People & Planet (compiled by student campaigning organisation People & Planet, the University League) is an independent ranking of UK universities on their environmental and ethical performance.
Here at London Metropolitan University we are working on the following sections:
- Environmental Sustainability – Policy and Strategy
- Human resources for sustainability
- Auditing and management systems
- Ethical Investment Policy
- Carbon management
- Workers’ rights
- Sustainable food
- Staff and student engagement
- Education for sustainable development
- Energy sources
- Waste and recycling
- Carbon reduction
- Water reduction
- Sustainability is included within the portfolio of responsibilities of one member of the University's senior management team.
- All staff working in dedicated sustainability roles are listed on the University's sustainability page.
- All new staff are provided with HR Induction to Sustainability as well as additional Sustainability section is included in Handbook for teaching, research and professorial staff and Section 8 on Sustainability can be viewed here - Section 8 in Handbook for teaching, research and professorial staff . These both documents are available for all staff in Staff Zone.
- We are committed to increasing our sustainability resources. We support summer internship/volunteering opportunities for students to engage with sustainability.
- In order to improve the University's environmental performance, staff are encouraged to get involved in our Green Impact staff engagement scheme.
1. Waste management
We have increased our recycling rates by introducing new bins and performing a variety of waste audits around campus. In 2017, BPR Group audited our general waste and mixed recycling from the dual bins at Moorgate and Calcutta House and in 2018 they audited our Holloway Road campus.
For the full audit, findings and suggestions, please see the documents below:
- Waste Audit Evaluation - Calcutta House
- Waste Audit Evaluation - Moorgate
- Waste Audit Evaluation - Holloway Road
Any further recycling issues will be highlighted in upcoming waste reports when we perform audits on our other buildings.
2. Travel and transport
Our latest travel survey was completed May 2018. We undertook a travel survey from March 2018 to the end of April 2018. For more details, please take a look at our survey findings:
3. Sustainable procurement
We implemented a Sustainable Procurement Policy in 2016, which was reported on in July 2017.
Sections 9, 10 and 11 of the Procurement Policy Revision 2016 relates to sustainable procurement.
4. Energy
We have undertaken an energy audit as a part of our Carbon management plan.
5. Water
Our most recent Water Efficiency Audit Report
was completed by Thames Water in 2014.
6. Construction and refurbishment
London Metropolitan University undertakes Ska assessments during refurbishment works with a target level of silver set: Ska Rating Assessment Example
For larger scale refurbishments and new-build projects, BREEAM is used. See a recent Sustainable Design and Construction Statement (which is an assessment of the current building and the improvements that will be made during construction).
Sustainable Construction and Refurbishment Policy
7. Emissions and discharges
London Metropolitan University undertakes TM44 audits to inspect air conditioning systems to ensure that emissions are minimised, and refrigerant top ups are reported on through the Carbon Management Plan. See our Air Conditioning Inspection Certificate .
In both 2014 and 2016 we used a biodiversity index tool to audit our biodiversity at our Holloway campus. This tool provides an overview of our biodiversity and species. Please see the reports below for further information:
Read our Biodiversity Policy
- The University's Carbon management plan sets out how we were going to achieve a 50% reduction on our carbon emissions from a 2009 baseline by 2020. We have reduced our carbon footprint by 66% during 2016/17 from a 2009 baseline figure, and meeting our 2020 target four years early. We are currently setting new targets to achieve.
- The University does not calculate any carbon emissions that are attributed from residential accommodation, as the University does not have any in-house or externally provided student accommodation.
- Scope 3 carbon emissions will be included in our new Carbon management plan.
Our Sustainable Food Policy sets out the University's intention to minimise the impact of its catering operations on the environment and to promote sustainable practices.
London Metropolitan University commits to increasing staff and student engagement in sustainability issues by offering opportunities for active participation, as shown below.
The University does not have any in-house or externally provided student accommodation, so all the events are focused on our campuses.
Spotlight months
To focus our events, each month we will be running events based on a specific environmental theme. For example, December is Energy Month. This consistency throughout the activities and events will make it easier for students and staff to know what we're promoting and what message we're sending.
Minimum events per month
We commit to presenting at least three events per month.
All our current events are listed on our main sustainability website.
Minimum participation numbers for each event based on previous experience
We will keep a record of how many participants attend each event so we can set targets for improvement.
Green Week
Every year we run a Green Week to promote sustainability at the University and in the wider community.
We commit to increasing our Green Week offer and to promoting inclusive opportunities for engagement.
Staff induction
A description of what the University is doing in terms of sustainability and how new members of staff can get involved is available on the HR Induction to Sustainability slides.
Minimum amount of Green Impact staff teams
We commit to taking part in the annual NUS Green Impact Scheme for staff.
We aim to recruit at least 10 Green Impact teams.
See: Green Impact Communications Strategy
Minimum amount of Student Auditors
We will campaign to increase the number of Student Auditors taking part in the Green Impact scheme for staff. We will aim to recruit at least 10 students next academic year.
Sustainability events feedback form
We have designed a questionnaire about our events and we hope that we can improve them based on student and staff feedback.
See: Sustainability events feedback form
Working with the Students' Union
- We will support the Students' Union Green Impact whenever possible.
- We will support and promote sustainability-related societies.
- We will encourage and support the development and implementation of student-led sustainability projects.
- Read the latest news story on green recognition from our Student Union.
Working with Trade Unions
We will invite the Trade Unions to set up their own Green Impact team.
Competitions for every spotlight month
We will engage students and staff through sustainability-related competitions, quizzes and questionnaires. They will learn more about sustainability initiatives and receive prizes for engaging in sustainability activities.
Volunteering, training opportunities and work experience
We will promote green volunteering opportunities to students and staff in our monthly newsletter and we commit to generating opportunities inside the University context.
As mentioned above, this year we are aiming to recruit and train 10 students to take part in the Green Impact scheme.
We also offer a part-time paid internship as a Sustainability Intern over a three month period in summer.
Research recognition, support and/or prizes
We commit to supporting and recognising sustainability research and projects carried out by students and/or staff.
We provide a three-week dietetics placement for student research or a project at the beginning of each academic year.
Monthly newsletter
We send a newsletter to students and staff to inform them about latest sustainability news at the University.
Sign up to our sustainability newsletters.
Campaign engagement
We will engage students through a joint campaign with the Students' Union, which seeks to:
- implement education for sustainable development in the academic curriculum
- raise awareness about us being a Fairtrade University
- raise awareness of environmental issues within the University and wider contexts
Green projects created from the sustainability buget
- Green Week
- Green Impact