University of Gloucestershire

The University of Gloucestershire embraces sustainability as a concept concerned with shifting mindsets as well as changing unsustainable practice. Sustainability is embedded into the strategic heart of our institution and it underpins all of our management, operational and curriculum developments. Over 10,000 students are based at the University’s three attractive campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, studying a range of humanities, education, science, media, sport, health and business courses.

Our commitment to sustainability has led us to be acknowledged as a sector leader. We were ranked No. 2 in the 2010 People & Planet Green League, the only university to have sustained its top five position since the league began. The University was also awarded a Green Gown Award for Continuous Improvement in 2010 in recognition of the Sustainability Team’s work on facilitating change in teaching and learning for sustainability. We also gained a number one ranking and an ‘outstanding’ score of 91.6% in the ‘Teaching, Learning & Research for Sustainability’ components of the Universities That Count index which measures universities’ contribution and performance in the areas of environmental and social responsibility.

Promising Futures 2009-2015: A Sustainability Strategy for the University of Gloucestershire

Sustainability is at the heart of the University’s strategic priorities, with key strategies in place to guide and shape this agenda. The University of Gloucestershire’s Sustainability Strategy, Promising Futures 2009-2015, sets out a vision for sustainability which is strongly aligned with core areas of university activity.

The Strategy commits the University to a process of continuous improvement which extends activities across the campuses and facilities. Its ultimate goal is to contribute through its educational, research, outreach and operational activities to a more promising future for all. Please follow this link for more details: 
www.glos.ac.uk/vision/sustainability/strategy/Documents/susstrat.pdf

Sustainability is now embedded in all key policy documents, the University has a sustainability accountability system in place and procurement decisions are influenced by this agenda. Sustainability is formally embedded in course validation and students can gain work experience in this field. There are high profile opportunities for academic debate in sustainability, with a Postgraduate Research network in Sustainability. A public engagement programme in sustainability is developing and a United Nations University Regional Centre of expertise in Sustainability Education has been established.

Carbon Matters 2010-2020: A Carbon Strategy for the University of Gloucestershire

The University of Gloucestershire’s Carbon Strategy seeks to manage and reduce carbon emissions, whilst delivering university targets. This is achieved through embedding cost-effective carbon efficient good practices into the University’s strategic decisions and operations.

Working with the Carbon Trust’s HE Carbon Management Programme we have developed a Carbon Management Plan and have set a stretch target of a 40% carbon reduction by 2020 relative to a 2005 baseline for heat, electricity and on-site vehicles on our campuses. We have undertaken a Campus Visibility Project using stickers and posters to advise staff and students how they can save energy, water and waste, and have installed voltage optimisation equipment at our three main campuses.

The University’s Sustainable Development Committee will be responsible for delivering the carbon reduction measures identified in the University’s Carbon Management Plan, which also include promoting carbon issues through teaching and research and through partnerships with stakeholders, facilitated by the UNU RCE. For more details, please see www.glos.ac.uk/sustainability

UNU RCE Severn

The University of Gloucestershire hosts RCE Severn, which is one of over 70 regional centres of expertise from around the world that have been endorsed by the United Nations University. RCE Severn has been created to provide a platform for partners from across the West Midlands and South West to work together to develop and implement innovative projects and programmes in sustainability education and practice. Over 90 organisations from across the Severn area are involved in the RCE partnership. Stakeholders from the voluntary, public, education and business sectors share learning opportunities and collaborate on joint projects to raise awareness of sustainability issues in ways which build the capacity, skills and knowledge to bring about long-term change.

Key initiatives have included a Student Engagement Forum in November 2009, an Entrepreneurship for Sustainability Masterclass in June 2010 and a Sustainable Transport Forum planned for November this year. These events have involved international speakers and collaborations with other RCEs within the UK, as well as a range of partners from the RCE Severn network. RCE Severn works closely with the international RCE community to explore and develop opportunities for collaboration.

Main Contact Name: Professor Daniella Tilbury, Director of Sustainability
Main Contact Email & Telephone: dtilbury@glos.ac.uk and 01242 715378
Further information/website: www.glos.ac.uk/sustainability
Share with us: www.twitter.com/uniofglos www.facebook.com/uniofglos