SUSTAINABILITY AT KENT SUCCESSES 2017-2018 Report/1718... · use the free Refill app to find...

The UK’s European university

SUSTAINABILITY AT KENTSUCCESSES 2017-2018

2 Sustainability at Kent 2017-2018

“Being Environment Officer in such a large university is not onlychallenging but exciting. The key to success in changing our habits,moving forward and respecting the planet we live on is to work alltogether towards this same goal – co-operation with Kent Union, withUniversity of Kent staff, with the local community and students iswhat drives me, and, most of all, what has driven change.

Constant reminders to use a reusable cup instead of disposable ones inthe library have resulted in more students using them – and less wastecreated. Mutual aid to set up organic vegetables stalls and theimplementation of a pick-up scheme have resulted in more studentsordering them and eating their organic greens each week. All my actionshave the same goal: preserve the environment we live in at first, andmake it even better and healthier on top of that. We are lucky to be in avibrant university, full of young people wanting to make a change withcommitment and enthusiasm. Let’s make the most out of it and create a more sustainable University for all our futures’ sake.”

Tifanny Oudin-DuboisKent Union Environment Officer

3www.kent.ac.uk/estates www.kent.ac.uk/safety

The University of Kent, as the UK’s Europeanuniversity, prides itself on a commitment topromoting and achieving sustainability bothlocally and globally.

Our third annual sustainability report highlights the University’scommitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable DevelopmentGoals (SDGs). In March 2018, the Vice-Chancellor signed theEnvironmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC)SDG Education Accord, which commits the University toembedding sustainability across its operations, teaching,research and leadership.

This report sets out how we have started this process ofembedding the goals in everything that we do as an institutionand the successes achieved so far. It also showcases the valueof our collaborations that are vital to delivering and supportingsustainability across the county.

The achievements within are the result of efforts acrossprofessional services, academic schools and the student bodyand we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone whohas contributed to the sustainability movement at the University.

FORWORD

Peter CzarnomskiDirector of Estates

Bernard AngusDirector of Safety, Healthand Environment Unit

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 all

How the SDGs are applied acrossall University activity


SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTGOALS EDUCATION ACCORD

In March 2018 the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, ProfessorKaren Cox, signed the SustainableDevelopment Goals Education Accord onbehalf of the University. The accord setsout the role universities and colleges canplay in the delivery of the 17 SustainableDevelopment Goals which were createdby 193 global leaders and agreed at theSustainable Development Summit, NewYork in September 2015.

This will see the University working to deliver on goalsincluding ending poverty, promoting gender equality,creating sustainable cities and communities, minimisingits impact on the environment and offering inclusiveand equitable education opportunities for all.

Specifically, the SDG Accord pledges that the Universitywill work to embed the goals throughout its teaching,research, administrations, leadership, engagement andoperations. Work began in 2017/18 on establishing whatactivity is already taking place across the University andmapping it against the goals. It is hoped that this willinform further activity going forward.

Work towards the SDG goals will initially be deliveredthrough the FutureProof programme in Estates.

Sustainability at Kent 2017-20186

www.kent.ac.uk/global#GlobalCitizens

“Universities play an important role in developingglobal citizens. They present opportunities forpeople from different countries to interact andexperience different cultures and beliefs.”Kathryn Willet

Commissioned by Corporate Communications

GLOBALCITIZENSHIP


ACTIVITY ACROSSTHE UNIVERSITY

Below are some brief examples from across the University of how we, as aneducation institution, are supporting each of the Sustainable Development Goals.More examples can be found throughout this report.

The University of Kent is a Fairtrade certified university. By ensuring all of our tea, coffeeand sugar is Fairtrade we are helping to ensure that farmers and growers across theglobe are empowered to combat poverty, strengthen their position and take morecontrol over their lives.

Our Centre for European Agri-Environmental studies brings together research into anumber of areas concerning food, farming and rural communities including improvingagricultural productivity and ecosystem-based farming.

The Estates Department have introduced and promoted a number of initiatives for itsstaff in support of goal three including lunchtime activities such as rock choir, walkinggroups and are considering a no lunchtime meetings policy.

All of our undergraduate modules were mapped against the SDGs in summer 2018.The exercise revealed pockets of sustainability teaching across all faculties and theSustainability Team hope to build upon this knowledge going forward to embedsustainability further into the undergraduate curriculum.

The University has joined and is committed to the principles of the Athena SWANcharter which aims to advance the representation of women across the University. In 2018 we successfully renewed our Bronze University award and are preparing for an application for Silver in 2021.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF


ACTIVITY ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY (CONT)

As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the use of bottled water, free tap water isnow available at all outlets at Canterbury and Medway. Visitors, staff and students canuse the free Refill app to find locations where reusable bottles can be filled.

Through installing photo-voltaic panels on many of our new and refurbished buildings,we have increased the amount of energy we generate from renewables from under3000 kwh in 2012 to 78,000 kwh in 2017/18.

The University has zero tolerance to slavery and human trafficking and will not supportor deal with any business or institution knowingly involved in modern slavery practices inany part of its operations. The University is mapping its supply chain, identifying areasof risk and will act appropriately in cases where abuses are found.

The University’s long-term maintenance plans include regular refurbishments of buildingswhere opportunity is taken to include energy saving and water saving measures. Thesemeasures typically include installing high efficiency condensing boilers and replacingexisting lighting with LED lighting. In 2017/18 these plans represent a saving 134 tonnesof carbon.

The University’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity includes the EDI Network.A network of EDI representatives from each school and department provide a channel ofcommunication – to, from and between departments and the staff and student EDI teams;and provide a forum for EDI Representatives to share information and consider good EDIpractice and issues.

Rufus Howard, a researcher at Kent Business School, brought together representativesfrom the public and private sector for a one-day symposium to work on building a virtualblueprint for Canterbury 2050, drawing on latest developments from all fieldsincorporating smart, resilient, circular and sustainable ideals.


The Estates Department published their new Waste and Recycling Strategy in 2018which sets out ambitious targets to reduce the amount of waste we produce. Thisstrategy also sets out how we will look to reduce the amount we buy and maximise re-use of resources as much as possible.

Our Centre for Architecture and Sustainable Environment (CASE) aims to promoteresearch in the field of sustainable design regionally, nationally and internationally. A recent project, to refurbish a property at Dalby Square in Margate has received a ‘highly commended’ award at the Kent Design and Development awards in theEnvironmental Performance category.

The University’s first Sustainable Food Steering Group was launched in 2017/18. One ofthe objectives of the group will be to eliminate all fish on the Marine StewardshipCouncil’s red list and promote the use of sustainable fish across our menus and outlets.

The University is currently developing a Framework Masterplan which will informdecisions on the evolution of the campus. Landscape and biodiversity is one of the fourcentral strategies of the masterplan and will ensure that our green space is protectedand sustainably managed in the future.

The Kent Law Clinic is a partnership between students, academics and solicitors andbarristers in practice locally. It has two objectives: to provide a public service for localpeople who need legal advice and representation but cannot afford to pay for it, and toenhance the education of students.

In 2018 the University entered into a partnership with Kent Enterprise Trust (KET) toenhance the current growing project at Park Wood on the Canterbury campus. KET area charity that provide skills building and learning opportunities for those who have beenlong-term unemployed in order to help them back to work.


MEET THE TEAM

Sustainability at Kent is delivered by a number of differentpeople across the University from multiple different teams.Here are some of the people you may encounter talking aboutand delivering sustainability outcomes.

Catherine MorrisEnvironmental AdviserCatherine leads on the developmentof the Environmental ManagementSystem and delivery of theSustainable Development Goals.

Helen EllisDeputy Director EstatesHelen has senior managementresponsibility for a number ofsections including CarbonManagement and Sustainability.

Emily MasonSustainability Co-ordinatorEmily leads on the University’sengagement project FutureProofand supports the SustainabilityChampions Network.

Juliet ThomasAssistant Director EstatesJuliet has senior managementresponsibility for FacilitiesManagement including the Wasteand Grounds Teams

Sustainability ChampionsStaff volunteers across theUniversity that lead on sustainabilityprojects in their departments.

Richard CottamHead of Facilities ManagementRichard’s responsibilities includeoverseeing development andimplementation of the Waste andBiodiversity Strategies.

John KingslandHead of Energy and EnvironmentJohn’s responsibilities include thedevelopment and implementation of the Carbon and WaterManagement Strategies.

Michele GillWaste and Cleaning ManagerMichele manages the Waste Teamand is responsible for developmentand operation of the Waste Strategy.


Teresa CurteisHead of Traffic Managementand TravelTeresa and her team are a one-stop-shop for all things transportincluding the promotion ofsustainable transport.

Tim BurrowsOperations ManagerTim has senior managementresponsibility for Kent Hospitalitycatering and leads on thedevelopment and operation of theSustainable Food Strategy.

Emma DimondFM Co-ordinator(Waste and Recycling)Emma is responsible for the day-to-day management of waste andrecycling including provision offacilities and communications.

Gary SaylesExecutive Manager: HousekeepingGary has senior managementresponsibility for Kent Hospitalityhouse-keeping and works with theSustainability and Waste Teams onwaste reduction, recycling and re-use from accommodation.

Paul GriffithsGrounds Maintenance ManagerPaul and his team are responsiblefor development and operation ofthe Biodiversity and LandscapeStrategy.

Mark ReedHead of ProcurementMark is responsible fordevelopment and operation of thenew Procurement Strategy whichembeds sustainability into theprocurement process.

Bernard AngusDirector of the Safety, Healthand Environment UnitBernard has senior managementresponsibility for the University’sEnvironmental Management System.

Ashley ShelbrookeProcurement SpecialistAshley is responsible for a numberof sustainable procurementinitiatives including compliance withthe Modern Slavery Act and SocialValue Act.

Andrew BriggsFire, Safety and EnvironmentAdviserAndrew’s responsibilities includedevelopment of the EnvironmentalManagement System.


ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT ANDAUDITING

As part of our ongoing continual improvement, thesystem was overhauled in 2017/18 in order to betterunderstand and manage our impacts. This involvedworking with operational staff from across theUniversity to identify our activities which have an impacton the environment. These activities, known as aspects,were scored and ranked to identify our top 20 andmanagers responsible must now provide termlyupdates to the Environmental Sustainability Team onhow these aspects are controlled.

TrainingWe provide environmental awareness training to allstaff as well as ensuring key staff are trained inspecialist topics such as spill response.

Legal complianceWe provide advice to Schools and Departments incompliance with legal and other environmentalrequirements.

AuditingWe regularly audit locations across the University toensure compliance and identify opportunities forimprovement.

Objectives and targetsWe have developed a programme of actions to achievethe policy objectives and set targets for improvement.

Environment PolicyThe University’s Environment Policy sets out our mainobjectives for each area of environmental sustainability.These are achieved through implementation of anEnvironmental Management System.

The main objectives and commitments are to:• Reduce carbon emissions in accordance with theUniversity’s Carbon Management Plan

• Improve energy and water efficiency and reducereliance on fossil fuels

• Protect the environment and prevent pollution• Optimise reduction, reuse, recycling and disposal ofwaste

• Reduce the impacts of transport and travel andencourage sustainable alternatives

• Manage the use, storage and disposal of materialsto reduce environmental impact

• Manage our campuses to protect and enhancebiodiversity

• Promote sustainable procurement, both internallyand through the University’s supply chains

• Communicate with staff, students and relevantinterested parties and promote sustainablebehaviours.

Environmental Management SystemThe University operates an Environmental ManagementSystem to the ISO14001 International Standard forEnvironmental Management. The system is overseen bythe Environmental Sustainability Team made up ofrepresentatives from the Safety, Health andEnvironment Unit, Estates Department, Kent Hospitalityand Procurement.


Overview of targets

Carbon emissionsOur carbonemissions havereduced 21.8%since 2005 andwe are on track tomeet our targetof 23% by 2020.

Water consumptionWe reduced ourwater consumptionby 1.3% last year,representing asaving of over3,300m3 – theequivalent of20 households.

WasteThe amount of ourwaste that we reusehas increased by28% to over 72tonnes per year.

Social mediaOur sustainabilitytwitter feed reachednearly 600 followers

Coppicing Our coppicingactivities generatedover £800 which wasreinvested back intoour campus.

Staff transportThe proportion of staffdriving to work hasreduced by almost 2%with more staff takingadvantage of discountbus tickets and betterfacilities for cyclists.

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2,000

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Target and actual carbon emissons

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ENERGY AND WATERMANAGEMENT

AimOur Carbon Management Plan sets out how we intendto achieve our ambitious target of a 23% reduction inCarbon Emissions by 2020 based on a 2005 base level.Our Environmental Management System target forwater aims for a 2% reduction per year.

ProgressThis year we have seen a reduction of carbonemissions of 4.5% taking our total reduction to 21.8%.This continual improvement means we remain on targetto meet our overall target of a 23% reduction by 2020.

Unfortunately, we did not meet our water reduction targetthis year however we did achieve a reduction of 1.3%and are looking at ways of improving over the next year.

Highlights• The refreshed Carbon Strategy was launched• The smart meter survey was completed and newmonitoring software is now in use helping us toidentify areas of unusual or high usage

• An Energy Risk Management Group have beenestablished to oversee utilities contracts andmanage spend, identify and act on consumptiontrends and to develop utilities infrastructure

• Low volume shower heads were installed at ParkWood to reduce water consumption

• Oversized hot water calorifier at Cornwallis Southwere replaced

• A full schematic of our foul drainage system wasproduced allowing us to identify issues and bettercontrol risks.

Future• Plans for a new combined heat and power unit areunderway which will reduce our carbon emissionsand deliver significant cost savings to the university

• Minimum specifications are being developed tosupport technical services and other departments to procure more efficient fixtures, fittings andequipment

• Kent’s first Water Management Strategy will bepublished.


Case studyReplacing shower heads at Park WoodAt the Estates Showcase Event an exhibitdemonstrated 4 types of shower head with differentflowrates. Robert Hipkiss, Graham Pagdin and EltonYoung, who had set up the exhibit raised thepossibility of replacing existing high volume showerheads with low volume shower heads in studentaccommodation showers.

These are ideas were assessed and gave a predictedpayback of less than two years. On this basis 697showerheads have been replaced.

The projected annual savings for this are:• Water saving = 3,288 m3• Energy saving = 188,000 kWh• Total cost saving = £14,000• Carbon saving = 38 tonnes


WASTE AND RECYCLING

AimOur Waste Strategy sets out how we will improve wastemanagement at the University through application ofthe waste hierarchy. The strategy covers procurement,waste facilities, education and engagement todemonstrate how we will achieve our targets ofreducing general waste and increasing reuse.

ProgressIn 2017 we achieved our targets both for reducinggeneral waste and increasing waste reuse. Our generalwaste reduced by 2.1% representing over 27 tonnesand reuse increased by 28% to over 72 tonnes.

Highlights• The new Waste and Recycling Strategy 2017-21 waspublished

• £299,401 was saved through increased uptake ofthe WARP-IT reuse system, the equivalent of 158tonnes of CO2

• Campus-wide surveys of internal and external wastefacilities have been completed to informstandardisation and branding of bins and signage

• We have improved and increased social mediapresence across a number of channels includingtwitter. Since 2014, over 1100 tweets have been sentby the Waste and Recycling Team

• We achieved an overall reduction in general waste of 2.1%, which is 0.5% above our target for the year.

Future• We will be implementing food waste collections fromsix outlets across the Canterbury campus as part ofa trial to find a local sustainable solution to improvingour waste management

• We will work to increase the potential of the WARP-ITreuse system.

Warp-it Figures 2017/18• Waste diverted = 44,081 kg• CO2 saved = 157,776 kg


Case studyIncreasing recycling engagement in BiosciencesAlex Moores, Sustainability Champion for the Schoolof Biosciences, has led on an initiative that has seenrecycling rates increase threefold under theFutureProof project. Alex identified a problem inresearch labs where the layout of bins and lack ofclear information meant that researchers wereplacing the majority of their recyclable waste intogeneral waste bins. On initial assessment, 99% of thewaste in the general waste bins was recyclable.

A new trial waste scheme was developed inpartnership to test what would work for the lab users.

New small desktop bins were installed to helpresearchers with ease of correct disposal at theirfingertips, without taking up precious desk space.The main lab bins were relabelled to ensure they

were clear and to reflect how many recycling binsthere should be to general waste bins. Clearcommunications through posters and labelling weredesigned to showcase the top ten lab recyclablesthat should be going into the green marked bins. Alllabelling was checked by the Safety, Health andEnvironment Unit to ensure that it was clear what todo with hazardous/contaminated waste.

The Kent Fungal Group were our test lab and theresults after a month of trialling have beenextraordinary. On the last observations the ratio of fullrecycling bins to general waste bins is 3:1. This figurewas reversed at the beginning of the trial. Thesuccess of this trial will now lead to a full roll out ofthis system across the research labs at the Schoolof Biosciences.

BIODIVERSITY

AimOur 600 acre parkland estate is one of our most prizedassets and our Biodiversity Management Plan for theCanterbury campus commits us to an extensiveprogramme of coppicing, grassland management andpond restoration works.

Progress17/18 saw the first year of our new Euroforest Scheme(see case study) completed with the profits from thisreinvested into our biodiversity work. It also saw thepublishing of our Biodiversity and SustainableLandscaping Strategy which will outline our plans andethos going forward.

Highlights• The Biodiversity and Sustainable LandscapingStrategy was published

• The Euroforest Scheme was fully implemented withrevenue ring-fenced for biodiversity improvementwork

• The planting of a new woodland was completed anda management plan is being devised

• Coppicing was completed of one of our coupesalong the Park Wood path

• We have implemented regular pond healthmonitoring along with recording all relevant habitatcharacteristics

• We have provided input into the campus masterplanensuring that our vision and future plans arereflected.

Future• We aim to complete another coupe in BrotherhoodWood planned for winter 2018/19

• We are working on plans for a wildflower meadowsown south of Turing College

• We are aiming to improved communications throughTwitter, Campus Online and targeted signs to explainwhat we are doing and why we are doing it.



Case studyEuroforest SchemeThe Grounds Team have implemented a scheme thatwill see trees coppiced from its grounds sent to abiomass plant to be converted to energy.

Currently the team coppices one section of campus,known as a coupe, each winter as part of theWoodland Management Plan for the campus.Coppicing increases the structural and compositionaldiversity of a woodland by opening up the canopy toprovide varying light levels and encouraging a rangeof different aged trees in the woodland. Thisencourages growth of different species of flora on thewoodland floor which in turn attracts a wider range offauna increasing the overall biodiversity of the area.

In the past, some coppiced wood has been left in situto create hibernacula for wildlife while some ischipped on site for use on woodland footpaths.

Now, in a deal signed with Euroforest, the trees thatare felled are taken to a biomass plant in nearbySandwich and converted to energy used to providepower to locations in Kent, such as the nearbyDiscovery Park.

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SUSTAINABLETRANSPORT

AimOur Canterbury and Medway travel plans set out waysto minimise the impact of staff and student travel andencourage use of efficient transport options to reduceenvironmental impact, ease congestion and reduce airpollution.

ProgressThe Transport Team continue to promote alternativesustainable transport methods with staff purchasingdiscount bus tickets increasing by 28% and Dr Bikeconsistently providing regular mechanical support tocyclists at both the Medway and Canterbury campuses.

Highlights• A new cycle map was introduced showing all cyclestorage facilities at Canterbury campus whichincludes the capacity of the cycle shelter.

• This included new numbered discs being installed ateach location so there is a clear reference code forthe customer and Estates to use when referring tocycle locations

• The Transport Team fortnightly newsletter began,providing customers with information about travel toand from the campus keeping everyone up to date

• New poster boards were installed at bus stops toimprove information to customers about Stagecoachand Shuttle bus services

• The Canterbury Framework Masterplan Teamintroduced a new Movement and Transport Strategyto support the development of the Masterplan andthe Travel Plan aim to reduce single car occupancy

• The University tendered the management onlinebooking tool for university business travel andawarded it to Key Travel. This will help us collect totaldata on Scope 3 emissions.

Future• We will produce a feasibility report looking into apartnership with Canterbury City Council for a Parkand Ride scheme at the Canterbury campus

• We will investigate the potential to introduce electriccharging points for staff and student to use.



Case studyTravel Plan Survey In November 2017 the Transport Team conducteda detailed Travel Plan Survey to establish travelpatterns and views about transport and parkingat the University. The survey was completed by1,546 staff and students across the Canterburyand Medway campuses.

The survey assisted with updating the UniversityTravel Plans. The primary objective of the Travel Plansis to reduce single car occupancy and to improve theenvironment and health of staff, students and thelocal community, while ensuring the University canoperate effectively as an academic institution. TheTravel Plans support planning applications andprovide data for HESA. The Travel Plans also feed intothe Estates Strategy and in turn the University Plan.


CONSTRUCTION

AimWe aim to ensure our buildings are designed tominimise their environmental impact throughout theirconstruction and occupation.

ProgressSustainability is being embedded into the constructionprocess from procurement to design through to thebuild and post-occupancy evaluation.

Kent’s first full Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) hasbeen carried out in the Sibson building which hasprovided valuable data on any performance gapbetween how efficient the building was designed andbuilt to be verses how efficient it is now that users havemoved in.

Highlights• A ‘living wall’ has been constructed as part of theSchool of Anthropology and Conservationrefurbishment

• Replacement windows, roof insulation and coveringshave been installed to Cornwallis Central which hasincreased the thermal performance of the building

• The new Economics building is on target to achievea BREEAM Excellent rating.

Future• Standard specifications for everything from buildingmaterials to landscaping are being developed toensure minimum performance standards areachieved across a building’s design andconstruction.


Case studyCampus Masterplan2017-18 saw the major consultation period for thenew framework masterplan for the Canterburycampus. Developed in line with the local plan, themasterplan will provide a framework for the futureevolution of the campus. The principles that will guidethis future development of the campus are in keepingwith our strategic aim to embed sustainability acrossthe organisation.

VisionThe Canterbury campus will be defined by a strong,high-quality landscape and roads will be transformedinto attractive streets that prioritise walking andcycling.

The campus will be developed in ways that protect itsspecial natural and semi natural environment, the setting of Canterbury’s World Heritage Site andlocal heritage assets.

The campus will be outward facing and seek toimprove the lives of local people as well as being anexemplar for environmental sustainability and creatingan environment that promotes healthy living andphysical and mental wellbeing.

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PROCUREMENT

AimWe are working to embed sustainability across theprocurement process to ensure the services we use,products we buy and companies with work with alignwith our values of sustainability, and support social andenvironmental improvement.

ProgressSustainable procurement now features in the annualsustainability report reflecting how important it is inensuring sustainability is embedded across ouractivities. It is of particular importance for us to reduceour overall waste as a University.

Highlights• The University of Kent became a founding memberof the Higher Education Procurement Association’sResponsible Procurement Group

• The Procurement Team gained approval for a MFDreplacement project that will reduce estimated energyusage 56,531kg per annum and energy costs by£11,000 by retiring and replacing old, and inefficientdevices with modern, energy efficient printers.

Future• A suite of tender questions is being developed toinclude sustainability along with a training suite forpeople with procurement responsibilities This willinclude an element on sustainable procurement.

• The Procurement Team will deliver a SustainableProcurement Workshop for the SustainabilityChampions Network as part of the FutureProofproject

• The procurement process will be developed in linewith the ISO20400 guidelines

• In total about £85m of work will be taken to marketincluding standardising PC hardware, combinedheat and power unit, laundry services, and a numberof other smaller team-based projects.


UNIVERSITYOF KENT/OURECONOMICIMPACT

www.kent.ac.uk/impact

Economic contribution

£907m a yearcontributed to the south east region,supporting9,448 jobs


Case studySmart Eco-City: Canterbury 2050Developed and hosted by Rufus Howard from theKent Business School, Smart Eco-City: Canterbury2050, was a one day conference that explored theconcept of what makes a sustainable city.

Over 80 stakeholders from across the University,community and beyond took part in interactiveworkshops, with speeches and presentations from 15keynote speakers and exhibition stands from 7organisations. The event was opened by Rosie DuffieldMP (Labour, Canterbury and Whitstable) and DeniseEveritt (Chief Operating Officer, University of Kent).

The participants were polled on their knowledge andunderstanding of the United Nations SustainableDevelopment Goals, with Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities

and Communities being of particular relevance to theday, then split into groups tackling sustainabilitythemes around ecology, agriculture, health, wellbeingand transport. Each group developedrecommendations for each theme, which were addedto a virtual mapping interface using geographicinformation systems (GIS).

The Smart Eco City event concept was the first in thisspecific format with scope to develop this and hostsimilar events in other cities.

If you would be interested in learning more about theevent and its outcomes then please get in contactthrough [email protected] with the heading#SmartEcoCity.


SUSTAINABLE FOOD

AimTo improve the sustainability of all food served acrossour campuses.

ProgressThe final draft of Kent’s first Sustainable Food Strategywas agreed by the Sustainable Food Steering Groupand sent out to be signed by all participating areas ofthe University. The strategy is a collaborative effortbetween staff and students and is a starting point forKent to embed sustainability throughout its commercialfood offerings.

Highlights• Baselining activities have begun with data beingcollated on single use plastic use, welfare standardsof our meat and traceability of our fish

• A cost analysis of switching from bottled water toreusable filtered tap water bottles has beencompleted for internal catering, with funding formoving forward now being sought

• Internal catering has removed plastic milk jiggersreplacing them with reusable jugs

• Student sustainable food reps have collected datafrom across the food outlets at Canterbury andMedway showing current sustainable food offerings.This is in the process of being turned into asustainable food map.

Future• The official launch of the strategy is set for 1 October2018

• Our baselining exercise will be completed andSMART targets set

• The sustainable food map will be completed andpublished on a new sustainable food website


Case studyWorking together: The Sustainable FoodSteering GroupThe Sustainable Food Steering Group is made up ofrepresentatives from across the catering outlets onthe University’s campuses; students and staff with aninterest in sustainable food; the Estates Departmentand Kent Union. This group is a collaborative effortwith staff and students working together to createKent’s first Sustainable Food Strategy and takingresponsibility for reviewing progress and leading onactions to ensure its aims are met. The group meetquarterly and is chaired by the Sustainability Team.

The Sustainable Food Steering Group report on theirprogress through Kent’s Environmental ManagementSystem, providing an annual update to theUniversity’s Environmental Sustainability Team.

The group will also report publically, publishing theirprogress and success stories on the new sustainablefood webpage and in the Annual SustainabilityReport.

It is hoped that this collaborative and inclusiveapproach will help improve the sustainability andaccessibility of the food offerings across thecampuses markedly over the next few years.


ENGAGEMENT

AimTo run an overarching culture change project that:• brings people together under a clear recognisablebrand

• identifies and gives a clear narrative on what we aredoing

• inspires people to act and create positive changes.

ProgressThe trial of FutureProof, Kent’s bespoke culture changeproject, was completed and adapted after feedbackfrom participating Sustainability Champions. The projectwas formally launched in June 2018 as part of theEstates Department’s Showcase. FutureProof has reliedheavily on word of mouth which has been successful indrawing new people and new initiatives into the project,with a portfolio of activities steadily growing.

Highlights• The Sustainability Champions Network wasrelaunched with areas currently not covered by achampion being asked to join

• Several workshops were organised to re-engagestaff in sustainability and introduce them to the newFutureProof project

• Woodland walks for staff and students werearranged to engage them in the green spaces ofcampus and tell the story of sustainability at Kent

• FutureProof supported Kent Union’s first Our PlanetWeek, ran by students

• Communications around sustainability increased onCampus Online, the sustainability blog, in localmedia and online through social media channels.

Future• A new volunteer role, Student Goals Ambassadors,will be launched inviting students to be directlyinvolved with FutureProof and offering themEmployability Points

• A new timetable of sustainability training workshopswill be published inviting people to learn more aboutthe challenges and opportunities

• FutureProof projects will continue to be developedwith Sustainability Champions.

Impression of how the campus might develop

FUTUREPROOFFor further information please contact:E: [email protected]/sustainability

Building the University of the future


Case studyMaking sustainability the norm – MedwayStudent ServicesMedway Student Services have been taking part insustainability projects at Kent since 2010 withsustainability champion Lynne Regan driving forwardsustainability actions through Green Impact, Green15and now FutureProof.

Sustainability has been framed at Medway as not justbeing about the environment (although they of coursethink that is important) but about staff wellbeing,team-building, creating a better campus andultimately a better world to be in.

Lynne described being involved in sustainability as‘Time to work together as a team: having somethinglike this to work on together gives us ‘ permission’ toget away from our desks and enjoy somethingcompletely separate from our jobs once in a while.’

Staff activities have included an annual Christmasfood appeal for The Open House Project, a drop incentre for the homeless or socially isolated inRochester; installing bird feeders at the Medwaycampus; having team Fairtrade lunches; litter pickingon the river Medway; and taking part in nationalcampaigns such as the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatchand Earth Hour.

Fun is at the heart of sustainability at MedwayStudent Services and by getting people involved infun activities, the not so fun things such as recyclinghave benefited with the team recycling literallyeverything they can!

COMMUNITY

AimTo work with a network of partners from across thelocal area to enhance the environment surrounding us;improve social cohesion; and provide opportunities forskills sharing.

ProgressThe University of Kent has entered into a partnershipwith Kent Enterprise Trust (KET) to enhance the currentgrowing project at Park Wood on the Canterburycampus. KET are a charity that provide skills buildingand learning opportunities for those who have beenlong term unemployed in order to help them backto work.

KET were looking for a new growing site to facilitatetraining and skills building for their users, andsomewhere for them to start a new hub of sustainability,wellbeing and social cohesion. The site of Kent’sexisting growing project needed more people involvedand had so much more potential, something that cannow be realised.

Highlights• A draft six year plan was developed outlining thepartnership and the how the project may moveforward

• The site was officially named the Kent CommunityOasis Garden (KentCOG) reflecting its old name andnew purpose

• Mark Lane, a garden designer from BBC’sGardeners World, offered up his expertise to helpdeliver a masterplan for the site

• A blog was launched to tell people the story of thesite and keep people up to date –blogs.kent.ac.uk/kentcog

Future• Official launch of the of the KentCOG• Launch of the KentCOG Masterplan• Joint fundraising bids by Kent and KET.



Case studyCanterbury Sustainable DevelopmentGoals ForumAs part of the University’s commitment to theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we havejoined the Canterbury SDG Forum, a network of localgroups, institutions and charities that are working inpartnership to enhance the visibility of the SDGsacross Canterbury and be a catalyst for sustainableaction in the city and district.

The group are currently working on a report thatoutlines current action taking place against theSDGs and identifying where the gaps are. This reportwill be published on the Kent sustainability websitein the community section and will form the futurebasis of our work as a forum. For more informationon the forum please search for Canterbury SDGForum on Facebook.

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EDUCATION FORSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Sustainability Team have beenworking to increase students’ access tosustainability and environmentalmanagement learning opportunities inthe informal curriculum.

As part of the Study Plus program the EnvironmentalManagement and Auditing course completed its thirdyear with students completing this course being able to:• Understand the drivers for EnvironmentalManagement in organisations

• Develop a knowledge of Environmental ManagementSystems and how organisations use them to managetheir impacts

• Understand the potential benefits and challenges ofan environmental behaviour change programme anddevelop the skills necessary to influence positiveenvironmental behaviour in the workplace

• Learn basic environmental auditing skills• Conduct several environmental audits of Universitybuildings.

Taking a Study Plus course brings with it a whole hostof potential benefits to students including:• The opportunity to develop skills in a new manner• The chance to enhance your CV and HigherEducation Achievement Record (HEAR)

• A way to explore other areas of the University’sacademic provision

• A mechanism for collecting Employability Points• Another way to get the most value out of your time at Kent.

In early 2018, the Sustainability Team launched a newStudy Plus module: An introduction to sustainability.The course was developed to enable students to:• Give a concise definition of sustainability• Have an understanding of the key environmental,social and economic challenges facing the world

• Describe systems thinking• Give examples of innovations/solutions to globalchallenges

• Talk about what is currently being done at Kentaround sustainability and what they can do asindividuals.

As part of our work on the United Nation’s SustainableDevelopment Goals we will continue to build links withour academic colleagues to enable the sharing of goodpractice in our teaching and research around the goalsand to build up a community around education forsustainable development at Kent.

Formal curriculumIn the summer of 2018, a desktop mapping exercisewas conducted to establish the potential for the SDGsto be embedded into teaching. The analysis identified a total of 448 instances of relevance to the goalsacross 153 undergraduate modules. Several pocketsof relevance were discovered.


Architecture


Subject area GoalsWhat is ESD?The United Nations Educational Scientific andCultural Organisation (UNESCO) defines ESD as‘A means to enable students to develop knowledgeand understanding, skills and attributes needed towork and live in a way that safeguardsenvironmental social and economic wellbeing bothin the present and for future generations’ (UnitedNations World Summit (2005). In addition to this,Sterling (2012) describes ESD as: ‘…the kinds ofeducation, teaching and learning that appear to berequired if we are concerned about ensuringsocial, economic and ecological well-being, nowand into the future.’ (Sterling 2012:8)

Sustainability relates to almost every area of theuniversity, and the three pillars of sustainability;environment, society and economic, are intertwinedwith many of the courses we offer and the researchwe carry out.

Business

Conservation and Ecology

Economics

Law

Politics

Sociology All goals


www.kent.ac.uk#ProudtobeKent

Staff from our Estates Department havedonated more than £1,800 to mental healthcharity, Mind, through donations and agiant raffle.

Commissioned by Corporate Communications

PROUD TOBE KENT


THE FUTURE...

In 2018/2019 The University of Kentwill publish its’ strategy refresh:University of Kent Strategy 2025.Within our civic mission, as signatoriesto the Sustainable Development GoalAccord we will publically commit toembedding sustainability throughbuilding the UN SustainableDevelopment Goals into our research,education, leadership, operations,administration and engagement.

As part of this we will be looking to push theconversation forward on Education for SustainableDevelopment at Kent by hosting an ESD conferencethat interrogates what ESD is, what it means to us atKent, and how we can learn from other institutionsregarding an approach to integrating sustainabilityinto our teaching, ensuring we produce globalgraduates that understand and can adapt to thechallenges that face them.

We will continue to use FutureProof as a vehicle forreaching out to people across the University offeringthem an accessible route to engaging with sustainabilityat Kent and helping them to become leaders andadvocates for sustainability in their own areas.

There is a sense of urgency to sustainability thatperhaps has not been felt before and we hope thatstudents, staff and others from across the Universitywill support sustainability at Kent and bring their ownideas to the table about how we might achieve ourcivic mission.

The UK’s European university

UNIVERSITY OF KENTSTRATEGY 2025

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CONTACT US

University of Kent, Estates Department, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NNT: +44 (0)1227 764000 www.kent.ac.uk/estates

Sustainability TeamE: [email protected]: +44 (0)1227 827119Twitter: @UniKentSustainBlog: blogs.kent.ac.uk/sustainkentwww.kent.ac.uk/sustainability

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