresh foods to create some simple, tasty dishes.

Greener Colada For 2 Persons 1 cucumber ½ head broccoli 2cm fresh ginger, peeled 100ml coconut milk 1 slice fresh pineapple Using a juicer, juice the cucumber, broccoli and ginger. Blend with coconut milk and fi nely diced pineapple.

Vegetable stock Start with a basic vegetable stock to use in the recipe below. Peel and fi nely chop a carrot or two and some celery, celeriac or fennel if you have some. Peel and fi nely chop an onion and 2

garlic cloves. Heat a little oil in a pan. Add the vegetables, season with salt and pepper. Fry until the vegetables start to caramelise. Pour in 1½ litres of water. Bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Drain. Press as much liquid from the vegetables as possible but do not purée. Smoked Haddock with Barley Risotto For 2 persons 2 leeks A splash of olive oil 150g pearl barley 200ml vegetable stock 50g Parmesan 1 lemon A handful of fl at leaf parsley 500ml whole milk 1 bay leaf 2 smoked haddock fillets Sea salt and freshly ground pepper 2 large handfuls of baby leaf spinach Slice into 1 cm rounds. Heat olive oil in a deep frying pan or wok. Add the leeks to the pan and sweat them over a low heat for 5 or 6 minutes until soft. Add the pearl barley to the leeks. Cook and stir for a couple of minutes.

Add a splash of the vegetable stock to the pearl barley. Stir occasionally until it’s absorbed. Repeat with the rest of the stock. This will take 15-20 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover. While the risotto cooks, grate the Parmesan, zest and juice the lemon and roughly chop the parsley. Pour the milk into a saucepan, add the bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Carefully place the haddock fi llets in the milk and cook for 6 or 7 minutes. Add a ladleful of the poaching milk to the pearl barley. Stir until it has been absorbed. Add another ladle of the milk to the pearl barley. Keep adding and stirring until it’s all absorbed. Taste the pearl barley, it should be soft but with a slight bite. Season with salt and pepper if necessary. Add the spinach and half of the Parmesan and mix in well then add most of the parsley and the lemon zest and juice. Divide the risotto between two plates and top with a fi llet of the haddock and sprinkle each with the rest of the Parmesan and parsley. UB

@UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 51

Join us at the UK’s Leading Education Facilities Event

From Design to Delivery Now in its third year, Education Estates brings together everyone involved in delivering education facilities now, and for the future. Education Estates is the only event of its kind to focus on the design, build, management and maintenance of the UK’s universities’ buildings.

10-11 Nov

2015 Manchester Central www.educationestates.com

Event Sponsors:

Charity Partner:

XXXXXXXXXXXXX EVENT PREVIEW

EDUCATION FORUM 2015. WHAT DO OUR PAST DELEGATES SAY? “If I can only attend one Education Facilities event a year, it will be a Forum Event. I have been to two events and have made useful contacts with suppliers and other schools. I have ended up purchasing equipment I would not have otherwise known about or been confident in procuring. The face-to-face appointments are invaluable both in saving time and targeting the right solution.” Chipping Norton School “A superb out-of-office forum where meetings with specific companies has far more value as you can have relevant answers to specified questions which relate to forthcoming projects. A highly recommended format.” Northgate High School AND OUR SUPPLIERS? “Some excellent meetings, great venue, people and definitely gained some new business.” Altro Ltd “Fantastic event, with good delegates and the right atmosphere to conduct conversations.” Ocean Integrated Services

Hosted by Forum Events, the 13th annual Education Forum will be held on 16–17 November at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Stansted he Education Forum offers business and facilities managers, bursars and estate directors a personalised itinerary to meet and network with suppliers who have been carefully pre-selected before the event. Time is precious, so the Forum ensures a no time-wasting approach to event attendance because delegates can increase their knowledge of how, why and where to invest without hanging around waiting for the wrong supplier. This means that both delegate and supplier get the most out of the 36-hour event. Delegates will attend scheduled 25 minute face-to-face meetings with suppliers, as well as be invited to attend 45-minute inspirational and educational seminars conducted by industry leaders such as Louise Hosking, MD of Hosking Associates, Rob Coulthard, MD of Judgement Index UK and Matthew Gill, Sales Manager from The Learning Escape by TG Escapes.

WHAT ARE THE PROS?

If you are a delegate: • Free seminars • Free accommodation, meals and refreshments (for early registrants) • Unparalleled networking opportunities • A relaxed, business-like environment • Luxury hotel venue • An event where you are in charge • A professional, time-saving way to find product, service and solution providers. • A ‘no hassle, no hard sell’ environment. If you are a supplier:

• No time wasters • The clients attending are business and facilities managers, bursars and estate directors who are the budget holder, have the authority to spend and are actively reviewing their current suppliers. No time wasters, just high-quality meetings • You’re meeting buyers who want to meet you • We will organise your personalised itinerary based upon you and the client’s choices • No standing around waiting for prospects to find your stand • You will be working continuously, spending quality face-to-face time with potential clients generating valuable contacts; from breakfast, during your organised 25-minute appointments, lunches and dinner • Unlike traditional exhibitions, attendance for suppliers in any one market sector is limited • Inclusive package – there are no hidden costs. The attendance fee for all suppliers includes all accommodation, meals and refreshments throughout, as well as your personalised itinerary • New prospects at each event. We do not invite clients back, so at every Forum it will be a new selection of buyers to meet. WHAT ARE THE CONS?

None. Spaces are limited so act fast! WHO’S ATTENDING?

This year’s event will welcome leading education institutions such as Gleeds Cost Management, Ifield School, More House School, Petchey Academy, Tavistock College and Valence School as well as service suppliers such as Altro, Ocean Integrated Services, Alexandra, Playtime by Fawns and Trend Control. UB

If you are a delegate and would like to register (free!), contact c.element@forumevents.co.uk If you are a supplier and would like to book a stand, contact k.kingsbury@forumevents.co.uk @ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 5 3

PROMOTION | YOURGUARANTOR

Welcome home Studying abroad is a big step change for many students. Mike Jones, Managing Director of YourGuarantor (pictured), explains how UK universities can be more accommodating to international student needs How did you come up with the concept of YourGuarantor? My eldest son is studying Japanese at Sheffield University and went to Tokyo last year for his sandwich year. Upon finding an apartment, he was then asked to provide a Japanese guarantor or pay a full year’s rent in advance. There was the option of using a guarantor company, but these were very expensive and there was also a language barrier issue. So, I then looked to see if the same issue applied to overseas students studying in the UK and found that it did. When I looked into guarantor provision, I found it to be either very expensive or with limited scope and availability. Student Unions at a national and local level are lobbying universities to act as guarantor and it became apparent to me, that what was needed was an institutional guarantor that could allow universities to deliver against this demand.

average level set by universities. There are no qualifying criteria for students to be accepted other than they be non-UK (EU or non EU) and not in their first year of HE study. Universities will not be financially exposed with our scheme and will not be faced with challenges of recovering non-academic debt from students in the event they need to pay the rent. Administratively lighter (our platform manages the workflow end to end), the only real activities done by the university are verification at point of application and notification to the insurer in the event of a potential default. International students have become a key fixture in the UK HE sector; are universities doing enough to keep them satisfied? I think that in the main they are. Provision of non-academic services today are becoming as important as the academic standards. This applies especially to overseas students, as many will be coming to the UK for the experience of going to another country, as much as to study at a particular institution. Although, perhaps sometimes overused, the term ‘student experience’ really does apply more than ever to overseas students.

Could you explain the “Universities will not be financially exposed with our scheme process of how you work and will not be faced with challenges of recovering nonwith UK universities? academic debt from students in the event they need to Sure. Our facility comprises pay the rent” three components: a webbased platform; an industry recognised insurance policy; and a team dedicated to supporting of the rent), they simply become a How do you see YourGuarantor universities in the roll out of the service. participating member, thereby enabling growing and developing in the future? Our platform allows the student to their students to access the service. The I’d like to see YourGuarantor adopted request the guarantor certificate, for university is free to join and leave the by all UK universities, which will mean the university to verify the student’s scheme as it wishes, safe in the knowledge that nearly every international student credentials and the generation of the that any outstanding commitments coming to the UK will be provided university guarantor documentation. will be covered by the insurer. with the choice, when moving into the The insurance policy underpinning private rental sector. A choice of whether the guarantor certificate is an industry Why would a university offer your to pay all of their rent in advance or pay recognised policy provided by one of scheme rather than their own? monthly, giving them the security and the UK’s largest insurers. There is no Our service is open to all international benefits that are available to UK students. cost or contractual commitment for students except first year undergraduates. I’d also like to roll the service out to cover the university (the student pays for the The maximum rent we cover is UK students and will be looking at the UK service with the cost being a function approximately three times higher than the postgraduate community as a second phase.

Contact Mike Jones: T: 01202 770 031 M: 07969 912 061 E: mike.jones@yourguarantor.com W: www.yourguarantor.com 5 4 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK

W: www.universitybusiness.co.uk | T: @UB_UK

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FINANCE AND MARKETS The latest news, views and reports on finance and legal issues in the higher education sector www.facebook.com/ubmag

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Southampton’s EPSRC grants break £200m mark The University of Southampton has, for the first time, surpassed £200m active funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

he EPSRC’s online ‘Grants on the Web’ institutional profile provides a ‘snapshot’ of current projects funded by the research council. This shows that the University is sixth nationally for the total value of grants, managing a portfolio of 154 EPSRC-funded projects worth £200,114,884 with individual grants ranging from just under £40,000 to over £8m in value. The grants support a wide range of activities across the University – from Aeronautics and Chemistry to Physics and Social Sciences. The top ranking university for value of grants is Imperial College, followed by UCL, Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol University. Southampton is ranked first nationally for its Programme Grant portfolio (in terms of value – £53m with individual programmes ranging from £3.1m to £7.2m), and second nationally equal with Cambridge in terms of number (10). Programme grants are large collaborative research initiatives involving academia and industry and addressing significant global challenges. Amongst the number of major EPSRC projects supported are Doctoral Training Centres in Web Science, Next Generation Computational Modelling and Sustainable Infrastructure Systems. The EPSRC has also provided funding for Southampton’s Industrial Doctoral Centre in Transport and the Environment, and the Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Photonics as well as a major social sciences project to investigate The Care Life Cycle: Responding to the Health and Social Care Needs of an Ageing Society. The Faculty of Engineering and the

Environment manages the largest number of current EPSRC grants (52 grants worth over £48.7m). Within the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, the University’s Optoelectronics Research Centre is currently managing 30 grants worth over £44.4m and Electronics and Computer Science has 26 grants worth over £40.3m. Research Councils are the prominent funders (44%) of research for the University with the EPSRC providing the largest amount of awards overall. The success of the University

has supported a significant growth in annual research income (forecast to be over £114.9m in 2014/15) exceeding £100m for the last two years with research grants and contracts secured from a multitude of funders including Research Councils, medical charities, industry and the European Commission. In March, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) revealed that the University’s QR (quality research) grant for 2015–16 will be increased by 2.17% to £45.4m. @ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 5 5

Staff and students scholarship success

Expert legal advice for universities Veale Wasbrough Vizards has a national reputation for experience and expertise on legal issues spanning the education spectrum from ‘nurseries to universities’. We can advise your university on the full range of legal issues including: • HR and employment • good governance • constitutional issues • student issues including appeals, academic misconduct, immigration and the OIA • estates issues • capital funding • intellectual property law

• licensing • spin-outs as well as commercial contracts and joint ventures • consortium arrangements (including international agreements) • procurement processes including EU regulations.

To arrange a free no obligation review of your legal issues, please contact: Bettina Rigg

David Hansom

brigg@vwv.co.uk T 020 7665 0960 M 07885 263 839

dhansom@vwv.co.uk T 020 7665 0808 M 07500 708 619

www.vwv.co.uk Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP

A research project looking at how children with Asperger syndrome regulate their emotions is one of more than 20 projects from Plymouth University to receive funding through a global education initiative. Post-doctoral psychology student Belen Lopez Perez will be funded to look at the link between empathy and emotion regulation thanks to the Santander Universities Scholarship programme, which encourages staff and students to develop research and language exchange projects that will enhance future opportunities. This is Belen’s second funding success through the programme, which offers cash rewards of amounts from £200 to £5,000. She used the fi rst grant to work on a similar project involving adults in collaboration with her Spanish counterparts at the University of Burgos. Professor David Coslett, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “We welcome this continuing

“International collaborations create opportunities for our staff and students to embark on joint research and teaching projects"

5 6 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K VWV_Advert_High_Edu_ExpertaAdvice_92x260_3.indd 1

partnership. These international collaborations create opportunities for our staff and students to embark on joint research and teaching projects, taking our expertise to new territories and helping us to learn from others.” The philanthropic Santander Universities funding is offered in three categories: internationalisation, for staff and students to undertake research at a fellow Santander University anywhere in the world; Iberamerican, open to undergraduates and postgraduates who wish to carry out research/work-based learning at a fellow Santander University; and Seed Corn scholarships which enable postgraduates and staff to undertake research related to their studies or teaching at Plymouth University. Santander Universities activities form the keystone of the bank’s social action and enable it to maintain a stable alliance with 78 universities in the UK and more than 1,200 universities and research institutes all over the world.

30/08/2013 12:16

FINANCE & MARKETS NEWS

FINANCE &

Jodrell Bank secures major Heritage Lottery Fund support

he University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Observatory has received Heritage Lottery Fund support* for a £12,147,200 bid for the ‘First Light’ project. The project will conserve and restore the heritage of the Jodrell Bank site and create a spectacular new space in which visitors can engage with and learn about the journey to explore the universe. Development funding of £784,800 has also been awarded to help the University progress plans to apply for a full grant at a later date. Jodrell Bank is an internationally important place in the heritage of astronomy and the only site remaining in the world that shows the whole history of the development of radio astronomy – the first step towards the field of modern astrophysics that we know today. Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “We are incredibly proud of our current science and great heritage at The University of Manchester and of our iconic site at Jodrell Bank. The announcement is great news, not only for the University, but for our city-region and the UK-wide science community.” Professor Brian Cox, University of

Manchester Physicist and Broadcaster, added: “When I was young, visiting Jodrell Bank was one of the things that inspired me to become

a scientist. This new project will inspire many more young people to carry on our great tradition of science and engineering.”

*’Support’ means the project meets HLF criteria for funding and HLF believes the project has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so this is an endorsement of outline proposals. The project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to secure a firm award.

Nottingham boosts maths teaching via new research

he University of Nottingham has received £1.2m for two research projects examining ways that teachers can boost maths confidence. Both studies, involving 150 schools, and conducted with Durham University, will provide evidence to help narrow the achievement gap in maths, and pinpoint what hinders some students to learn. “The percentage of 14-year-olds who struggle with very basic ideas in maths has roughly doubled since the 1970s, and is now around a sixth of Year 9 students. Around 40% don’t achieve a C at GCSE. Yet, surprisingly, little recent research has focused on this serious problem,” said project director, Jeremy Hodgen, Professor of Mathematics Education at The University of Nottingham. The Low Attainment in Mathematics study will tackle this issue. With a £245,000

grant from the Nuffield Foundation, Professor Hodgen’s team aims to identify what are the key ideas that pupils need to grasp to make progress in maths, investigate the underlying causes of the attainment gap, and review the evidence on the effectiveness of different teaching approaches. Finding out if addressing pupils’ struggles with algebra and fractions will have a positive effect on their overall maths results will be the focus of the second project, which recently secured £970,000 from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). The approach has already been shown to raise student achievement in individual classes and this three-year study will see if its success can be replicated on a larger scale. The three-year approach will be tested and evaluated in a randomised controlled trial involving 110 schools organised by Durham University and EEF. @ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 5 7

FINANCE AND MARKETS | LEGAL ADVICE

states, energy, student numbers and finance are often what spring to mind when we think of sustainability in the context of higher education institutions. Generally, less attention is given to talent management and succession planning and the importance of diversity for the leadership strength of institutions in the future. The lack of diversity at the highest levels of the academy and on Governing Bodies is well publicised. According to the Equality in Higher Education: statistical report 2014, published by the Equality Challenge Unit: • 79.9% of vice-chancellors are men • 69.5% of pro vice-chancellors are men • 78.3% of professors are men. This is despite 44.5% of all academic staff being women. Amongst black academic staff, the balance is even more extreme with there being fewer than 100 black professors in the UK and of these only 20 are women. This lack of diversity is not confined to higher education, it is part of a bigger picture in the wider public sector, business, industry and government. There have been a number of initiatives to increase the number of women and black academic staff progressing to senior levels within institutions. These include the Equality Challenge Unit’s Charters (Athena Swan, Gender Equality (now included in Athena Swan) and Race Equality), and the Aurora leadership programme for women run by the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education. However, the statistics show that there has been little change so far. It may be that there is just a long leadin period before the effects of the various initiatives start to make an impact but it’s still unclear whether these initiatives alone will be sufficient to stimulate change or whether there are other ‘blockers’ at play.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY DIVERSITY?

• Diversity is much more than gender and race. The essence is difference and variety. • The starting point has to be the nine protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. These are age, disability, gender re-assignment (referred to as gender identity by the Equality Challenge Unit), marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief and sexual orientation in addition to gender and race. However, diversity goes beyond the protected characteristics. It includes the characteristics and social contexts that make us different. 5 8 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @ U B _ U K

SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP IN. THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR. Bettina Rigg, Partner and Head of HE at leading national law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards looks at the importance of diversity in developing sustainable leadership within higher education institutions WHY IS DIVERSITY IMPORTANT FOR SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS?

• Much of the research has been in the context of gender where there are various studies that show that diversity brings benefits to the financial success of organisations and, in particular, the effect of women on boards. Apart from the obvious importance to institutions of financial health, diversity of views and inputs at senior management

level are essential to the quality of the debate and decision-making process. • The Equality Challenge Unit together with seven partners from the higher education sector commissioned research into the business case for equality and diversity in higher education institutions. The outputs are contained in their report published in October 2014 ‘The rationale for equality and diversity: How vice-chancellors and principals are leading the change.’

• Various themes emerge including the importance of diversity in the commitment to excellence. These themes are equally applicable to the leadership strength of institutions in the future. WHY ARE LEADERSHIP TEAMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS NOT MORE DIVERSE?

• In the context of gender, many reasons are suggested in the research and by commentators including the reluctance of women to put themselves forward and the impact of stereotypical considerations in decisions on appointments and promotions. • It may also be the effects of the ‘glass cliff ’. The ‘glass cliff ’ was identified by researchers at the University of Exeter. It is the concept that women are only promoted to senior roles in times of crisis and when those roles attract a high risk of failure. This may mean that those opportunities which become available to women are high risk and are therefore not attractive to women. • The work we have been doing at Veale Wasbrough Vizards with higher education institutions has suggested that the absence of mentoring and support, the methodology of recruitment consultants when shortlisting, job design and the ‘full-time culture’ are all key factors in lack of gender diversity. • Meeting the obligations under the Equality Act 2010 remains an imperative for higher education institutions. Failing to address issues that may contribute to lack of diversity at senior levels in institutions may expose an institution to claims, particularly of indirect discrimination. Indirect discrimination can arise where an institution applies a provision, criterion or practice (PCP) to an individual that it applies, or would apply, to persons who do not share the characteristic but that puts, or would put, persons sharing that characteristic at a particular disadvantage, it in fact puts that individual at that disadvantage and where the institution cannot justify the PCP by showing it to be a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. PCP is very broad and includes recruitment and promotion criteria. • Relatively recently, there has been an increasing focus on the concept of unconscious bias (sometimes referred to as implicit bias) in the context of broader diversity (including gender) and we have seen an increasing number of requests to assist with development of staff in higher education institutions who are members of

recruitment and pay and promotions panels. • In 2012 Carnes et al published a research paper ‘Promoting Institutional Change Through Bias Literacy’. This looked at equal opportunities for the participation and advancement of men and women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) and concluded that institutional transformation is required to ensure equal opportunities. Implicit bias was identified as one of the issues that needed to be addressed and bias literacy as one of the steps towards institutional transformation regarding gender equality. • Although this research looked at one specific area, there are lessons which can be translated to the wider operation of higher education institutions.

INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION – A STRATEGY FOR REMEDYING UNCONSCIOUS BIAS

• The research by Carnes et al identified that unconscious (implicit) bias is a habit that can be changed. Awareness raising and staff development through the use of interactive workshops are essential aspects together with the provision of a toolkit of strategies to equip relevant staff to deal with these biases. • Changing behaviour in this way will take time, effort and a willingness on the part of those decision-makers to be open to change. To be really effective, it needs to be led by vice-chancellors and senior management teams who should be the first group to undertake awareness raising. Governing Bodies should have

"LACK OF DIVERSITY IS NOT CONFINED TO HIGHER EDUCATION,.

IT IS PART OF A BIGGER PICTURE IN THE WIDER PUBLIC SECTOR,. BUSINESS, INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT". WHAT IS UNCONSCIOUS BIAS?

The following definition of unconscious bias can be found in Equality Challenge Unit: 2013 Unconscious bias in higher education. • “Unconscious bias is a bias that we are unaware of, and which happens outside of our control. It is a bias that happens automatically and is triggered by our brains making quick judgements and assessments of people and situations, influenced by our background, cultural environment and personal experiences.” • Unconscious or implicit bias can occur in many situations and in relation to many prejudices. These include physical characteristics/appearances, social contexts such as socio-economic group, stereotyping and in-group favouritism.In many circumstances these prejudices may amount to discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 (for example not promoting a woman because of stereotypical assumptions about having children) but unconscious bias is much wider and includes prejudices which may not satisfy that definition.

it on their agendas and it should be part of the induction for new members of Governing Bodies as well as part of ongoing development for established members of Governing Bodies. • It is our experience from working with institutions on equality and diversity issues (including Athena Swan) that institutions that are really committed to equality and diversity, and where this is driven from the top, are able to bring about this type of institutional transformation. UB

Bettina can be contacted on 020 7665 0960 or at brigg@vwv.co.uk. @ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 5 9

connecting you to technology

Save Libraries… Give them the best. ‘‘We were very pleased with the care and attention to detail provided by the engineers who oversaw this installation. It was a very bespoke job and between them they had a great deal of expertise. They were courteous and efficient and worked to a very high standard.’’

RFID / SECURITY / RFIQ / PEOPLE COUNTERS / EM / STOCK MANAGEMENT / RF / LAPTOP SECURITY / VENDING / SELF SERVICE

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EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY Covering all the topics in the technology sector this month www.facebook.com/ubmag

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BCU seeks next gen tech experts Birmingham City University is at the heart of a global push to create a new generation of tech-savvy manual workers.

he institution is the only UK member of a global alliance of eight higher education establishments taking engineering and business teaching into a new era. The aim is to equip the smart factories of the future with a leaner, more efficient workforce of production line workers skilled in IT, software and data handling. As industry chiefs continue to urge the government to invest more in the national skills base, Birmingham City University is taking a lead in equipping the next generation with input from global technology partner SAP. Ardavan Amini, senior academic and director of the Centre for Enterprise Systems at Birmingham City University, said: “It’s fantastic to be at the forefront of development with SAP, enabling students to gain industry knowledge with the latest technology. “We are equipping a new generation of workers in manufacturing and engineering for the next industrial revolution. It’s about giving people the skills to run end-to-end processes, using technology and people concepts to become a leaner and more efficient workforce.” The Industry 4.0 curriculum offers teaching materials for universities to train young talent for the production world of tomorrow, targeting engineering, business and executive MBA students. Member universities can integrate parts of the curriculum into existing seminars

and create entirely new courses. The eight global universities have developed the curriculum, which includes practical units, visualisation software and a simulator. Partners include Tongji University Shanghai, the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Mosbach. Professor Mel Lees, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Birmingham

City University, said: “Our Centre for Enterprise Systems is building a significant reputation as a leader of innovation. SAP is an important global partner for us and this announcement demonstrates their recognition of the work we do and the value they place on our partnership.” After completion of the pilot phase, the Industry 4.0 curriculum will be available to more than 2,000 member universities, beginning in August 2015. @ U B _ U K | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 6 1

E D U C AT I O N A L T E C H N O L O G Y N E W S

BUFVC’s Information and Expert Advice Service By Helen Fitton, British Universities Film and Video Council Answering enquiries is at the heart of the BUFVC’s mission and we pride ourselves on providing a friendly and personal advice service. Our knowledgeable staff can provide practical guidance on many aspects of using moving image and sound in teaching or research and will offer best practice guidance on copyright issues. We aim to leave members feeling confident in their actions and supported throughout their work. The BUFVC represents at national level the interests of post-compulsory education and research and works with broadcasters and licence providers to advocate the use of media in higher education. Opening up the discovery of moving image and sound content is key to what we do. If you are looking for a particular title, or just need to search within a theme, the Information Service can support you in searching and finding content you require (or even better, finding content you didn’t even know existed!) We tackle all aspects of moving image and sound use in education and research with an integrated problemsolving approach. We will assist with your enquiry, but can go further – suggesting alternative approaches or source of content, highlighting risk management issues, linking to external suppliers, etc. We can do this because we are uniquely positioned as a provider of content discovery, expertise and research activities that bridge academia and industry. We also understand that copyright can often be a daunting and confusing area to tackle when using moving image and sound in education. What licence should you obtain? What does your licence allow you to do? What content can you use? These are questions we receive and answer daily via the Information Service to ensure our members are empowered by copyright. We focus on the can do, rather than the can’t do. Find out more about our Information Service and learn more about copyright at our popular Copyright Clearance course by visiting: bufvc.ac.uk 62 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK

From babies to robots

obots that learn and acquire motor and cognitive skills in the same way that human babies do are now a reality according to a new book jointly written by an expert at Plymouth University. Angelo Cangelosi, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Cognition, says that research conducted over the past seven years in the field of developmental robotics has revealed many parallels with the study of child development. In a new book – From Babies to Robots, published by MIT Press in the United States – written with Matthew Schlesinger, Associate Professor of Psychology and Adjunct Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Southern Illinois University, Prof. Cangelosi has considered a variety of topics including manipulation and locomotion, face recognition and perception of space, and language and abstract knowledge. He said: “Developmental robotics is a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to robotics that is directly inspired by the principles and mechanisms observed in

children’s cognitive development.” From Babies to Robots is based upon the legacy of robotics research that Prof. Cangelosi has led or been involved with through Plymouth University’s highly-regarded Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems. This included the multi-million pound, pan-European ITALK project – Integration and Transfer of Action and Language Knowledge in Robots – that used a ‘baby robot’ called iCub. Over the course of the project, and subsequent research work, the iCub robot in Plymouth has developed the linguistic capabilities of a 2-3 year old child, going from the learning of simple words in order to name objects, to the capability to create short sentences combining object names, adjectives and verbs. “Through the likes of the iCub project, and ALIZ-E, which used robots to communicate with children in hospitals and schools, Plymouth University has become a hub for world-class robotics researchers, bringing in over £5m in national and international grants,” said Prof. Cangelosi.

Y NEWS

E D U C AT I O N A L T E C H N O L O G Y N E W S

New HPC cluster for Oxford

E D U C AT I O N A L T E C H N O L O G Y N E

Free Augmented Reality app for education The first free augmented reality (AR) app for universities has been launched by AR agency, Campus Interactive. Campus AR Browser allows universities, colleges and schools to trial the use of AR without having to invest large sums of money in AR technology. Campus Interactive Founder Rupert Forsythe explains: “AR has huge potential to enhance the campus and learning experience for schools and university students, but I’m very aware that investing heavily in new technology can be daunting for many institutions. I want universities and schools to be able to experience what augmented reality can offer, and our free app, alongside a free trial, will enable them to do that.” Campus AR Browser is exactly what its name suggests – an augmented reality browser, much like Chrome or Internet Explorer is for the web, which allows anybody to access augmented reality material on any campus, or in any college or school, through one app.

esearchers from across the University of Oxford will benefit from a new High Performance Computing system designed and integrated by OCF. The new, Advanced Research Computing (ARC) central HPC resource is supporting research across all four Divisions at the University; Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences; Medical Sciences; Social Sciences; and Humanities. With around 120 active users per month, the new HPC resource will support a broad range of research projects across the University. As well as computational chemistry, engineering, financial modelling, and data mining of ancient documents, the new cluster will be used in collaborative projects like the T2K experiment using the J-PARC accelerator in Tokai, Japan. Other research will include the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project, and anthropologists using agent-based modelling to study religious groups The new service will also be supporting the Networked Quantum Information Technologies Hub (NQIT), led by Oxford, envisaged to design new forms of

computers that will accelerate discoveries in science, engineering and medicine. The new HPC cluster built by OCF is comprised of Lenovo NeXtScale servers with Intel Haswell CPUs connected by 40GB Infiniband to an existing Panasas storage system. The storage system was also upgraded by OCF to add 166TBs giving a total of 400TBs of capacity. Existing Intel Ivy Bridge and Sandy Bridge CPUs from the University of Oxford’s older machine are still running and will be merged with the new cluster. Julian Fielden, Managing Director at OCF, comments: “With Oxford providing HPC not just to researchers within the University, but to local businesses and in collaborative projects, such as the T2K and NQIT projects, the SLURM scheduler really was the best option to ensure different service level agreements can be supported. If you look at the Top500 list of the world’s fastest supercomputers, they’re now starting to move to SLURM. scheduler was specifically requested by the University to support GPUs and the heterogeneous estate of different CPUs, which the previous TORQUE scheduler couldn’t, so this forms quite an important part of the overall HPC facility.”

Campus Interactive is currently working with institutions to provide them with a free trial, using Campus AR Browser, so that they can experience first-hand the benefits that AR can offer. Plymouth University was one of the first to take up the offer and, using existing video material, augmented its Applicant Day Guide that prospective students and parents used when they attended the Applicant Day last month. Maya Orme-Lynch, Student Recruitment Officer at Plymouth University, said: “We were very keen to start using augmented reality to enhance the visitor experience for anybody coming to Plymouth University, as well as the campus and learning experience for our students and staff. “I believe that augmented reality should be an integrated part of the journey, from applicant, to student, to alumni and at Plymouth this is what we’re committed to providing.” @UB_UK | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | 63

INTRODUCING THE NEW &IMPROVED

MARKETPLACE

Our very own hub for all suppliers working in partnership with the education sector For a one-off cost, you will be right in front of our buying audience, with your business included in our comprehensive Marketplace.

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EDUC

AT I O N

TECHNOLOGY

THE TRUSTED VOICE OF ICT IN EDUCATION

W: www.edtechnology.co.uk T: @Educ_Technology

RECYCLING IT | EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

SHARE When it comes to recycling old IT equipment, universities can help educate the Earth without costing it, writes Simon Fry

AND C ARE

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RECYCLING IT | EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

“IF CORRECTLY REFURBISHED, MOST IT EQUIPMENT SUCH AS SCREENS, PCS AND SERVERS CAN BE REFRESHED FOR THE SECOND USER MARKET”

R I G HT: Computer Aid I nternational is a charity established in 19 9 8 , receiving around 15 ,000 PCs and monitors, 2 ,5 00 laptops and around 100 tablets annually for its projects in Z ambia, Z imbabwe, K enya, Chile and the UK

ccording to WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme,) an estimated 10 million tonnes of electronic products will be bought in the UK before 2020’s end, 25% of which will be IT equipment, consumer electronics and display screens. This figure comprises 20 tonnes of gold, 400 tonnes of silver and seven tonnes of platinum group metals – which is evidence of IT products retaining value when reaching the end of their working life. At a micro level, universities need to adopt disposal policies which protect both sensitive data and the planet. Indeed, conscientious universities might consider helping IT users on the other side of the world when they come to update equipment. The need for establishments to be increasingly environmentally responsible is taken up by companies such as the Stone Group, a leading provider of IT solutions to the education and public sector. Head of recycling Tien Nguyen said: “At the time of obsolescence, a university will consider internal redeployment, a decision taken by its IT department on the equipment’s condition, re-deployability, specification and usefulness. Alternatively, the equipment could be advertised for sale to other university departments or schools for non-business use, but if disposal is necessary, it will be

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arranged through the university’s IT department and done in accordance with the University Sustainability Policy, complying with WEEE regulations through a licensed IT recycler.” Obsolescence depends on various variables, not least usage, while Tien stresses a piece of equipment or device being out of warranty does not render it automatically obsolete. The potential to give IT equipment a new life is impressive. “If correctly refurbished, most IT equipment such as screens, PCs and servers can be refreshed for the second user market, with the Stone Group able to reuse over 85% of equipment processed through our recycling facility. Certain components such as tested and securely data-sanitised memory and hard disk drives can be used to upgrade and enhance the lifespan of second user IT equipment.” Naturally, data must be considered at the time of removal, with the Stone Group’s awardwinning and fully accredited IT recycling facility having received exclusive status as ADISA Certified with Distinction. Operating with industry best practice, their onsite recycling facility uses Blancco (erasure software) exclusively, ensuring every data-bearing product is cleansed in accordance with the HMG Information Assurance Standard Number 5. This is an auditable process providing verifiable, tamper-proof erasure evidence. The group also

offers an in-house hard drive shredding service ensuring data is physically destroyed. Increasing use of BYOD will come with increasing responsibility for owners. “Around 60%–80% of organisations have no formal BYOD policy, which provide clear rules and guidance regarding information governance and recycling. An increase in BYOD responsibility for the ethical and secure disposal of end-of-life hardware will inevitably shift toward the end user. This has impacted the recycling rate and ability for universities to impose their internal IT disposal policy strategy.” An arrangement with a major IT equipment company ensures smooth transitions at City University London, where purchasing manager Keith Wood said: “We predominantly use Dell equipment for staff and students, the students’ PCs being desktopbased (ie not portable) and coming with a four-year warranty, all machines being replaced when this warranty expires. Staff PCs, both laptop and desktop have a similar four-year warranty and are replaced continuously throughout the year as and when the warranty expires. Whatever residual value is obtained from the ‘old’ equipment is used to offset the cost of the ‘new’ equipment.” Such old equipment is removed regularly and disposed of responsibly. Wood adds:

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CARDIFF UNIVERSITY .

ABOVE: Cardiff University takes a holistic view of I T equipment use and waste management, in line with the University’ s I SO 14 001 environmental management system

“If the hard drive and/or RAM are unsuitable to use for upgrade purposes an external company collects these computers monthly. This company has a strong and ongoing commitment to meet CSR criteria and ensures it meets exacting disposal and data erasure standards. They operate a zero landfill policy and aim to reuse 90% of all IT equipment collected, the remaining 10% going to their waste management partners for further refinement. Many students do bring in their own devices but we have seen no drop in demand for our student lab computers. On the contrary, in recent student surveys there are always requests for more computing equipment to be made available.” Cardiff University takes a holistic view of IT equipment use and waste management, in line with the University’s ISO 14001 environmental management system, according to Christopher Dickson, environmental compliance officer, Cardiff University IT Service. “We aim to use central desktop and laptop PCs for around five years although it can occasionally be longer. During its life, equipment is sometimes upgraded (for example, memory may be added) if necessary or redeployed from specialist use to less-demanding tasks to ensure the equipment’s most effective and

efficient use. Our aim is to fully support the University’s leadingedge research and teaching while also giving the best value-formoney and lowest overall carbon footprint.” A move from actual to virtual products has brought many benefits. “We have also undertaken a large programme of server virtualisation, helping to make IT services evermore resilient while reducing the need to buy new servers. This has reduced IT waste, capital cost, embodied manufacturing energy and recurrent electricity usage all at the same time. We have found students are increasingly bringing in their own devices but have yet to see a significant decrease in usage of university IT equipment such as open access PCs.” An environmentally sound disposal policy completes Cardiff University’s impressive IT eco-credentials. “At the end of the equipment’s life we take a coordinated, cross-University approach to waste management using an approved external service provider. Working equipment is generally refurbished for further use via a digital inclusion scheme and non-working equipment is 100% recycled, with nothing going to landfill.” When the time comes to dispose of IT equipment, universities have

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an attractive opportunity to help people in need. Computer Aid International is a charity established in 1998, receiving around 15,000 PCs and monitors, 2,500 laptops and around 100 tablets annually for its projects in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Chile and the UK. The volume of equipment it receives has fallen by around 30% since the recession’s beginning in 2009 but this trend has recently been reversed. Around 80% of incoming equipment remains functioning while 20% needs repairing or recycling. Rajeh Shaikh, marketing and PC donations manager, said: “We regularly receive equipment from universities such as King’s College London, Cranfield and Bournemouth while Birmingham has recently started donating tablets for use in our projects in the UK and developing countries. We do not ‘recycle’ computers per se but rather refurbish IT equipment. “As an ICT4D (ICT for development) charity we safely remove any data from the machines’ hard drives by using Kroll Ontrack and Blancco erasing solutions. We clean-up and add RAMs to the machines so when sent to programmes they have an extended lifespan of four to five years. IT equipment we cannot reuse is still data-wiped and then recycled by one of our partners. We also sometimes dismantle equipment allowing for the reuse of components such as hard drives and fans in another machine. We also try to introduce students with an IT device no longer in use to our scheme.” Being environmentally friendly, and being seen to be so, is increasingly important for universities seeking to attract students who have themselves grown up with recycling part of their everyday life. It has never been easier for universities to be active in this area and their embracing of their responsibilities is to be admired. Quite wonderfully, as universities carry out the work of educating the next generation of UK citizens, they can also help spread knowledge in less developed countries, at no expense to themselves, educating the Earth without costing it. UB

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LAST WORD

Championing gender equality

Gender imbalance in the leadership of higher education is a serious issue world-wide, says Professor Paul Boyle, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester

Equality in HE

ABOVE: Professor Paul Boyle

70 | www.universitybusiness.co.uk | @UB_UK

1921, eight of its fi rst nine students were women. Gender equality is not a matter of being nice to women.In a higher education context it is about ensuring that the very best people go into and remain in research and teaching, achieving the greatest results for the benefit of society. It is about making sure that women are not held back by lack of confidence, systems that favour men, or unconscious bias. It is about making sure that women play an equal role in the senior leadership of our universities. Of course gender equality has to be something embedded in society as a whole. Thirty institutions, corporations and countries, however committed, cannot do it alone. But we can make a start by backing a campaign that recognises that equality and fairness for women is not a battle against men but a clarion call for both sexes to recognise that

“We should aim to deliver fundamental change within a generation, so that organisations such as HeForShe become redundant and my two daughters and two sons take it for granted that they will be judged on their merits, not their gender”

the world has changed. Men and women have a joint responsibility to achieve gender equality for societies around the world. We should aim to deliver fundamental change within a generation, so that organisations such as HeForShe become redundant and my two daughters and two sons take it for granted that they will be judged on their merits, not their gender. Universities have a crucial role to play because students come to us at a formative stage in their lives and the values learned there will shape their subsequent views significantly. Of all places, universities are places where men and women should be treated fairly and equally. We are not starting from scratch. Gender balance initiatives are already underway and we have successes within our institution on which we can build. We have equal numbers of men and women coming to us, women do just as well in applications, just as well as undergraduates and just as well as postgraduates. The United Nations Women campaign is an opportunity for us to join with others to build on this further and help achieve genuine cultural change. UB

Female icon: Freepik.com

The University of Leicester was recently selected to take a leading role in the United Nations Women HeForShe Campaign. The campaign involves a 10x10x10 impact pilot for which 10 global universities, 10 global corporations and 10 state governments will be chosen to champion gender equality through practical steps. Leicester is one of the first five universities to be chosen and five more will join the campaign at a later date.

am the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester and I am a man. This is no great surprise, given that the overwhelming majority of higher education institutions and funding councils are led by men. Gender imbalance in the leadership of higher education is a serious issue world-wide. When I arrived at the University in October 2014 I pledged that Leicester would lead the way on gender equality, just as it has done on social inclusion through measures to secure fair and equal access for students from nontraditional backgrounds. I have made it clear that we are going to champion women throughout the University, and we have taken practical steps to help achieve this, including celebrating women’s successes, changing the constitution of our promotions committees and raising awareness of unconscious bias among staff and students. So I am proud of the fact that the University of Leicester has been selected to take a leading role in the United Nations Women HeForShe Campaign. It seems particularly fitting that the University of Leicester should be trailblazing women’s equality because when it was founded in

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YOUNG LEADERS AWARDS 2015

HAVE YOU NOMINATED YET?

Time is running out to submit your entries for the 2015 Young Leaders Awards Deadline for submissions: 30th June 2015

To nominate go to: www.ylawards.com AWARD CATEGORIES: Digital trailblazer Sustainability champion People pioneer Nifty networker B R O U G H T T O YO U B Y

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