Sustainable development in higher education: HEFCE's contribution Steve Egan Acting Chief Executive.

Sustainable development in higher education: HEFCE's contribution

Steve Egan

Acting Chief Executive

Purpose of presentation

• HEFCE – the story so far……• What are institutions doing?• Opportunities and challenges• What is HEFCE doing now and next?

HEFCE- the story so far…..

• Historically - project based approach• DfES sustainable development

action plan - 2003• EAUC conference 2004• Consultation – January 2005• Sustainable development in higher

education (HEFCE 2005/28) – July 2005

Vision

Our vision is that, within the next 10 years, the higher education sector in England will be recognised as a major contributor to society's efforts to achieve sustainability - through the skills and knowledge that its graduates learn and put into practice, and through its own strategies and operations.

What are HEIs doing?

• A great deal!• Embed principles• Educators• Knowledge creation and transfer• Strengthen links• Business strategy and operations

Strategic planning

Monitoring and annual reporting

Energy and water management

Carbon management

Renewable energy

Construction and refurbishment

Waste management

Sustainable purchasing

Transport

Environmental Management System

Biodiversity/grounds management

Audit

Formal education

Informal education

Business links

Staff development

Widening participation and

promoting equality and diversity

Engaging with the community

Research

Policy

Networks to build and share good practice

SD committee and/or staff

Awards

Opportunities?

• International position• Stronger business case

– Large increases in energy prices– Stronger regulatory environment– Risk management

• Holistic approach • Branding

University of Bradford – Ecoversity project

“Not just learning about sustainability its also about living sustainably”

Harper Adams University College

• Sustainable Technologies Network• Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

from biomass. • Integrated farm waste management

system.

Challenges?

• Definition• Trade offs• Short term vs. long term• Autonomous institutions

What’s happening now and next?

• Strategic plan• Strategic review• HEPS evaluation• Implementing actions by end of 2007• HEFCE’s own operations• DfES sustainable development action plan 2006• Building and disseminating good practice

– Website– LGM fund projects

LGM fund projects

• HEEPI• Practical guide to biodiversity on campus• BITC Environment and Corporate Responsibility

indices• EcoCampus• Guide on Ethics