Report on Sustainability and the Environment

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AUGUST A AU UG GU US ST T 20 22012 201 0112 - JJULY 0 ULY UL U LLY Y 2201 2013 0 0113

Sustainable Thinking Meddwl Cynaliadwy Cardi Metropolitan University Prifysgol Fetropolitan Caerdydd


COnTEnTS  Foreword

 About the University

 Policies, Standards and Benchmarks for the Environment and Sustainable Development

 Responsibilities

1 2 2

 The University’s Approach to Sustainable Development

2

 Progress in Schools

3

 Energy and Utilities

7

 Progress on Academic Support

 Emissions and Effluents

 Occupational Health & Safety

 Safety and Hazardous Substances

 Printing and Copying

 Sustainable Estate

 Sustainable Procurement and Fair Trade

 Travel and Transport

 Waste Management

 Conclusion

 Appendices

3 4 8 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 11


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FORWARD i am fully committed to sustainable development in learning, teaching, research and enterprise and in our leadership and management practices. the university will continue to embed sustainability principles within its strategic, business and operational activities. a key emphasis will be to ensure that our graduates are ‘future proof’, motivated and inspired to make a positive difference: we are committed to promoting and incorporating education for sustainable development and global citizenship within the curriculum, developing sustainable graduates with the awareness and critical capabilities to respond effectively to challenges throughout all aspects of their lives and careers. i am proud of our achievements in these areas, which were reflected in the 2013 People and Planet league table, where the university was ranked 23rd in the uk, in the first class category and 2nd in wales. we have been certified against the is0 14001 standard for environmental management systems (ems) since 2012, and work in partnership with others in wales and in wider communities. Prof a J chapman Vice-chancellor


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REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT | www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/sustainability

About the University Cardiff Metropolitan University provides accessible, flexible, relevant and high-quality education, training, research and enterprise

Responsibilities The Board of Governors has responsibility for environmental performance and the sustainability strategy. The Finance and Estates

opportunities, and is acclaimed for high academic standards and

Committee of the Board oversees the detailed work on the

student satisfaction.

environment and sustainability in the organization and its business operations. The ISO 14001 Steering Group is chaired by a member of

The University is organised into Schools; Cardiff School of Art and

the Vice-Chancellor’s Board and reports directly to the

Design, Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Cardiff School of Education,

Vice-Chancellor’s Board.

Cardiff School of Management, Cardiff School of Sport and Product Design Research (PDR). It specialises in courses that are career-

The EMS covers all University activities from energy and utilities, to

orientated and designed in conjunction with business and industry.

waste management and recycling and importantly includes embedding education for sustainable development in the curriculum and into

One tenth of University students based in Cardiff are from overseas. Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Associate College is the London School of Commerce (LSC). LSC is based in London but also has campuses offering University programmes in Bangladesh and Malaysia. The University also has students studying at partner

research and enterprise activities. The University works closely with the Student Union to maintain ISO 14001 and the Student Union takes particular interest in the

institutions in Singapore, Egypt, Bulgaria, Greece, Morocco, Hong

University’s Fair Trade Status and is the vital link to all student activities.

Kong and Ireland.

Penarth Management Services is providing ongoing support to the maintenance of ISO14001. During 2012/13 the University made good

Learning and teaching is central to what the University does and it has

progress improving its register of environmental legislation, its register

a developing research profile which informs and helps

of aspects and its procedures. The University improved its document

develop/enhance teaching and learning activities.

storage system completed a range of internal EMS audits.

Policies, Standards and Benchmarks for the Environment and Sustainable Development (a) The University’s work on the environment and sustainability is guided by an Environment and Sustainability Policy. This policy was reviewed by the Board of Governors in November 2013 and is attached at Appendix 1. (b) The University participated in the People and Planet League 2013 and achieved a First Class Award, ranked 23rd of all universities in the UK and second in Wales. (c) The University achieved ISO 14001 in March 2012.

The University has identified environmental aspects and nominated aspect owners, can be seen in Appendix 2.


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The University’s Approach to Sustainable Development

(Corporate Health Standard), Carbon Management Plan, Water

During the year, Cardiff Metropolitan University made strides to

Welsh Sustainable Procurement Assessment Framework. The

cohere various strands of its activity on the sustainability agenda,

University’s adoption of these behaviours is linked to clear measurable

recognising that the concept of sustainable development is complex,

objectives such as ISO14001.

Efficiency Plan, Investors In People Standard, Transport and Travel Plan, Fair Trade Policy and Sustainable Procurement approach via the

spanning economic development, environmental quality and social equity. The University believes its actions must address these

As part of its commitment to raising the awareness of sustainability and

environmental, economic and social factors. Its approach to

engaging staff to make a difference, the University has implemented an

sustainability is characterised as an organic, or a bottom-up approach

on-line, e-Learning module which can be accessed by all staff as part of

within a management framework, rather than a top-down imposition of

their induction and staff development process. This course introduces

a high level concept. The approach, whilst comprising individual

staff to the topic of sustainability and policies of the University, and is a

operational areas, each focusing on specific targets or standards,

compulsory part of all new staff’s corporate induction into the

allows the University to implement relevant and meaningful change.

University.

The specific strategies and action plans are overseen and steered via a range of senior management groups and committees including Estates and Sustainability Committee, Equality and Diversity Forum, Staff Development Panel and Health and Well-being Steering Group, to ensure appropriate priority and resource is provided to meet agreed objectives. When aggregated, the outcomes clearly amount to a sustainable development position evidenced by the

People and Planet: Go Green Week 2013 Go Green Week is People & Planet’s* annual national week of action on climate change in schools, colleges and universities. Students run a week of activities to raise awareness and demand stronger action to tackle the climate crisis.

following achievements:  An Investor in People organization.

 Gold in the Wales Corporate Health Standard.  A Fair Trade University.

 Gold in the Welsh Government’s Travel Plan Awards and developing second generation Carbon Management Plan.

 ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System.

 1st Class Green League Award and being ranked within the top 25 universities in the UK for its environmental performance. As a result of developing action plans for Investors in People, Corporate Health Standard, ISO14001 and the Strategic Equality Plan, it became clear that much of this work is, by nature, complementary. A number of activities and actions are relevant to all areas of work and whilst many of the University-wide achievements are accolades in their own right, the combined sum of this work opens up new dimensions

The University celebrated the People and Planet Go Green Week 2013 between Monday 11th to Friday 15th February. A team of students from the Cardiff School of Management led and organised a series of activities aimed at raising student awareness of environmental issues, and to encourage their engagement with this topic through a range of practical ‘small steps’ solutions designed to support a low carbon future. Activities included a sustainable food day, sponsor a tree which resulted in the planting of a new hedge, an upcycling book sale, a great green bake off and charge your mobile phone by cycling your bike. In excess of £600 was raised during the week and the students donated these funds to support a school in Gambia. This is an international project, linked to sustainability, that the School established, and the specific donation was used to help school children learn about how to grow salad foods and crops in a sustainable way.

of thinking. 1

The University has adopted sustainable behaviours and continues to meet the challenge of embedding these into all staff and student activities. These behaviours are guided by the Strategic Equality Plan, Environmental Management System, Health and Well-being Strategy

People and Planet is the largest student network in the UK campaigning to end world poverty, defend human rights and protect the environment


Progress on Academic Support In 2012/13 a range of case studies were developed demonstrating

Two types of resource have been developed to disseminate

how sustainability is being taught across Cardiff Met. The case studies

information on sustainability. The first is a short on-line module

are from a range of different discipline areas and discuss ideas around

introducing staff to the topic of sustainable development and Cardiff

the topics studied, teaching methods used or assessments carried out.

Met policies, and the second provides academic staff with resources to increase the teaching of sustainability related issues to students.

Additionally, in 2013 a University ‘Graduate Attributes Framework’ was approved. This framework specifies a number of skills that all Cardiff

It can also be used as a catalyst for new and alternative ideas about

Met graduates will acquire, and evidence of these skills in the

embedding sustainability into the curriculum.

curriculum will be required when validating and reviewing programmes. The framework includes demonstrating an appreciation

This module is currently being piloted as part of a larger initiative to

of the importance of sustainable development.

ensure that sustainability issues are embedded in the curriculum.

In 2012/13 remote work-based learners have been facilitated to access learning via web conferencing. One example of this are the students of

Progress in Schools

Dental Technology whose experience was outlined in the JISC publication ‘Learning in a Digital Age’ in 2012. The embedding of such

a. Cardiff School of Art & Design (CSAD)

distributed electronic learning technologies was singled out as a

Rather than create specific and therefore isolated sustainability

feature of good practice in the QAA Review of Foundation degrees

modules and projects, the CSAD elected, from an early stage, to

undertaken in February 2013. This good practice has been

integrate sustainability thinking fully into all its areas of activity.

disseminated across Wales in order that others may also promote the

The School’s approach is now implicit in its protocols for the use of

approach. In addition –a fully distance learning programme (requiring

materials and workshops, as well as in its teaching and student

no physical attendance) was validated in 2013.

assessment. It is also evident in the CSAD’s research and enterprise portfolios. The approach also extends to design and planning for the

The University is also taking steps to increase flexible learning through

School’s new accommodation: CSAD is working with the University’s

a large scale enhancement of virtual learning practices and through

Estate Department and Project Team to ensure that the new CSAD

piloting newly acquired ‘Panopto’ software which allows lecture

building benefits from solar power and a substantial redeployment of

capture.

current resources.

Video Conferencing has been regularly used for Franchise Approval

CSAD’s aim is to develop artists and designers who reflexively and

Events, Periodic Reviews and Action Planning Meetings with partners.

consciously consider environmental issues in their practice. This starts

Staff are also encouraged to use Skype for day to day contact with

with the responsible use of materials and well-developed approaches

partners and this has been written into the Moderator and Link Tutors

to recycling and up-cycling. This goes along with an awareness of the

Handbook.

amount of energy deployed in production, with strategies to minimize energy consumption, where possible.

Documentation for review events is also provided to review panels electronically via share point. The electronic submission of

The examples of sustainability in the curriculum can be drawn from all

assignments continues to increase with one School having recently

areas, as it is an implicit feature of student learning. The examples are

made this mandatory. Between September. 2012 and December. 2013

therefore numerous and can be drawn from all areas. Indeed the new

5,811 assignments were submitted electronically.

undergraduate curriculum has been especially developed to enable all students to engage in the issues of sustainability.


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Projects available challenge student thinking on reuse, up-cycling,

The key environmental and economic sustainability initiatives the

hacking, as well as how the deployment of some new technologies can

School has focused on have involved fast tracking the transition

transcend issues of waste and scarce resources.

towards digital information delivery and assessment modalities across

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as many undergraduate modules as possible. Using a combination of b. Cardiff School of Health Sciences (CSHS)

Sharepoint, Blackboard and Turnitin platforms, combined with

A number of programmes are directly focused on the environment:

extensive staff development interventions in support of these

BSc (Hons) Environmental Health, BA (Hons) Business and

technologies. This has been largely achieved in the short period of two

Management Studies with Sustainability, MSc Environmental Change

years, with 2012/13 being the first year where all student coursework

and Practice, MSc/PgD Environmental Risk Management and MSc/PgD Waste Management. CSHS is involved in research into health, ageing and stress reduction. One project related to whether outdoor physical and leisure activities

submission has been mandated to occur through Turnitin. In a selfreport audit conducted on assessment and marking practices, 96 of 147 coursework assessment points were marked electronically (64%) and 13 of 59 examination assessment points were conducted on a

may offer more benefits to health in later life compared to indoor

computer (22%). Significantly, this shift has focused on a number of the

activities. This study found that allotment gardeners aged over fifty

largest core modules offered by the School. The extensive movement

had significantly lower levels of perceived stress levels when

towards fully digitised processes to support and ameliorate high quality

compared to other adults of similar ages who were active in other

face to face educational interactions with students is seen as central to

outdoor and indoor activities. There has been a recent increase in the

creating sustainable education practices within the School.

interest of the benefits of the natural environment for health and wellbeing, and in Wales in particular there has been an increased focus

Outside of curriculum and assessment, many administrative functions

on the importance of allotment and community gardening. Last year,

now embrace technologically driven sustainable practices. In particular

the Welsh Government produced a report into the provision of

the coursework, examination, question preparation, student evaluation

allotments in Wales which was accompanied by a community grown food action plan. This was followed by an injection of funding into the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens to develop a three year programme to support community food growing projects in order to succeed and learn from best practice. The research study has been

and external examiner evaluations have all been digitised via SharePoint and Dropbox in the 2012/13 Academic Year. Consequently, there are now a number of modules running that are now almost entirely paperless.

published in an issue of HortTechnology – a journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.

In addition to the practical initiatives outlined above, in 2013 there have been awareness raising staff development sessions that have

The School is also involved in the Africa Partnership Initiative (API)

presented University corporate strategy, in order to in augur School

which provides opportunity, through collaboration, to develop relevant

and individual level responses. Central to this initiative is the

technology and community resources to promote and develop projects

imperative of embedding the concept of sustainable development

with Africa. API is also a member of Wales for Africa Health Links

within curriculum content in order to provide students with a

Network. The API activities include poverty-related diseases,

heightened understanding of the significance of the sustainable

occupational/industry working environment, strategic alliance

development in their professional fields. Members of School staff are

between health and environment – Libreville Declaration, community health and learning and teaching.

currently working with dedicated Cardiff Metropolitan University sustainability development staff in order to develop exemplars of this curriculum content and other forms of ‘good practice’ within the

c. Cardiff School of Sport (CSS)

School. This initiative intends to provide a resource illustrating good

The Cardiff School of Sport has taken steps to embed core principles

practice that can be cascaded across the institution. These examples

of sustainable practice within the delivery of its undergraduate and

include the development of content that develops the sociology of

postgraduate programmes, as a part of a wider perspective of

sustainability embedded within sociocultural module options, the use

sustainable practice across the School. For example, the School has

of online tutorial scheduling initiatives, and video conferencing

added sustainability to the remit of the School Ethics Committee.

initiatives to complement both student tutorials and staff meetings.

This initiative has already led to some scrutiny by the committee over the ethical (in environmental and human terms) procurement of material used for both teaching and research activities within the School. The School recognises that this is particularly pertinent for its undergraduate operations because the scale of this teaching portfolio means that even modest shifts towards sustainable practice has potential for significant improvements across a number of sustainability indicators.


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d. Cardiff School of Management (CSM)

e. Cardiff School of Education (CSE)

All CSM first year students have sustainability built into an assessed

The school curriculum for three to nineteen year olds in Wales, from

module appropriate to their course. This ensures that different

September 2008, established sustainable development and global

sustainability issues can be specifically tailored to different degree

citizenship as a key pillar of education. As the major provider of

programmes; allowing students to gain an understanding of the

teacher education and training in Wales, the Cardiff School of

relevance of sustainability to their chosen subject of study. This

Education plays a key role in the Welsh curriculum strategy.

approach enables the student, usually through a case study, to have the opportunity to develop creative strategies and solutions to issues

The Welsh Government has issued detailed guides to Education

such as the impact of global diversity and understanding mechanisms

for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC)

of change and a knowledge about what makes the world

in the curriculum, with seven interlinked themes:

unsustainable. For example, sustainability represents a central theme throughout the core strategy models on the Business and Management programme. It is understood as resting upon

 Wealth and poverty  Identity and culture

 Choices and decisions  Health

three pillars;

 Climate change

 the maintenance of a sustainable physical environment;

 Natural environment

 the generation of economic sustainability based upon the

 Consumption and waste

adoption of a long term perspective, and one based upon an

These themes are all addressed and embedded as a core feature of the

appreciation of economic complexity and economic relationships

School of Education programmes because they are part of the

 recognition that society or community, at all levels – local, national

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Standards that students need, to

and global, both supports and is in turn supported by sustainable

achieve. The School has continued in 2011-12 with its Forest School

practices.

training, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, and is represented on the Woodlands for Learning Forum and the National

True sustainability is only recognised when these three conditions are

Forest School Network. Through these initiatives the School offers

met and considered in total. The core strategy modules seek to

training both to student teachers and partnership school staff. The

promote an understanding of sustainability in all of these dimensions.

School is also pro-active in integrating health and wellbeing into the curriculum.

At level 4 students establish the main dimensions and implications of sustainability for business and its conduct. The focus is to take

The health and wellbeing of student teachers is paramount within the

students beyond the simple environmental understanding of the term,

Department of Teacher Education and Training. Student teachers are

and place sustainability within a broader business context;

supported throughout their study and during school experience, beginning with 'Student Teacher Wellbeing' events as part of induction

Level 5 discusses the need to consider sustainability within a wider

onto ITT programmes. Individual student teachers with medical and

global context, and the fact that the long term sustainability of the

disability needs are supported by the Safeguarding, Equality and

global system depends upon equity and social justice. Modules

Diversity Co-ordinator through the risk assessment process using the

explore those factors driving inequality, such as the operation of global

SEWCTET Medical and Disability Experience Pack. Student teachers

financial markets, and the practices of multinational business;

recently had the opportunity to attend a conference organised by the Cardiff School of Education and the Teacher Support Network:

Level 6 considers how sustainability can be built into business thinking,

'Reflecting on Teacher Wellbeing: Issues and Changing Perceptions'

not simply as a bolt on to policy but as a central objective of strategic

followed by a variety of workshops exploring different aspects of

design. Sustainable strategy might focus upon business model

wellbeing for teachers.

creation and innovation, the promotion of business ethics and corporate social value, and the development of resilience in business

The School’s outdoor learning team has secured sufficient funding to

and its ability to deal with change.

build an outdoor classroom in the woodland area at the Cyncoed Campus. It is hoped that building will commence late December or early in January 2014. The Outdoor Learning Centre will aim to meet the growing demand for outdoor learning experiences for children and adults. The Centre will provide training for practitioner and students; community groups and young adults; research to develop a greater awareness of issues relating to outdoor learning and will promote issues relating to sustainability through woodland experience.


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Emissions and Effluents The University continues to be exempt from Emissions to Air Consent,

a. Air-Conditioning Inspections

due to its insignificant impact.

The University contracts specialist services to maintain its air conditioning equipment. This contract includes robust testing for

However, despite this exemption, the University continues with its

refrigerant leaks, and oversees the phased replacement of the ozone

robust maintenance strategy in line with statutory obligations, its

depleting gas, R22, with more environmentally friendly gas, as and

Schools continue to maintain their risk assessments to ensure minimal

when necessary.

impact on the local environment. Refrigerant leak tests also form part of the servicing schedule, as even The University has almost completed a full survey of surface and foul

the environmentally friendly gases have a global warming potential.

water drainage at its Cyncoed and Llandaff campuses, and has an

The University will now also undertake an impact assessment, in line

action plan to address all remedial work identified.

with its Energy Policy, prior to installing or renewing any air conditioning equipment.

The University continues to hold a letter of consent, issued by DĹľr Cymru Welsh Water, which permits the University to deposit trade

The Estates and Facilities Department will continue to pursue an active

effluent into the local drainage system. This consent recognises the

regime of reducing, where possible, the amount of chemicals in use

insignificant impact that the University effluent has on the water

through its procurement of contractors and materials. As stated last

course.

year, the University has reduced its use of chemicals from 4000 to 2000 in recent years and it is hoped that this can be improved upon even further. Throughout the implementation of ISO_4001 the University has been working to become compliant and to ensure emissions to air are kept to a minimum, including identifying further potentials for improvement. All relevant environmental legislation relating to emissions to air has been identified and the University is working toward fully compliance.


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REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT | www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/sustainability

Energy and Utilities a. Carbon Management Plan

b. Energy and Water Costs

In 2008 the University set out a five-year strategy and implementation

In 2012/13 the university spent £1.31 million on energy (electricity,

plan for carbon management, which reached maturity at the end of the

gas and oil) and water consumption in its buildings. Electricity accounts

2012/13 academic year. The strategy responded to the Carbon Trust’s

for approximately two-thirds of all utility spend, and the new Carbon

Higher Education Carbon Management (HECM) Review and focused

Management Strategy will focus largely on reducing these costs.

on the implementation of a behavioral change programme, including

Gas consumption accounts for the vast majority of the remaining

the following specific objective:

one-third of utility spend, while water supply and sewerage costs are approximately.

“To develop a robust management system that can engage with all stakeholders by utilising the energy monitoring and reporting infrastructure to continually improve carbon reduction performance against targets”

Energy & Water Costs 2007/08 to 2012/13

Annual performance achieved against these targets over the five year period is illustrated in the chart below:

Emissions 2007/08 to 2012/13 Taking into account the reduced energy consumption and increasing utility rates since 2007/08, cost savings over the duration of the five-year Carbon Management Plan period are estimated to be in excess of £1m. c. Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme Cardiff Metropolitan University qualifies for the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme – a government Emissions levels were consistently below target over the

scheme aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions

duration of the strategy, and a 16.3% reduction was achieved

by applying a charge for every tonne of CO2 emitted.

against a 12% target at the end of the five year period. This forward-thinking, behavioral change approach and subsequent

To comply with the CRCEES, the university completed an allowance

results have led to Cardiff Met being highly regarded within the higher

payment of £62,568 in September 2013, in addition to surrendering

education sector for energy management.

previously purchased allowances to the value of £8,184.

A new five-year Carbon Management Strategy is set to be approved in early 2014, and will commit the university to continuing reductions in emissions, and investing in energy efficient and carbon management projects. A detailed plan will set out how the university will work towards sustaining energy and emissions reductions, including continuing with the existing behavioral change programme, and technical projects including lighting, heating, controls and other energy efficiency improvements. For the interim 2013/14 academic year, the university is targeting a continued 3% reduction in emissions.


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Occupational Health and Safety

Printing and Copying

The University recognises that the health and well-being of staff and

Printing and copying continues to be a necessary activity within the

students is essential to its success and therefore is committed to the

University. All student and staff copying resources are centrally

provision of an environment which supports the adoption of healthier

managed through the Print Studio. Print resources for staff are the

lifestyles. The philosophy which underpins this commitment is one of

responsibility of respective Schools and Units; student print resources

self-help and individual responsibility within a corporate framework,

also fall within the remit of the Print Studio.

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promoting and supporting good practice to comply with legislation, addressing key workplace risks to health and encouraging a healthy

Paper consumption is considered a significant environmental aspect by

lifestyle culture. The encouragement of healthy lifestyle culture among

the University, due to the associated 'whole life' environmental cost

staff and students includes active support to staff and students that use

from the supply chain, associated energy consumption, and ultimately

sustainable forms of commuting (walk/cycle/public transport) to/from

the waste product. To address this effect the University has developed

and between their places of work and study. Health and well-being

a target and supporting actions for the reduction of its paper

development is a key component of the Corporate HR Strategy and

consumption.

improvement goals have been set which target key preventable illhealth issues and the Welsh Government’s Health Challenge Wales

The target and key actions are to reduce the overall

priorities.

consumption of paper by 5% per Annum up to 2016/17 by:

The aims of the strategy are to enhance the University’s

 Increasing double sided print by 3% per annum.

reputation as a health promoting University through:

 Increasing print output to the central MFD* fleet by 2%

 Improving the health (physical, emotional and psychological) of

 Training and information campaigns to promote environmentally

the University community; and

 Increasing employee engagement.

per annum.

friendly practice.

To achieve these aims, key strategic objectives have been identified as being crucial to its success. Attached to Appendix 4 is a table which identifies those objectives and provides an outline of progress made on their respective achievement during 2013/14.

Safety of Hazardous Chemical Substances The above table shows the progress made against target for the past 5 Schools and Units are required to identify and assess risks posed to

years, which illustrates the positive effect of the actions employed to

staff, students and the environment by hazardous chemicals and to

date; The University purchased approximately 35% (4 million)

liaise with Campus Services over their safe disposal. During 2012/13,

fewer sheets of paper in 2012/13 compared to 2008/09.

Schools and Units continued to ensure that risk controls implemented for hazardous chemical substances remained effective. Progress

The Print Studio uses a range of management systems to monitor and

continues to be made towards the establishment of a University-wide

analyse MFD print and copy activity against the targets and to identify

Code of Practice for the use and disposal of chemical substances. A

areas that require a particular focus.

cross school working group was established in the summer of 2013 and a Hazardous Chemicals User Workshop has been included in the

More information relating to Printing and Copying, to include Paper

Corporate Staff Development Programme for 2013/14

Supply and Usage, Document Printing and Double-sided Printing, is attached at Appendix 5. 1 MFD. Multifunctional Device for copying, printing and scanning.


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REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT | www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/sustainability

Sustainable Estate In academic year 2012 – 13 the University contracted to provide a new

The University seeks to make full use of electronic tools wherever

art school at the Llandaff campus, completing the current Estates

appropriate in its procurement processes. It has introduced a full e-

Strategy. This new building will allow the University to dispose of the

procurement ordering process to complement its electronic tendering

Howard Gardens campus in the city centre. The Estate is thus

portal, resulting in a reduction of the use of hard copy documents and

sustainably enhanced in a number of ways eg. much reduced footprint

stationery used in communicating to bidders and suppliers and, as a

for the school, the provision of an energy efficient building that has the

consequence, dramatically reduces the use of surface mail services.

benefit of passive design and designed to BREEAM Excellent standards. The building has several notable sustainable design

In addition to maintaining Fair Trade University Status, the University

elements ie. photovoltaic panels to the roof, natural ventilation and a

has implemented an Ethical Supply Chains Policy, aimed at ensuring

high level of energy metering and controls. On completion of the

the broadest consideration is given to the impact it has on its direct and

facility (September 2014) the University will have achieved its target of

indirect supply chains.

reducing to two academic campuses. In addition to the foregoing, a range of estates improvements have been made in the year, including

For the coming twelve months, the University has devised a series of

the upgrading of residences boilers to more efficient models, several

quantitative measures to monitor progress against its objectives and it

water saving installs, the installation of LED lighting and the

will be looking to create baseline figures; the University will be looking

programme for replacement of single glazed fenestration.

to make further progress on the use of products manufactured from post-consumer waste and exploring opportunities to introduce

Sustainable Procurement and Fair Trade

community benefits aspects into its major procurement exercises.

Travel and Transport

The University’s procurement function is a key contributor to sustainability objectives. Whilst the primary objective of all University

The well-established University Travel Plan provides a comprehensive

procurement is the achievement of best value for its goods and

framework to continually review and improve the University’s travel

services needs, the University seeks to configure all procurements to

practices. The University’s continual investment and improvement in

include additional and non-core benefits, of which sustainability is a

sustainable travel has directly enhanced the health and wellbeing of

major consideration, and to do so in a manner consistent with the

students, staff and the local community.

Welsh Government ‘Welsh Procurement Policy’ statement. Since 2009, Cardiff Metropolitan University has achieved a significant When developing the specifications for its procurement requirements,

12% reduction in the number of student car users and a 10% reduction

the University strives to include sustainable benefits, which in the last

in the number of staff driving to work, resulting in only 25% of students

twelve months have included multi-functional devices with enhanced

and 68% of staff travelling by car to campus. The University’s

energy efficiency; a continuation of the growth in use of office

successful travel initiatives have created a substantial growth in

products manufactured from recycled materials; and further

passengers on its dedicated Met Rider bus service, along with

enhancements of the sustainability ‘credentials’ of the undergraduate

increasing demand for cycling facilities. Further details regarding the

prospects through the use of mineral-based inks and World Land Trust,

range of travel initiatives are expanded upon in Appendix 6.

carbon balanced paper stock. Our successful and continued proactive approach to travel planning Where the University leads on collaborative procurement projects that

was recognised in December 2011 with the University being awarded

are available to the broader public sector, it makes extensive use of

a Gold Level Welsh Travel Plan Award.

dividing the requirement into regional ‘lots’ to assist in creating opportunities for smaller and local businesses. The benefit to the local economy of these various ‘local supply’ initiatives can be illustrated through the fact that in the last twelve months, some 54% of the University’s influence-able spend was placed with Welsh based suppliers, and some 47% of the University’s supplier base was Welsh.


www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/sustainability | REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The following table illustrates the estimated number of cyclists

11

Landfill 2009-2013 (Tones)

commuting to the University each week:

Cardiff Met Cyclist per week statistic 2008-2013

During 2103 recycling continued to grow, with the overall figures for 2013 showing an increase of 45 tonnes versus 2012.

next Steps

Recycling 2009-2013 (Tonnes)

 To further improve the service, routes, times etc of the Met Rider service to the University campuses and across the city and wider community.

 Continue to promote the use of virtual learning and conferencing, to reduce the need to travel to campus.

 Develop strategies to reduce the University’s direct and indirect business travel footprint.

 Continue to explore new travel options with local train companies, and bus operators to assist student and staff use of public travel.

Following the introduction of food waste separation and collection in 2012, the University received grant funding to support additional food

Waste Management Waste management performance remains positive, with a continuing reduction in general waste to landfill being achieved albeit at a slower

waste and mixed recycling bins. Since then, the food waste collection has increased from 6 tonnes per annum to almost 18 tonnes (in 2013).

Conclusion

rate than previously The University continues to make excellent progress on The high peak between May and July 13 corresponds to a summer

the environment and sustainability agenda and thanks are

programme of building and refurbishment work with the

due to the staff and students for their contribution.

corresponding clear out of old furniture and equipment that in many

Its pursuit of becoming a top 10 (post 92) university in the

cases has no re-use or recycling potential.

next five years opens up further challenges. There are many examples where the University makes a difference, but it can do more. This is a great opportunity to lead in pushing forward the principles of sustainable development. By committing to the sustainable development agenda, Cardiff Metropolitan University can win the hearts and minds of staff and students, create positive impacts, shift the culture from compliance to alliance and drive up performance and invest in the future.


Sustainable Thinking Meddwl Cynaliadwy Cardi Metropolitan University Prifysgol Fetropolitan Caerdydd


www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/sustainability | REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

13

Appendix 1 1. Policy Statement: Cardiff Metropolitan University recognises the importance of the role it has to play in environmental stewardship of its estate and in promoting

3. Objectives of this policy are: The objectives of this policy are:

principles of sustainability across all of its activities, including teaching and research. The University will manage and control its environmental risks in a sustainable manner by complying with relevant legislation and adopting where appropriate best practice.

2. Application: It is essential that sustainable development is at the core of all activities in the higher education sector and at Cardiff Met. The University is a major contributor to society’s efforts to achieve sustainability through:  the environment in which its students learn

 the skills and knowledge that they acquire and put in to practice;

 To make sustainability a core principle in all that we do.

 To ensure that all environmental risks are assessed, managed and controlled.

 To promote and adopt best practice within the higher education sector.

 To maintain and develop the University in a sustainable manner.  To work together with our community on matters of the environment.

 To develop good working relationships with relevant external authorities and bodies.

 To develop managers, staff and students by providing training and information on Sustainable Development: Environmental management, Social Justice and Economy.

and

 its own strategies and operations

3.1 In accordance with the policy statement the University will:  Adopt Sustainable Development: Environment, Social Justice and

This policy applies to all activities undertaken by (or on behalf of)

Economy, as a key principle in the University's strategic planning

the University including those of governors, staff, students and

and delivery.

contractors.

 Cohere the plans and activities, of complementary policies, to enhance efficiency and results: Health & Wellbeing, Environmental Management, Equality & Diversity and Staff Development.

 Meet the requirements of environmental legislation and commit to a process of continual environmental improvement.

4. Promote and Adopt Best Practice  Maintain an Environmental Management System; to set targets and indicators, measure environmental performance and report progress.


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5. Promote and adopt sector initiatives and best practice Through sustainable procurement best practice, seek to sup-

6. Produce an Annual Report;  Produce reports to the appropriate committees;

 Communicate with the Sustainability Champions.

port, influence and deliver continuous improvement across social ethical and environmental aspects of products and services whilst achieving best value.  Maximise energy efficiency, use of renewable resources and use

7. Working with External Authorities and Bodies

of low carbon technology;

 Develop good working relationships with all relevant external

recycling over disposal of wastes;

 Develop links with appropriate environmental bodies and

associated action plan to enhance its performance and

 Report any incidents as required.

 Minimise waste generation and facilitate repair, reuse and  Audit the ecology and biodiversity of the estate, and develop an mitigate impact;

authorities;

associations;

 Actively promote sustainable and active travel to and from the campus;

 Promote continual improvement in maintenance practices  Encourage activities to enable students to contribute to sustainable development;

 Communicate and inform the University Community.

8. Development of Managers, Staff and Students  Provide appropriate training and information to the University community.


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Appendix 2 Academic Development

Dean of Learning and Teaching

Emissions and Effluents

Maintenance Operations and Space Manager

Energy and Utilities

Energy Manager, Estates and Facilities

Environmental Awareness

HR Manager (Staff Development)

Operational Health and Safety

Health and Safety Advisor

Paper

Head of Commercial Services

Sustainable Estate

Director of Estates and Facilities

Student Union

Chief Executive, Cardiff Metropolitan University Student Union

Sustainable Procurement and Fair Trade

Head of Procurement

Travel and Transport

Travel Plan Manager, Estates and Facilities

Waste Management

Facilities Manager, Estates and Facilities

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Appendix 3 The following presents further examples of the work that is

Africa on developing medical goods and services for rugged rural

taking place within the University’s Schools

environments in Zambia. It has undertaken projects on the reuse and recycling of plastic bags, including IKEA carriers.

Within CSAD, examples of work include how the BA/BSc Product Design and BSc Architectural Design Technology programmes require

In the Cardiff School of Sport, reading lists can be accessed via a series

their students to consider the impact their new designs have on society

of hyperlinked texts which are either linked directly to their original

and the environment. In addition to a sustainability oriented overall

locations with journal providers, or provided via digitised versions.

approach, the Graphic Communication programme runs a project

Students can book via an online scheduling website to meet the

entitled ‘Sustainable Me?’, intended to raise second-year students’

module leader for individual tutorials. The effect of the move to a more

awareness of sustainable and unsustainable attitudes, behaviors and

paperless approach has been that students no longer need to print

practice. By telling stories, student groups gain understanding and

handouts, but rather loading lecture handouts on their mobile devices

insight into their subject area, and identify sustainable and

and bring these to lectures. Having a number of students accessing the

unsustainable practice. They then develop and apply their own

internet during sessions has greatly facilitated our use of internet based

sustainable graphic-communication skills to print and screen-based

activities spontaneously during class sessions making classes more

media for a given target-group on behalf of their client (a

open and dynamic.

representative of EcoDesign Centre Wales: www.edcw.org). Cardiff School of Education’s development of an Outdoor Learning CSAD’s MSc Advanced Product Design course originally had a twenty

Centre will provide a range of learning opportunities linked to

credit sustainability focused module, called Sustainability Issues in

sustainable issues. The market for Forest School courses is strong and

Design for Production. This was actually removed in favour of a more

the School is ideally placed in South East Wales to meet the demand; a

holistic approach which forces students to addresses the paradox

unique feature will be the ability to deliver Forest School training

between the need for socially responsible sustainable product design

through the medium of Welsh.. The centre will also target the

and the desire for cost- effective mass production to feed mass

compulsory education, hobby, night class and consultancy markets.

consumerism in all modules.

This will mean that the Centre will be reaching a wide range of people within the local community and across South East Wales, promoting

The School’s research and enterprise portfolio includes the Ecological

the principles of sustainability through structured training

Built Environment Research and Enterprise (EBERE) research group.

programmes. These will included Forest School training, Earth

EBERE is involved in work that investigates how design and

Education workshops and curriculum focused events, such as literacy

construction techniques, strategies and applications can be developed

and numeracy, promoted within a natural environment.

for low impact on planetary resources. It also seeks to address how people use and experience the built environment in their lives, work

As sustainability is integral to the education system in Wales, the

and leisure. The group are currently running four Knowledge

Centre will build upon best practice in terms of subject knowledge and

Exchange Skills Scholarships (KESS) with Welsh Housing Associations,

pedagogical practice. It will play an important part in enhancing

focused on meeting ambitious Welsh Government zero carbon targets

understanding of sustainability issues, for students and participants

in the housing sector. They have also recently completed a major

from external bodies.

EPSRC-funded research project with Salford University on a similar theme. In addition to the KESS projects, the School has a number of enterprise activities with sustainable practice elements. For example the Product Design programme is currently engaged in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with EcoDesign Wales aimed at helping a local company employ sustainable approaches to design of batch and mass manufactured products. It is working with the charity Mothers of


www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/sustainability | REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Appendix 4 Strategic Goal

Progress during 2011/12

‘To increase employee engagement through encouraging participation in workplace health and well-being activities’.

A health and well-being Promotion Group comprising volunteers from Schools/Units met throughout 2012/13. There were over 450 instances of staff participation in health promotion activities organised throughout 2012/13. This figure includes a number of active travel related activities where staff were encouraged to improve their health through green exercise initiatives.

‘Encourage exercise through the promotion of active transport’.

Bike/walk to work weeks were held throughout 2012/13. More than 163 staff participated per event. The University also run a ‘Cycle Purchase Scheme’ during the year where 36 members of staff were able to purchase bicycles for travel to and from work through a salary sacrifice scheme.

‘To provide supportive mechanisms to enable staff to make informed health-oriented lifestyle choices’.

Access to on-site smoking cessation groups were provided, through a partnering arrangement with the Charity ASH Cymru. On-site confidential staff counselling was provided again during 2012/13 with sixty staff members attending sessions held on the Llandaff and Cyncoed campuses. The Eatwell Project continued to be developed during 2012/13. The project aims to make the healthier, more nutritious choice, the easier choice for staff and students. Access to dedicated health information from the university’s workplace health and well-being staff.

‘To raise awareness among staff of workplace health and well-being provision at Cardiff Met’.

An internal communications strategy has been developed by Communications and Marketing to promote health and well-being at Cardiff Met.

‘To develop the provision of health and well-being at Cardiff Met to a level which satisfies the Gold Level Award criteria for the Welsh Government’s Corporate Health Standard (CHS)’.

Cardiff Met was awarded the Gold Level of the Corporate Health Standard in December 2011.

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Appendix 5 Paper Supply and Usage

Document Printing

The University sources the majority of its paper from the Antalis

Moving toward a centralised print model for document production

McNaughton Paper Group, under the Higher Education Purchasing

involves the gradual removal of non-essential desktop office printers,

Consortium for Wales (HEPCW) agreement. The paper purchased

and the redirection of printing to centralised/shared multi-functional

through this contract derives from certified sustainable sources, and is

devices. This model offers a more economic and environmentally

produced in ISO14001 accredited mills. In March 2012, the University

friendly approach for this activity. The University monitors all print

changed the standard of paper it purchases, from an 80g to a 75g

activity.

product. The 75g paper is made from 32% less trees/wood, and has reduced production waste by approximately 6%.

The results show a continued improvement in the transfer of document production to central devices. What is heartening is that this is

The following table summarises paper purchased 'centrally' by the Print

happening in a voluntary way, with staff recognising the benefits to be

Studio over the last five academic years. The graph includes the annual

gained from this approach. This has been helped in part by an

reduction target to show performance against this measure. 2012/13

information campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of this model.

figures illustrate a steady reduction in the volume of paper used versus the previous year. The excellent early performance necessitated a

The four years of data for the print activity across the entire MFD fleet

review of the original target. This has now been increased, and is set to

along with the annual target are as follows:

achieve a 50% (5.5m sheet) reduction in overall paper purchased between 2008/09 and 2016/17.

Table 2: Total number of pages printed on MFD between 2009/10 – 2012/13

Table 2: Total volume of paper purchased by Cardiff Metropolitan University 2008 - 2013

The table shows a significant increase in print activity each year, with 2010/11 volume of paper purchased: 8,314,500 sheets 2012/13 volume of paper purchased: 7,179,389 sheets The following sections detail the strategies that assist meeting the paper-reduction target.

2012/13 achieving a 5% increase on the previous years result.


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Two thirds of the University’s print volume is generated by the academic Schools, therefore looking specifically at their respective performance provides a clear indication of the progress being made: CSM is maintaining excellent performance with approximately 648,000 prints in 2012/13. The other Schools continue to show an overall positive shift to centralized print:

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

CSM

351,787

631,516 (+79%)

626,932 (-1%)

648,771 (+3.5%)

CSAD

7500

7726 (+3%)

17,580 (+227%)

25373 (+44%)

CSHSS

181,047

256,229 (+41%)

320,486 (+25%)

365,460 (+14)

CSOE

83,992

109,177 (+29%)

126,420(+29%)

193,324 (+53%)

CSS

49,199

63,764 (+29%)

90,317 (+41%)

84,925 (-6%)

Double Sided Printing (Duplex Printing)3 Rules based routing Double sided printing can bring obvious reductions in paper usage,

The University’s Schools and Units are all currently reviewing

and is therefore an area of focus. Analysis of print activity for 2012/13

expenditure related to print, with the aim of reducing as much as

shows, at 19%, a slight decrease versus 2011/12, but still performing

possible. In support of this the University will be implementing ‘Rules

ahead of target.. The following table presents performance against

Based Routing’. This system is used to control the routing of print

target since 2010/11.

production to the most cost effective device (within the organisation). Essentially it is designed to move production from desktop printers to MFD’s to assist the University to remove its dependence upon desktop printers. It is intended to deploy the system in an advisory way initially, providing the opportunity to collect data on areas not taking the advice. Print Audit The new mfd contract includes the rquirement to undertake an organisational Print Audit. This audit will take place in the Spring of 2014 and will capture volumes, document types, user trends, colour content and use of double sided printing via the installation of software on to the network. There are two software options for the audit, the first is designed for print server only audits and the second has the

The new multi-function device contract, 2013/14, includes a

ability to capture all printing from locally attached desktop printers.

management system (UniFLOW). This management system provides a

An organisation ‘Print Audit’ will provide recommendations to advise

statistics module, making it far easier to collate information on printing,

on how the University may further reduce the cost (and environmental

copying and scanning. In addition, UniFLOW can assist in the work

impact) associated with document production.

toward financial and environmental savings, by providing reports on user activity, and how system interventions are assisting these savings,

3

e.g. through secure job deletion and rules based routing, or

copy activity.

environmentally through hardware and related Co2 emissions.

Note: The University currently has no means of similar analysis for


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Appendix 6 Walking

The Met Rider pass allows access to the largest student bus network

2013 has seen the start of the construction of permanent showers,

pass in Wales, permitting access to the entire Cardiff Bus fleet across

lockers and changing facilities in the new Cardiff School of Art and

all zones, which is essentially a 30 mile radius. Recent investment in

Design being purpose built for staff and students who walk or cycle to

technology has meant that the university has streamlined the

campus. Over the past year an increasing number of walking initiatives

application process to be capable of completing an application and

have taken place including a twice weekly lunchtime walk, free

issuing a pass within two minutes.

pedometers and complimentary breakfasts resulting in 29% of students and 8% of staff walking to campus.

Met Rider Sales 2003-2013

Cycling The University is considered a pioneering institution regarding cycling, having launched its BUG (Bike User Group) in 2004. The group has steadily grown to consist of over 300 members of staff (26% of all staff) who through engagement have become a key factor in influencing the universities substantial investment in cycling facilities. Continued promotion of cycling and its health benefits has resulted in over a thousand students and staff annually accessing the all weather bicycle storage facilities spread across the four campuses. Recent initiatives have included cycle to work purchase windows, Dr Bike maintenance sessions and the expansion of the Llandaff campus cycle path.

Cardiff Met cyclist per week statistics 2008-2013

Car Share The University’s Car Share Group has existed since 2006 and annually results in a reduction in car mileage by members of circa 120,000 miles, which equates to 46 tonnes of CO2. Membership has been encouraged over the past year through ‘Car Share Coffee Mornings’ and direct emails to members who had not joined a group. The forthcoming year will see a focus on increasing car sharers ahead of the transfer of Howard Gardens to the Llandaff Campus in September 2014.

Business Travel A continued reduction in staff car mileage and the increasing utilisation

Met Rider (Formerly UWIC Rider)

of the pool cars and staff sharing transport has seen a 56% increase in pool car usage since 2010. Staff now have the option of being able to walk or cycle to work and use the pool cars to travel off campus during the working day.

The bespoke Met Rider bus service has witnessed continuous growth, with a 35% increase in sales in the past 5 years resulting in circa 2,200 Rider passes being purchased by students and staff in the 2012/13 academic year.



Sustainable Thinking Meddwl Cynaliadwy Cardi Metropolitan University Prifysgol Fetropolitan Caerdydd


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