Higher Education Sustainability

Tuesday 22nd June 2010, Grosvenor Hotel - London, 09:00 - 16:00

Higher Education and the Sustainability Challenge

Overview

The government believes that climate change is one of the gravest threats we face, and that urgent action is needed. In The Coalition: our programme for government, the new coalition government outlines that we need a wide range of levers to cut carbon emissions, decarbonise the economy and support the creation of new green jobs and technologies. The government will implement a full programme of measures to fulfil its ambitions for a low carbon economy and eco-friendly economy.

Higher education is uniquely placed to play a leading role in sustainable development and help the UK meet its targets. According to Professor Lord Stern of Brentford, it can do so by training and expanding young minds; researching answers to challenges and informing public policy; showing its own understanding and commitment through careful campus management; and by being a responsible employer and active member of the business and local community.

April 2010 saw the start of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC). Higher education institutions will now have to have plans in place on how they will reduce their carbon emissions. CRC will provide financial incentives to reduce carbon emissions by putting a price on them. Under the CRC, organisations buy allowances equal to their annual emissions. The overall emissions reduction target is achieved by placing a ‘cap’ on the total allowances available to each group of CRC participants.

In addition, The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) will require institutions to have carbon-management plans in place after 2011.

The university sector in England, meanwhile, has been devising carbon reduction targets of its own. A joint consultation between HEFCE, Universities UK and GuildHE on developing a carbon reduction target and strategy for higher education in England was published on 29 July 2009 with the final strategy published in January 2010.

Agenda

09:00	Coffee and Registration
09:40	Opening Remarks by Chair Prof Stephen Sterling, Associate Director, Centre for Sustainable Futures, University of Plymouth (CONFIRMED)
09:45	Morning Keynote: Sustainability and Responsibility in Higher Education Institutions Promoting carbon reductions through other activities including teaching, research and public communications Strong and visible senior management leadership for sustainability Embedding of sustainable development into institutions strategies Active links with partner organisations Clearly defined sustainable development objectives and targets Patricia Broadfoot, Chair, University UK’s Sustainability Taskforce & Vice-Chancellor, University of Gloucestershire (CONFIRMED)
10:05	Working Together for Sustainability – On Campus and Beyond Developing curricula and pedagogy that will give students the skills and knowledge to live and work sustainably Ensuring sustainability features in every aspect of campus life Embedding sustainability initiatives into broader strategic plans Green economy, green jobs Ann Finlayson, Commissioner for Education and Capability Building, Sustainable Development Commission (CONFIRMED)
10:25	Developing Innovative Solutions to 21st Century Environmental Problems Climate change – the most serious issue facing us this century and beyond Innovation in environmental sustainability Research and Development: a route to growth Collaborating with business A global problem that will require a global solution Professor Carolyn Roberts, Director, Environmental Sustainability Knowledge Transfer Network, University of Oxford (CONFIRMED)
10:45	Investing in Sustainable Technology to Reduce Carbon On and Off Campus Sustainable technologies on campus Investing in sustainable technology to reduce the energy efficiency of your estate The training and education of students in environmental sustainability Working with the community and local business to share knowledge and expertise Dr Andrea Humphries, Senior Lecturer, Sustainable Technologies, Harper Adams University College (CONFIRMED)
11.05	Questions and Answers Session
11.25	Coffee and Networking
11:45	Behavioural Change: Empowering Staff and Students to Reduce Their Environmental Impact Empower staff, students and departments to reduce their environmental impact by encouraging, rewarding and celebrating environmental improvements Behavioural change programmes: success and impact of the Bristol’s Green Impact Awards Including behavioural change programmes in carbon management plans Martin Wiles, Head of Sustainability, University of Bristol (CONFIRMED)
12:05	Sustainable Procurement in Higher Education Integrating sustainability in procurement practices Provide more effective sustainable, procurement Delivering best value for money Janine Hamilton, Sustainable Procurement Manager, Sustainable Procurement Centre of Excellence (CONFIRMED)
12:25	Sustainable ICT: Greening Devices and Networks and Smarter Use Drivers for sustainable ICT How can ICT enable changes in ways of working and campus management that result in reduced energy usage Energy and carbon footprint of ICT use in higher education Greening the desktop Towards ‘net zero carbon’ data centres Maximising beneficial ICT applications Key barriers and how to overcome them Examples of best practice Rob Bristow, Programme Manager, Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) (CONFIRMED)
12.45	Questions and Answers Session
13:00	Lunch and Networking
14:00	Afternoon Keynote: Higher Education and Sustainable Development Role of Hefce and sustainable development Sustainability is not just about greenhouse gases (carbon) New funding proposals and carbon management plans Institutions setting their own targets Promoting sustainable development through other activities including teaching, research and public communications Partnership working Dr Geoffrey Copland CBE, Chair of HEFCE's Sustainable Development Steering Group (CONFIRMED)
14:20	Building in Sustainability at University of Surrey Realising the potential of existing buildings Sustainable refurbishment and regeneration Designing with the future in mind Cost savings and results Derry Caleb, Director of Estates and Facilities Management, University of Surrey and Chairman, Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) (CONFIRMED)
14:40	Coffee and Networking
15:00	University of Warwick: Working Towards a Low Carbon Economy Reducing carbon emissions in Warwick Building low carbon cities and communities Continued work on emery conservation Reducing energy costs and create savings elsewhere Creating a positive 'green' image for the University Nick Hillard, Environment Manager, University of Warwick (CONFIRMED)
15:25	Environmental Management at Bournemouth University Utilising existing transport infrastructure and services to reduce dependency on cars for those travelling to and from the University Providing staff and students with a range of alternatives including Provision of secure covered cycling parking and promotion of safe cycling Subsidising fares on the University’s bus fleet Expanding the service to incorporate new student residences, and promoting a car share scheme David Willey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Bournemouth University (CONFIRMED)
15:45	Questions and Answers Session
16:00	Close

*programme subject to change without notice

Exhibitor

Capita Symonds

Audience

Delegates will include deans, principals, vice-chancellors, pro vice-chancellors, heads of estates, finance directors, professors of environment management, professors of planning and environment, heads of IT, commissioning directors, heads of innovation and development, heads of procurement, technical directors, architects, environment and sustainability managers, business and enterprise managers, heads of environmental management and will be drawn from central government departments & bodies, universities, further education colleges, think tanks, regional development agencies, environmental organizations, research institutions.

Higher Education Sustainability

Tuesday 22nd June 2010, Grosvenor Hotel - London, 09:00 - 16:00

Higher Education and the Sustainability Challenge

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