Sustainable development in higher education: HEFCE's contribution

1
Sustainable development in higher education
HEFCE's contribution
Steve Egan Acting Chief Executive
2
Purpose of presentation

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

3
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

4
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.

5
What are HEIs doing?

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

6
(No Transcript)
7
Opportunities?

• International position
• Stronger business case
• Large increases in energy prices
• Stronger regulatory environment
• Risk management
• Holistic approach
• Branding

8
University of Bradford Ecoversity project

• Not just learning about sustainability its also
  about living sustainably

9
Harper Adams University College

• Sustainable Technologies Network
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) from biomass.
• Integrated farm waste management system.

10
Challenges?

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

11
Whats happening now and next?

• Strategic plan
• Strategic review
• HEPS evaluation
• Implementing actions by end of 2007
• HEFCEs own operations
• DfES sustainable development action plan 2006
• Building and disseminating good practice
• Website
• LGM fund projects

12
LGM fund projects

• HEEPI
• Practical guide to biodiversity on campus
• BITC Environment and Corporate Responsibility
  indices
• EcoCampus
• Guide on Ethics