The University acknowledges that its activities and operations have environmental, social and economic impacts. As signatories to the Sustainable Development Goals Education Accord, the University is committed to embedding the goals across our institution throughout our leadership, education, operations, research & innovation, engagement and partnerships.
This Sustainability Policy commits the University to being a responsible corporate citizen that leads by example with regard to sustainability. It provides the framework for setting and reviewing sustainability objectives and targets.
Through implementation of this policy, the University commits to continual improvement across all areas of environmental management and sustainability and to ensuring that we meet or exceed all our legislative, regulatory and voluntary compliance obligations.
The main objectives and commitments are:
Climate Change
To achieve net zero scope 1& 2 emissions by 2040 and scope 3 by 2050 and to monitor climate related risks and develop adaptation plans to increase our resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Energy and Water Management
To improve energy and water efficiency, invest in the estate and in renewable energy generation and decarbonise our heating systems to reduce consumption and emissions.
Emissions, Discharges and an Environmental Management System (EMS)
To monitor and improve performance, identify opportunities and manage risks through operating an EMS to ISO 14001, putting in place appropriate controls to protect the environment, prevent pollution and work to reduce emissions and discharges to air, land and water.
Curriculum Sustainability
Continually develop and expand education for Sustainability in the
curriculum to equip graduates with the essential skills and knowledge
required to address the climate and ecological crisis. We seek to draw
on staff expertise throughout the university in order to develop our
educational offer as one that is distinctly focused on sustainability.
Research and Innovation
Promote and develop sustainability related research & innovation activity through existing signature research themes and institutes and through development of new focuses for research and innovation
Community engagement and culture change
Communicate with our students, staff and other interested parties to develop resilient partnerships which enhance lives and the local economy and empower our community to develop the knowledge and skills to embody sustainable behaviours.
Sustainable Buildings
To operate our Estate in a financially, socially and environmentally sustainable manner finding ways to utilise our spaces and built environment to reduce environmental impact whilst improving wellbeing.
Circular Economy
Considering waste as a resource, recognising its value, encouraging prevention and reduction, reuse of resources prior to recycling or disposal.
Sustainable Procurement Incorporating and embedding life-cycle considerations into procurement, promoting sustainable procurement, both internally and through the University’s supply chains.
Landscape and Biodiversity
Regenerate the ecology of the campuses to mitigate biodiversity loss and the decline in ecosystem services, whilst supporting the use of our natural spaces for education, engagement, and wellbeing activities
Sustainable Travel
Reduce the impacts of transport and travel and encourage sustainable alternatives for travel activities including commuting, fleet management, business travel and deliveries
Responsible Investment
Maintain our socially responsible investment approach by not investing directly or in pooled investment funds related to pornography, gambling, tobacco, fossil fuels or armaments and to regularly review indirect exposure to these areas.
Sustainable Food
To ensure that food served in our outlets and internal catering is healthy, affordable and sustainable
This policy applies to all staff, students, visitors, contractors, premises and activities under the control of the University and will be publicly available on the University’s website.
The University of Kent Sustainability Policy is fully supported by the Executive Group, University Council and the Sustainability Steering Group (SSG). The SSG has delegated responsibility for determining this Policy and for setting and reviewing its objectives.
The SSG will review the Policy annually and report on all relevant matters to the Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Sustainability Committee (HSSES) for further consideration, including recommendations for improvement.