Environmental Sustainability
Statement and Performance Plan
2013–2017
Document title
Environmental Sustainability Statement and Performance Plan
2013–2017
Document author and department
Ian McCormack,
Energy and Environmental Manager,
Estates
Approving body
Review date
26 November 2012, Min 12/235
Edition no.
February 2016
ID code
2125
EITHEROR
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Emma Woollard,
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Vice-Chancellor’s Executive
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Secretary: telephone +44 (0)23 9284 3195 or email [email protected]
If you need this document in an alternative format,
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The latest version of this document is always to be found at:
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Contents
Page no.
SECTION 1: Position Statement
University of Portsmouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Environmental management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Drivers and priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Environmental review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Significant environmental aspects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Policy, plans and practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SECTION 2: Environmental performance
Reporting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Carbon emissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Energy management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Recycling and waste management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Water management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Sustainable construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Emissions, discharges and abstraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Sustainable travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Sustainable procurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Sustainable food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013–2017
3
SECTION 1: Position Statement
University of Portsmouth
The University Strategy has a strategic commitment to develop a first class estate, facilities and services within an operating environment
which addresses environmental sustainability. We recognise that our wide range of activities has both positive and negative impacts upon
the environment and that controls need to be in place. Control is established through our Environmental Policy and our environmental
management system which is externally audited. The purpose of this Statement and Performance Plan is to demonstrate we understand
our corporate environmental responsibilities which are primarily to comply with legislation, our Policy and to engage staff and students in
supporting our quest for continual environmental improvement.
The University is no different in many respects to commercial organisations in that it must provide and present an attractive proposition
to its customers. Hence the landscape of the University estate is ever changing to meet demand and expectations but our significant
environmental impacts remain much the same. Providing building-based teaching facilities and student accommodation creates demands
on energy use and generates waste, and these are our most significant environment impacts. To put this into perspective, on an annual
basis we currently use 22,000 megawatts of electricity, 18,000 megawatts of gas and generate 1,000 tonnes of waste. Our measured
carbon emissions are now 16,000 tonnes annually.
Compared to others our University is medium in size. We provide a higher education to approximately 22,000 students and employ
approximately 2,300 academic and support staff to teach, facilitate, manage buildings and provide halls of residence. The size of the estate
needed to provide this service totals 132,600m2 including all the support services plus 138,200m2 for halls of residence. There is a further
36,700m2 of outsourced halls of residence.
Environmental management
Management of our environmental impacts has progressed considerably with the completion of the University’s first Environmental and
Sustainable Development Plan (2009–2012). The Plan established an Environmental Policy and a set of environmental actions and targets
to bring the University up to standard with the ability to understand and manage its significant environment impacts.
The culmination of this effort was certification to the international standard for environmental management systems ISO 14001. This means
the University has a functional environmental management system certified by external auditors (SGS) which is audited every six months.
Audits include inspections of buildings, our continued ability to monitor and control our significant environmental impacts, our continual
improvement and most important our compliance with environmental legislation. The system is managed by the Environment Team in the
Estates Department.
The Team’s work is also formally recognised by the ‘Green League’ tables published by People & Planet (HE sector environment
performance benchmark). Since the league’s inception in 2007, the University has achieved a first class ranking three times, most recent in
2012, the second year in a row (www.peopleandplanet.org/greenleague).
These achievements became possible due to improvements in data capture, through remote monitoring of our electricity, gas and water
consumption, and monthly weight data from our major waste streams. We have also worked in partnership to improve our performance,
creating strong links with:
• The Carbon Trust in producing our Carbon Management Plan
• The South Coast Affiliation Group – a joint recycling and waste management contract with the aim of achieving a high quality service,
better value for money, increasing recycling rates and improving the quality of waste data (includes the Universities of Bournemouth,
Southampton, Southampton Solent and Winchester)
• The Gas Purchasing Consortium – a joint gas purchasing contract with the aim of achieving better value for money through shared
experience (includes the Universities of Bournemouth, Sussex and Brighton)
• The Hampshire-wide Public Sector Sustainable Development Group – a network of public services working together to share
environmental performance experience
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013`–2017
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
Drivers and priorities
Core to this Plan are drivers to maintain our legal compliance and our priorities which focus on reducing our significant environmental
impacts and performance improvement.
Drivers (legislation and standards)
• Maintain compliance with legislation
• Waste duty of care, carriers licensing and hazardous waste site registration
• Hazardous waste disposal (chemical, clinical, healthcare and electronic and electrical equipment)
• Site waste management plans
• Discharge and abstraction consents
• CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and building energy certification
• Air conditioning leakage inspections and replacement of coolants
• Building regulations
• Control of pollution and nuisance (dust, smoke, litter and noise)
• Tree preservation order and protection of wildlife
• Maintain the ISO 14001 standard
• Maintain the Green League first class ranking
Priorities (policy, improvement and targets)
• Maintain the Environmental Policy framework
• Promote the ‘low-carbon’ vision
• Standardise building specifications for energy efficiency
• Manage the network of Green Champions and the Green Impact Programme
• Manage the Salix/HEFCE energy efficiency fund
• Manage and improve environmental data quality
• HESA returns and CRC reporting
• Improve data quality and feedback to staff and students
• Improve performance (recycling rate, energy use, water use)
• Reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2016
Environmental review
The process of obtaining ISO 14001 identified those aspects of our activities which interact with the environment. They are fully
documented in an ‘Aspects and Impacts’ register within our environmental management system, and cover the following aspect
categories:
• Emissions to air
• Releases to water
• Releases to land
• Use of materials and resources
• Use of energy
• Waste and by-products
• Nuisance (noise, dust, smoke, odours, light, vibration)
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013–2017
5
Example of ‘emissions to air’ aspect category with associated activities, environmental aspects and impacts and
significance rating
Aspect category – Emissions to air
Activities
Environmental
aspect
Environmental
impact
Control (1–5) x Severity
(1–5)
Rating
X significant
aspect (15
and above
rating)
(5 = limited control,
5 = severe impact)
Use of fleet vehicles
Emissions from the
combustion of fossil
fuels
Air pollution
4
4
16
X
Air conditioning
buildings
Release of F-gas
refrigerant
Air pollution, climate
change
5
4
20
X
Cleaning and
maintenance
Emissions of volatile
organic compounds
(VOCs) and other
chemicals
Air pollution
2
2
4
0
Environmental aspect: Element of an organisation’s activities, products or services that can interact with the environment.
Environmental impact: Any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from the organisation’s
activities, products or services.
Significant environmental aspects
The ‘aspects and impacts’ register also includes an evaluation of environmental risk against every environmental aspect. In summary, the
University regards that it undertakes 20 activities with environmental aspects that need to be closely managed and monitored to either
prevent a significant environmental impact incident or reduce a current impact (an aspect associated with a legal requirement or University
policy is automatically considered significant until controls are in place).
The purpose of the environmental management system is to identify which of our activities have a significant impact on the environment
and control these through a combination of training in specific procedures or generic codes of practice, corporate plans and policy.
Legislation
The environmental management system contains a register of environmental legislation and other requirements which apply to the
University and describes the implications, if any. This is a key document as it generates the majority of our potentially significant
environmental impacts, states responsibility and the controls in place. There are, in fact, 59 pieces of legislation that could affect the
University, after assessment 38 have implications which require managing, and there are a further five internal policies which require
managing if we are to comply with our own Environmental Policy.
A sample of the legislation the University must comply with can be categorised by aspect:
Aspect category – Emissions to air
• Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2009 – regular F-gas refrigerant leak checks in air conditioning systems and chillers
• The Environmental Protection (Controls on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer) Regulations 2002 – phasing out of R22 refrigerant
• Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations 2009 – recorded maintenance by qualified personnel for leaks in air conditioning systems and
chillers
Aspect category – Waste and by-products
• Environmental Protection Act Part II – requirement for waste carriers to be licenced and use permitted sites
• Environmental Protection (Duty of Care Regulations) 1991 – retention of waste transfer notes for two years and hazardous transfer note
for three years
• Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 (amended 2009) – registration of University locations storing hazardous waste
• Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Regulations 2006 (amended 2009) – disposal of domestic appliances and IT equipment to
hazardous permitted site
• Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 – disposal of batteries to hazardous permitted site
• Site Waste Management Plans Regulations 2008 – all construction projects over £300,000 to produce a plan for waste management
and reuse/recycling
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013`–2017
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
Category – Use of energy
• Climate Change Act 2008 – UK carbon emission reduction target supported by the education sector via HEFCE
• CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme – annual purchase of carbon allowances in tCO2 to cover carbon emissions
• Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007 – energy efficiency inspections of air conditioning systems
• Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007 – display energy certificates in public buildings visited by the public
• Building Regulations 2010 Part L – energy efficiency requirements for new buildings
Responsibilities
Responsibility for environment lies with the Environment Team in Estates Department. The Team reports to the Carbon and Environmental
Programme Board which monitors and advises on improvement with all aspects of environmental management. The Board is responsible
for receiving the annual ‘environment review’ of the entire environmental management system. The Vice-Chancellor’s Executive approves
new University-wide schemes, updates to policy and practice and corporate plans and at any time the Estates and IT Committee can
request a report or be accessed for advice.
Working with the Environment Team are approximately 50 Green Champions throughout the University who support the implementation of
environmental practices and act as a first point of contact for staff.
Policy, plans and practice
The University Strategy has a strategic commitment for a first class estate, facilities and services within an operating environment which
addresses environmental sustainability. The University Estates Strategy references the corporate plans and codes of practice within our
Environmental Policy framework.
The reference point for our approach to environmental sustainability is our Environmental Policy. Our corporate plans provide more detail
when necessary and our themed codes of practice provide specific policy and practice guidance to staff, students, contractors, suppliers
and visitors. The Environmental Policy framework is managed by our environmental management system.
Environmental Policy framework
Policy
Environmental Policy
Corporate Plans
Environmental Sustainability Statement
and Performance Plan
Carbon
Management Plan
Sustainable
Travel Plan
Procurement Flexible
Framework
Biodiversity
Action Plan
Codes of Practice
Energy and Carbon
Reduction
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
Sustainable
Travel
Recycling and Waste
Management
Sustainable
Procurement
Sustainable
Construction
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013–2017
7
Communication
This Plan sees a move away from traditional environmental communications which tended to rely on weekly staff emails, a quarterly staff
magazine and webpages. With the introduction of carbon management planning and the ‘Green Impact’ campaign run by the National
Union of Students, the University now has approximately 50 staff Green Champions and associated teams checking the environmental
performance in buildings. Halls of residence have also invested in the NUS campaigns ‘Student Switch Off’ and ‘Recycle’ which exclusively
use social media to promote environmental messages and behaviour change amongst students.
Communications media currently being developed are improvements to the environmental webpages and Twitter and Facebook
communication. In addition, we need appropriate media to communicate with new staff, and existing staff to provide regular feedback
about the environmental performance of their building.
Our Environmental Policy framework includes codes of practice which need to be effectively communicated to all our staff, students,
visitors, contractors and suppliers. Our overall environmental performance is published at a national level in the annual HESA statistics and
in the Green League tables published by People & Planet.
SECTION 2: Environmental performance
Reporting
This section of the Plan will be updated on an annual basis to coincide with the Carbon and Environmental Programme Board annual
ISO 14001 ‘environmental review’ and generation of the annual HESA statistics. Reporting will follow data definitions provided by HESA
and data will be normalised to try and present meaningful results which reflect outside influences should performance go against us.
Performance is based on the academic year which is 1 August to 31 July.
New data can be incorporated, such as carbon emissions from travel and procurement activities should these become a requirement.
We will also report on any changes to legislation that effect us, summary observations by our ISO 14001 auditors and environmental
sustainability improvements to the estate.
Carbon emissions
Our Carbon Management Plan endorsed by the Carbon Trust in 2011 established a vision for the University, ‘Portsmouth – a low-carbon
university’. The Higher Education Council for England (HEFCE) encouraged all universities to publish a plan, part of the HE sector drive to
lead carbon emission reductions in the public sector using the HEFCE grant process as the incentive. HEFCE established 2005/6 as the
sector baseline academic year considered when reliable data was generally available. The University’s Plan uses data from 2009/10 as its
baseline year and HEFCE track progress on using the HESA statistics.
Current performance
Carbon emissions per year
Carbon (tonnes CO2e)
18,000
16,905
17,181
16,461
15,987
3,875
4,000
3,538
3,389
16,000
14,000
mFuel
mWaste
12,000
mWater
10,000
mGas
8,000
6,000
mElectricity
12,683
12,780
12,604
12,274
2008–2009
2009–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012
Total
4,000
2,000
0
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013`–2017
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
Headline objective
• To reduce carbon emissions from electricity and gas consumption, fleet vehicle fuel use, water consumption and recycling and waste
volumes.
What’s our target
• The University of Portsmouth will reduce the carbon emissions from its activities by 30% from a 2009/10 baseline by August 2016.
Energy management
The University is investing in energy efficiency and has access to the HEFCE and Salix Finance Revolving Green Fund. As a
result of the University’s strategic commitment for a first class estate, facilities and services opportunity has been taken to introduce energy
efficient lighting systems in lecture theatres and teaching spaces over the summer of 2012. This programme will continue in 2013.
Current performance
Electricity consumption per year and per m2
Electricity consumption (kWh)
25,000,000
23,203,635
23,380,443
23,059,463
Electricity (kWh per m2)
120
22,505,718
20,000,000
100
15,000,000
80
10,000,000
60
5,000,000
40
112
113
111
108
2008–2009
2009–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012
20
0
2008–2009
2009–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012
0
Gas consumption per year and per m2
Gas consumption (kWh)
25,000,000
20,922,151
20,000,000
21,595,380
Gas (kWh per m2)
120
19,104,877
18,297,107
100
15,000,000
80
10,000,000
60
5,000,000
40
104
101
92
88
2010–2011
2011–2012
20
0
2008–2009
2009–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012
0
2008–2009
2009–2010
Gas consumption normalised using ‘degree day’ data to account for colder/warmer weather
Gas consumption (kWh) – normalised
25,000,000
20,922,151
20,000,000
21,595,380
19,104,877
Normalised data
18,297,107
15,000,000
mActual
10,000,000
mNormalised
5,000,000
0
2008–2009
2009–2010
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
2010–2011
2011–2012
Gas consumption data is normalised using degree day
data to show that in colder winters it is normal for gas
consumption to increase to provide heat in buildings.
Degree days are the number of days and degrees below
15.5°C per year. Each year, gas consumption and the
degree days (energy efficiency ratio) is applied to a
constant (historical degree day average) to indicate the
relationship between weather and gas consumption.
2011–12 was an interesting year – consumption went
down but not enough compared to fewer degree days in
that year. This initially indicates that gas consumption was
less efficient and needs to be investigated.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013–2017
9
Headline objectives
• To generate building energy certificates (DEC) on an annual basis in line with legislation
• To improve the analysis of energy consumption and target high users
• Support the process of energy tenders with accurate consumption data and metering service
• Improve the accuracy and frequency of the energy billing process by providing automatic meter readings to our gas supplier and
electricity supplier (non half hourly meter readings)
What’s our target
• Generate 32 building energy certificates annually (this could increase subject to legislation enforcement in January 2013 and July 2015)
• Achieve certification University wide to the new ISO 50001 energy management standard by 2015
• To reduce energy consumption in line with the 30% carbon emission reduction target
Recycling and waste management
The University generates a wide range of waste and it is our responsibility to manage and dispose of this waste according to duty of care
regulations and following the waste hierarchy. Since the joint contract with south coast universities began in 2009, we have created a
recycling compound and introduced battery and electrical/electronic waste recycling, wood and pallet recycling, plus a one bin solution
for general recyclables (glass, paper, cardboard, plastic and cans) in academic buildings and halls of residence. Food waste recycling
in catering outlets is also a new introduction and is generating on average 5 tonnes of food waste a month which goes for composting.
Overall, general refuse volumes have been decreasing probably due to tighter control of our waste facilities. In 2011–12 this downward
trend changed due to building relocations creating large volumes of office waste than normal. A significant increase in recycling is expected
for 2013–14 with the planned roll-out of a new comprehensive approach to recycling in academic buildings.
Current performance
Waste generated per year and recycling rate (excluding construction waste)
Waste (tonnes)
1,4000
1,200
1,000
1,219
368.5
800
600
850.7
1,122
389.6
Recycling rate (%)
957
30%
358.4
mRecycling
mRefuse
598.3
200
40%
413.4
732.7
400
50%
1,065
30%
35%
37%
39%
2009–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012
20%
10%
651.6
0
2008–2009
0
2008–2009
2009–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012
Headline objectives
• Our overall objective is zero waste to landfill
• Introduction of food recycling in offices, recycling bin provision in all teaching spaces and the removal of desk side general waste bins in
offices
• Establishing contracts and service level agreements for all waste streams
• The collection of accurate waste data for all waste streams (that are practical)
What’s our target
• To recycle 50% of our waste by 2013–14, 60% by 2014–15, 70% by 2015–16 (excludes construction waste due to the fluctuating
nature of construction projects)
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013`–2017
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
Water management
Water consumption had reduced to 166,000 litres during a partnership with a specialist consultancy analysing our consumption for leaks
and responsible for installing simple water efficiency measures. However, consumption is now higher than when we started due to a water
flushing regime to control any growth in legionella bacteria. The regime is being reviewed to determine current levels of risk and conduct a
sense check.
Water consumption is effectively paid for twice. Charges are made for consumption and charges are made for discharge to highways and
sewer (treatment). Reducing consumption is cost effective. A recent trial of a new low water use shower head has recently proved cost
effective and as a result all shower heads in our residential buildings were changed in March 2012.
Current performance
Water consumption per year and per m2
Water (m3)
200,000
150,000
166,190
173,016
Water (m3 per m2)
188,910
181,964
1.00
0.80
100,000
0.60
50,000
0.40
0
0.80
0.83
2008–2009
2009–2010
0.91
0.87
2010–2011
2011–2012
0.20
2008–2009
2009–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012
0.00
Headline objectives
• To introduce monthly billing (subject to Portsmouth Water agreement and cost)
• To increase the frequency of water meter readings from quarterly to monthly to support the detection of water leaks
• To reduce water consumption to the lowest point 166,190m3 measured in 2008–09, subject to health and safety risk assessment
What’s our target
• To reduce water consumption to 166,000m3 by 2017/0.80 m3 per m2 (subject to health and safety risk assessment)
Sustainable construction
Current performance
BREEAM assessors are appointed to all new construction projects and in general a ‘very good’ rating is achieved.
Headline objective
• To extend BREEAM assessments to major refurbishment projects where practical
• To develop specifications for energy efficiency, water and waste management
What’s our target
• New construction to achieve a ‘very good’ rating
Emissions, discharges and abstraction
Through the course of its teaching, the University discharges to drains and has emissions to air. These are controlled through procedures
and parameters of consent.
Current performance
The University has sea water abstraction permission from the Environment Agency for its marine sciences research which is monitored
and reported. A University wide audit was undertaken in 2012 with the help of South West Water and established that the University did
not require any discharge consents at that time. Similarly, an in-house check of emissions to air from science-based activity would be a
worthwhile exercise.
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013–2017
11
Headline objective
• To investigate monitoring of emissions to air from science-based teaching
• To stay within water abstraction permission limits granted by the Environment Agency
What’s our target
• To control levels of discharges to drains and emissions to air to remain within consent requirements
Sustainable travel
The University’s Sustainable Travel Plan (see www.port.ac.uk/departments/services/greenportsmouth/
policycorporateplansandcodesofpractice/filetodownload,130592,en.pdf) recognises that the University’s success contributes to
traffic in the city. This has an impact on local air quality and adds to carbon emissions. The aim of the Plan is to reduce the environmental
impact of travel and contribute to quality of life improvements in the city by promoting sustainable travel choices, i.e. walking, cycling, public
transport and car sharing.
In 2012, Portsmouth City Council received three years of government funding (Local Sustainable Transport Fund) to connect Southsea,
the city centre and the Hard area through sustainable transport means. The University wishes to take full advantage of the support it has
shown.
Current performance
Staff commuting data comes from the biannual staff satisfaction surveys last conducted in 2011. For questions in 2011, staff selected
multiple commuting modes which accounts for travel modes selected being above 100%. This response might be the result of increased
fuel costs and might indicate that staff are more prepared to leave their car at home in the summer and good weather.
Staff commuting in 2011
60%
50%
48%
40%
29%
30%
22%
20%
17%
8%
10%
2%
0%
Car solo
Car
share
Public Bicycle
transport
Foot
Motorbike
The availability of city centre student accommodation, restrictions on University car parking permits, and City Council controls over local
parking zones have resulted in the vast majority of students walking/cycling or accessing the University by public transport. The 2009
survey results provided by student research indicated that a small proportion of students are using cars to commute.
Student travel mode 2009
Student travel to lectures
80%
74%
60%
40%
20%
10%
8%
8%
Train
Bus
Car
0%
Walk/cycle
Headline objectives
• Reduce travel carbon emissions (not currently measured)
• Support air quality improvements
• Support local travel partnerships
• Raise the profile of travel information
• Incentivise walking, cycling and public transport
• Reduce car parking pressure and infrastructure costs
12
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013`–2017
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
What’s our target
• To reduce commuter solo car use by 5% by 2017
Biodiversity
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust were commissioned to undertake a biodiversity assessment of our grounds in 2011. This work
assessed the current ecological status of the estate and made recommendations on how to maintain and improve the biodiversity of the
grounds in a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).
Current performance
The BAP has identified key actions to enhance and improve the biodiversity interest of the estate and will provide a working document from
which progress can be monitored. Actions in the BAP have been integrated within the grounds maintenance contract.
Headline objective
• To maintain and improve the biodiversity value of the University estate
What’s our target
• To conduct a biodiversity survey on an annual basis
• To implement the actions in the Biodiversity Action Plan
Sustainable procurement
Current performance
The University has completed the majority of the improvement stages of the government’s guidance ‘Sustainable Procurement-Flexible
Framework’ which in the main is about organisational change to improve sustainable procurement activity.
Headline objectives
• To use the assessment methodology developed in-house to grade supplier environmental performance and use this to guide and track
improvement
• To generate reliable carbon emission data associated within procurement activity should this be required to be reported
• To produce a sustainable procurement code of practice to support implementation of the Flexible Framework
What’s our target
• To complete all Flexible Framework stages (1–5)
Sustainable food
Current performance
The University published its first Sustainable Food Policy in 2011 and Fairtrade status has been achieved year on year since 2005.
Headline objectives
• To reduce our food miles
• To provide food which is environmentally and socially responsible
What’s our target
• To achieve the Food for Life standard certified by the Soil Association by 2014
UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT AND PERFORMANCE PLAN 2013–2017
13
niversity of Portsmouth
U
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United Kingdom
MD8534 1013
T: +44 (0)23 9284 3195
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E:[email protected]
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