Route Map for Sustainability and Responsibility in Higher Education Institutions

11th Nov 2009 00:00

Sustainability and responsibility in universities and colleges promotes long-term sustainability and responsible role of the university in society, both as an educator and employer and addresses the question: “What is the role of university in society, should they be places for civic engagement?”

This new vision of quality gives universities and colleges an opportunity “to demonstrate the full power and potential of higher education for the individual, for the economy, for the environment and for society”   (Ref: University Challenge: Towards a well-being approach to quality in higher education, 2007).

The concept builds upon the “Universities that count” benchmarking programme, which furthers effective environmental and social responsibility in Higher Education.

University of Westminster in collaboration with the Association of Sustainability Practitioners invites you to participate in a workshop for Senior Managers and Sustainability, HR, Estates & Facilities and Health & Safety professionals of UK universities and colleges.

Purpose of the Workshop

What is meant by Sustainability and Responsibility? What are the opportunities for Higher Education Institutions? The purpose of this event is to develop a shared understanding of Sustainability and Responsibility, identify what commitment and responsibilities, including HEFCE’s proposed carbon reduction targets, are. What needs to change in order to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive environment? The event will cover the universities’ and colleges’ roles as both educators and employers and their contributions to society in general. The event will focus on the WHAT and WHY aspects that will help HEI’s to define their policy and strategy and operational work plans.

Goals

Define Sustainability and Responsibility drivers and obligations in the context  of HEIs 

Summarise the current state of play of the “Universities that Count” benchmarking

Identify the opportunities and advantages for developing Sustainability and Responsibility in HEIs

Develop a HEI route map for Sustainability and Responsibility

Outcomes

Shared understanding of what HEIs need to achieve in Sustainability and Responsibility
 
Motivation to join with others on the journey
 
Clarification of where we are on the route map, the next steps and timescales
 
Learning from sustainability practitioners from other sectors

Contributors (subject to change)

Professor Geoffrey Petts, Vice Chancellor University of Westminster
Patricia Broadfoot, Universities UK, Vice Chancellor Gloucester University
Simon Cooper, CSR Consultancy, ASP (TBC)
Professor Michael Depledge, DSc, Chair of Environment and Human Health, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry
Plus others, TBC

Association of Sustainability Practitioners (ASP)

The Association of Sustainability Practitioners is a membership organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable practices. It was created in 2005 by graduates from Bath University’s MSc Responsible Business Practice and now includes practitioners from a wide range of private, public and third-sector organisations. The University of Westminster is collaborating with ASP to include learning that is emerging in other sectors as they address similar challenges.

Registration

To secure your place please contact Anja Mclean [email protected]
There is a fee of £25 per person to cover event expenses.

Further enquiries: Anne Raudaskoski, Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility Officer
View this event on the EAUC website →