Press release

Issued 16 December 1998 for immediate release

Study highlights benefits of environmental reviews for universities and colleges

A report published today shows that universities and colleges can reduce waste and save money by conducting environmental reviews. The ‘Environmental Report’ is based on pilot reviews at six higher education institutions, commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in partnership with the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals (CVCP) and the Standing Conference of Principals (SCOP). The results showed that in addition to benefiting the environment generally, carrying out a review can benefit an institution by:

reducing waste and saving money
reducing the risk of penalties for breaches of regulations
involving staff and students
dealing with practical issues such as waste, emissions, traffic and transport
improving the external perceptions of the organisation.

The project was carried out by Environmental Safety and Analytical Services (ESAS), at the University of Sunderland, to establish the costs and benefits of environmental reviews. Environmental matters are now higher on the agenda for universities and colleges. This study contributes to knowledge about the complex issues involved, and offers practical guidance for staff in institutions in the form of an ‘Environmental Workbook’ published alongside the report. The workbook guides an institution through the environmental assessment process, looking at management arrangements and pollution control. The workbook begins to look at social review, measuring the institution’s commitment and social responsibility.

Professor Alan Livingstone, Principal of Falmouth College of Arts, one of the pilot institutions who took part in the project, said:

"Using the review as a starting point, we have made great progress at Falmouth in developing and implementing our environmental policy. We now have a two-year action plan to achieve a European benchmark standard. I believe that following this simple, cost-effective model will provide similar benefits to other higher education institutions."

Carrying out an environmental review will enable an institution to develop an environmental policy, identify an action plan and then implement the plan. In order take action, the institution will need to accept that there are resourcing issues, and will need to develop its environmental management systems.

Ends

For further information, contact Philip Walker, HEFCE tel 0117 931 7363.

Notes to editors

Copies of the ‘Environmental Report’ (ref 98/61) and ‘Environmental Workbook’ (ref 98/62) are available from the HEFCE. The report is free, the workbook costs £15. The text of the report and an executive summary of the workbook are available on this website.
The aim of the environmental reviews was to:
- summarise the overall regulatory position
- identify the institution’s position in regard to these regulations
- provide guidance on likely future changes in environmental legislation
- benchmark current environmental performance against best practice.
The six institutions that took part in the pilot studies were:
- Falmouth College of Arts
- Surrey Institute of Art & Design
- University of Bath
- University of Cambridge
- University of Sunderland
- University of Sussex.

Last updated