Annual Environmental Statement

Transcription

1 Annual Environmental Statement Produced by: Tom Yearley, Sustainability Delivery Team Date: 11 th Jan 2017 Version: 1.0 0

2 Contents Vice Chancellor s Statement... 2 Executive Summary... 3 Key Findings Summary... 3 Introduction... 4 Commitment to Sustainable Development... 4 Environmental Management... 5 Environmental Policy... 6 Legal Compliance... 8 Environmental Aspects... 8 Environmental Objectives and Targets... 9 Environmental Performance Total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Energy - Consumption and Emissions On-site Renewable Energy Production 2015/ Refrigeration Gas Water Waste and Recycling figure 2015/ Business Travel Green Impact Blackout Sustainable Food Paper Consumption British Heart Foundation Campaign

3 Vice Chancellor s Statement Welcome to our annual sustainability report as the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). In this annual Environmental Statement we celebrate and share our achievements over the past year and some of our plans for the future. University of Wales Trinity Saint David recognises that a pro-active approach to sustainability is fundamental to providing a stimulating, progressive and sustainable environment for learning as well as the future health and wellbeing of all those involved with our institution and the wider community, not only for present but future generations. Our commitment to these values, as defined in our Strategic vision align us to national and international ambitions. The University has again maintained Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation for its environmental management system. We are also signatories to the Welsh Government s Sustainable Development Charter, reinforcing our willingness and enthusiasm to engage in local and national challenges and opportunities; actively promoting a sustainability agenda by supporting students, staff and community in helping to shape the future we want for the benefit of all living and studying in Wales and the wider national and international community. I would like to thank and congratulate everybody involved in securing our environmental performance and I look forward with optimism to the future that we can help to fashion for our children, their children and for many generations to come. Signed. Dated 13 th January 2017 Professor Medwin Hughes Vice-Chancellor 2

4 Executive Summary The following report provides an outlook of UWTSD s environmental performance during the 2015/16 academic period. It outlines the University s environmental monitoring data in line with the University s Environmental Management System assessing the environmental performance and management at the Swansea, Carmarthen and Lampeter campuses. The University s energy consumption, water consumption, waste generation and transport emissions are summarised alongside the reporting of key environmental events hosted by the University to promote positive environmentally focused behaviour change. Key Findings Summary Consumed approximately 17,207,298 kwh of natural gas. Consumed approximately 8,541,018 kwh of mains electricity. Consumed approximately 54,640m3 of mains water. Produced approximately 536 tonnes of municipal waste. Recycled (segregated at source) 132 tonnes (25%). Diverted a total of 380 tonnes from landfill. Travelled 2,178,857 miles and emitted 651,119 kgco2e through staff business travel (grey fleet, car rental), air and rail travel. 3

5 Introduction The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has existed in its current form since the academic year 2012/13 following the merger of The University of Wales: Trinity Saint David, under the latter s 1833 Royal Charter, and Swansea Metropolitan University on Friday 22nd October For this reason, 2012/13 data is used throughout our reporting as a baseline for data comparison purposes. Sustainability is central to the University s future plans for delivering a sustainable Wales locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The current provision of the services (educational and other), are carried out across a number of campuses: Carmarthen, Lampeter, Swansea, London and The Wales International Academy of Voice based in Cardiff. The current scope of the Green Dragon certification excludes activities at London and Cardiff campuses. Our commitment to effective environmental management and annual review by senior management remains as strong. UWTSD actively promotes social justice and equality of opportunity and endeavours to enhance the natural and cultural environment, whilst respecting environmental limits. Sustainability in the context of UWTSD is defined as per the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, including environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability. The University strives to create a balance between these measures, recognising that in order to facilitate a thriving society, culture and economy a healthy environment is critical. Sustainability at UWTSD considers the improvement of future prospects and changing perceptions and attitudes, in addition to minimising our negative impacts. We seek to address root causes instead of symptoms associated with unsustainable practises and provide leadership for a more positive future for the communities we serve. UWTSD will continue to work with its staff and students, the wider community such as the Higher Education Funding Council Wales (HEFCW), and others to increase the inclusion of relevant education for sustainable development and global citizenship in its curriculum. Commitment to Sustainable Development As a signatory to the SD Charter the University recognises the principles of promoting sustainable development by the enhancement of the economic, social and environmental well-being of people and communities, both locally and globally aspiring to the achievement of a better quality of life for our own and future generations. Social Enhancement Economic Enhancement Environment al Well-being Better Quality of Life for Future Generations 4

6 Environmental Management The University continues to provide sufficient resource to maintain its commitments to environmental management and the reduction of negative environmental impacts. UWTSD is committed to continually improving its environmental impact. The Sustainability Committee meets regularly to review procedures and improvements, this in turn reports to Senior Management Committee annually (Environmental Statement). 5

7 Environmental Policy 6

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9 Legal Compliance UWTSD monitors all environmental issues relating to legal compliance. A Register of Environmental Legislation is kept and updated periodically with any new relevant legislation. Changes to working practices and legislation are communicated to all relevant staff and students. Regular environmental audits are undertaken to monitor compliance with environmental legislation. In 2015/16 the University did not experience any significant incidents on any of its campuses. Environmental Aspects The University s EMS is developed in coordination with Green Dragon Environmental standards criteria. It incorporates an assessment of all aspects of the University s activities that have potential to impact upon the environment. The Aspects register is an integral part of the EMS, 17 aspects that have been identified and assessed upon their potential environmental impact. The aspects register in reviewed annually by the University s Sustainability Delivery Team. 8

10 Environmental Objectives and Targets Objective Target Action(S) Outcome Target Action(S) Energy and Appoint Carbon Done 3% Annual 3% Annual Carbon Reduction Officer Reduction1 in Scope Reduction in total emissions in Set specific medium 1 & 2 emissions in accordance with and long term carbon Ongoing in accordance with WG WG targets reductions targets preparing Carbon targets against a 2012/13 Management Plan baseline which Develop further reflects post-merger Target & organizational Monitoring structure Implement delivery of the Carbon Management Plan. Implement Carbon Management Plan recommendations via Carbon Reduction Project Plan Carried forward Establish a robust approach to carbon management; including 2020 and 2030 targets, a UWTSD wide project team and a low carbon investment portfolio by July Establish repeatable mechanism for recording staff travel and scope 3 emissions. Implement automated monitoring and targeting system, producing monthly performance dashboards. Publish Formal Carbon Management Plan on web site Establish working group to lead carbon management across the campuses. 1 Includes A/C 10% leakage total gasses in line with DEFRA guidelines 9

11 Emissions Discharges Management System Community Involvement Waste Management & Build on the success of 2013/14. Waste Recycling target set in the 2014/15 Environmental outlined a 50% target for 2015/16 Appoint Engagement Officer (currently a fixed term contract post). Increase number of Green Impact Teams. Development engagement plan with suppliers/contractors. A new waste contractor and collection service was implemented in both Carmarthen & Lampeter Campus in September As a result new services; Dry Mixed Recycling, Glass and food services were established at both campuses, improving source segregation of recyclates. Done Done Ongoing Source segregated recycling fell to 25% during 2015/16 due to the lack of a recycling services at the Swansea Campus. However waste diversion from landfill for energy recovery achieved 46%, thus 71% of waste was diverted from landfill in total. Conduct crosscampus audits of controllable sources of scope 1 fugitive emissions Gain EMS certification across UWTSD, Coleg Sir Gar and Coleg Ceredigion. Establish Allotments at Lampeter/Carmarthe n - University and Town Garden Allotment Project Students Union Welsh language Centre Yr Atom to open Recycle 40% of waste per month by end of 2016/17. Establish an aspirational target to recycle 64% of waste by 2019/20 (to align with Environment (Wales) Act 2016). Implement a common waste separation brand throughout the University. Following audits set annual targets for management Establish cross organisation EMS group. Publicise to students, staff and all stakeholders Official Opening New waste contractor and services to be implemented to service the Swansea Campus sites. Once operating new recycling facilities to be installed in all Swansea halls of residence kitchens. Campaigns to be run in Carmarthen and Lampeter halls of residence to improve recycling rates. Investment in new 10

12 Biodiversity Produce Biodiversity action Plan with particular emphasis on rural campuses in the first instance for start of academic year 2015 Sustainable Procurement Transport/ Sustainable Travel Review opportunities for sustainable procurement Maintain and Seek improvement on current position Maintain Accreditation Develop Green Travel Plan Review Fleet Hire arrangements Pilot recording Conduct Biodiversity Survey to inform Biodiversity Action Plan Research Sustainable Procurement Strategy Regular review, taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves in the year. Regular review to ensure Soil Association Accreditation is not compromised Green Framework Travel Plan produced and published on website Fleet hire arrangements found to be uneconomical with current usage. Mileage recorded and Biodiversity Policy Draft Review Sustainable Food Policy Achieve/Maintain/ Review Fairtrade Review to ensure Soil Association Accreditation Complete Complete Records being Approved Biodiversity Policy Establish Ecological baseline for university Develop BAP Develop Sustainable Procurement Guidance for Operations, including engineering specifications. Develop UWTSD wide travel management strategy and campus plans Identify alternatives to private vehicle use. recycling bins in key campus buildings. Approve Policy. Conduct surveys. Produce planting guidelines Raising awareness of Existing UWTSD Policy Sustainable Procurement in UWTSD Procurement Policy Apply whole-life costings to procurement for SWIP and for S4C development at Carmarthen Travel groups set up looking at existing and future opportunities. Consideration of fleet travel, park and ride and video conferencing 11

13 mileage/associate d carbon emissions by Sustainability Committee reported via expanses. Also video conference usage recorded and monitored. collected and reports submitted to Sustainability Committee Implement parking management mechanism across University Parking management group established. Water Construction & Refurbishment Reduce University's water consumption/m3 by 3% annually. As 2014/15target Installation of waterless urinals in high usage lavatories (all campuses) Extend rainwater harvesting. Pilot Project Planned for Carmarthen and Lampeter during Investigate possibility of significant loss of water via leakage, particularly on the Lampeter Campus. As 2014/15 target Implement Recommendations of the Carbon Management Plan Ongoing Postponed Delayed Adopt high environmental standards for planning the development of our campuses and construction and refurbishment projects; all new buildings will aspire to achieve BREEAM excellent certification. Materials should Reduce University's water consumption/m3 by 3% annually Investigate possibility of significant loss of water via leakage, particularly on the Lampeter Campus. For new build achieve minimum of BREEAM Excellent Continue Installation of waterless urinals in high usage lavatories (all campuses). Develop metering program to identify losses of water. Use of BAT for refurbishment of lighting and taps in wash areas 12

14 be sourced which minimise adverse environmental impact with a preference for the use of recyclable materials whenever appropriate. 13

15 Environmental Performance Total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions UWTSD calculates carbon emissions using the UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting. These can be found on the Defra website. Corresponding emission factors are used for each year. The misalignment between emission factors based on calendar year and the academic calendar year used in our reporting is accounted for by applying the emission factor with greatest coverage of the academic financial year. For instance for the academic year 2012/13, 2013 emission factors would be used as this covers January to July, inclusive, in 2013 and only August to December of In calculating our carbon footprint we are currently including the following sources of emissions as a result of our operations: gas, water and electricity, Car Hire & Van Rental, Rail Travel, Air Travel, Grey Fleet (Staff travel expenses), fugitive refrigeration gases and waste related emissions. Through these activities the University s Swansea, Carmarthen and Lampeter campuses generated approximately 7,541,776 kgco2e 2015/16 academic period. Total kgco2e 8% 1% 1% 1% 42% Travel Waste F-Gas Water 47% Electricty Gas The University aims to reduce its energy related carbon emissions by using a revised institutional baseline of 2012/13, chosen to reflect the post-merger organisation structure 2. We remain fully committed to minimum reduction of 3% annually in accordance in Welsh Government targets, over the forthcoming year we shall be developing more specific smart targets for the medium. 2015/16 scope 1&2 carbon emissions equal 7,021,213 kgco2e, representing a 10% reduction on 2014/15 emissions of 7,773,550 kgco2e. 2 HEFCW Document Reference - W13 38HE Section 5 14

16 Energy - Consumption and Emissions The University s Swansea, Carmarthen and Lampeter campuses combined, consumed approximately 18,377,550 KWh for the 2014/15 academic period, decreasing to 17,207,298kWh during 2015/16. The majority of this reduction can be attributed to improvements in the building management systems. During the 2014/15 academic year, the University used approximately 8,305,809 KWh electricity, this increased slightly in 2015/16 to 8,541,018 kwh. Energy Consumption 30,000,000 kwh per annum 25,000,000 20,000,000 15,000,000 10,000,000 Elec Consumption Gas Consumption 5,000, / /16 On-site Renewable Energy Production /16 For 2015/16 on site energy production from the PV solar array located on the roof of the Owen Library at the Swansea Campus produced 7,153 KWh which represents a carbon saving of 3,870 Kg/CO2e. 3 ebef7ee752b7&splang=en-us 15

17 Owen Library PV KW/h and kgco 2 e savings Total kwh kg of CO2 saving As a result of recent development at the University s Carmarthen campus a new PV array has been installed which will shortly be online, increasing the University s renewable energy portfolio. Refrigeration Gas During 2015/16 based on assumed loss basis, 17.44kg of R404A refrigeration gas were released into the atmosphere. This equates to 68, kgco2e. The breakdown by campus is highlighted below. Campus Kg Gas Type Conversion factor (kgco2e per kg) Carmarthen 5.44 R404A 3,922 Lampeter 0 Swansea 12 R404A 3,922 Total Water The University s Swansea, Carmarthen and Lampeter campuses combined, consumed approximately 54,819m 3 of water during 2014/15, this reduced to 54,640m 3 during 2015/16.The University s Operations Directorate is continuing with its rolling programme of retrofitting waterless urinals across all campuses. Waste and Recycling figure 2015/16 In September 2015 a new waste contractor; CWM Environmental was appointed to provide waste collection services at the Carmarthen Campus, and a new contract established at Lampeter Campus with LAS Recycling. The new contracts are designed to improve the University s resource efficiency, increasing segregation of waste at source through the implementation of a new dry mixed recycling collection (DMR), glass and food collection at the campuses. This will increase the University s recycling rates, enabling UWTSD to achieve targets set out in the University s Environmental Policy. 16

18 The new contracts also ensure improvements in data management, increasing accuracy in reporting and improving transparency. A large portion of general waste produced by the University that is not recyclable will now be processed for energy recovery under the new contracts, this will be reported as waste recovered and is assisting UWTSD to become a zero waste to landfill University. To improve the internal facilities in line with the new contracts, resources have been focused on key areas such as student halls of residence, providing new waste recycling bins to increase recycling in halls kitchens, and in Carmarthen the Dewi Building has new communal waste recycling bins have been established throughout the building. Further investments to improve waste segregation in key University buildings will take place in A colour coded system is to be rolled out during 2016/17 which will see all general waste placed into clear waste sacks, and all dry mixed recycling into clear green recycling sacks. It is expected that a new waste collection service for UWTSD Swansea is to be established in September Graph; UWTSD 2015/16 Swansea, Carmarthen and Lampeter waste management figures demonstrates that during the 2015/16 academic period all three UWTSD campuses produced a combined total of approximately 536 tonnes, of which 248 tonnes (46%) was diverted for energy recovery, whilst 132 tonnes (25%) was segregated at source for recycling, and 152 tonnes (28%) when to landfill. In total for 2015/16 71% of all waste generated at Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea was diverted from landfill. UWTSD 2015/16 Swansea, Carmarthen and Lampeter waste management figures Swansea Carmarthen Lampeter / / / /16 Total Waste (t) Recovered (t) Recycled (t) Landfill (t) 17

19 Carbon emissions related to waste emissions are summarised in the following table. Campus Kg CO2e Carmarthen Lampeter Swansea Total 71,480.7 Historically a downward trend can be seen in the overall production of waste produced at each campus. Business Travel As a multi campus University staff and student travel presents a significant challenge in terms of its management, and wider environmental effects associated travel emissions, and as such University owned vehicles and business travel, and commuter travel is identified on the University s Environmental Aspects Register. The University is working towards reducing its overall business associated travel emissions, and has produced a Green Framework Travel Plan which is available on the University website. The plan is informed by annual staff and student travel surveys which help develop actions, and monitor plan progression. Total Business Miles Travelled Total Business Miles Emissions Kg/CO 2 e Total Miles Total emissions KG/CO2e 18

20 Development in travel data management improved the accuracy of information gathered by the University allowing greater transparency in the figures reported. UWTSD All Travel Annual Report Total Travel Type Miles Kg CO2e Car Rental (Business Travel) Days Ltd ,202 Car Hire & Van Rental (Business Travel) Enterprise Ltd ,811 Rail Travel (Business Travel) Coop ,385 Rail Travel (Business Travel) Finance bookings ,018 Air Travel (Business Travel) Coop ,102 Grey Fleet (Staff travel expenses) ,601 UWTSD Travel Totals 2,178, ,119 During the 2015/16 academic period staff travelled approximately 2,178,857 business miles via means of car rental, grey fleet, air and rail travel resulting in the production of approximately 651,119 kg/co2e. Green Impact The University has been participating in Green Impact since 2013/14 and since then the scheme has grown with more staff taking part in the programme to help make their offices and our campuses greener. Green Impact is an environmental accreditation and awards scheme run across the UK by the NUS. The programme promotes positive environmental behaviour change amongst staff by encouraging them to complete relatively simple tasks around their offices. Teams complete an online workbook, which acts as a framework to help improve their environmental performance, and at the end of the year are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold awards for their actions. Initially the first year saw 6 teams successfully achieve a Bronze award. During 2014/15 this grew to 16 teams. 16 teams took part in Green Impact in 2015/16, engaging more than 100 staff across the University. Together they put in place more than 300 actions. Nine of the teams achieved a Bronze award for their commitment, three achieved Silver and three achieved Gold. 2015/16 was also the first year that one of our Green Impact teams achieved an Excellence Award. Fine Art/Celf a Dylunio's project on ground sourced clay to ceramics achieved a Green Impact Excellence Award for its innovation and sustainable sourcing of clay for use in a creative project. The team sourced clay from various locations across South West Wales and brought it back to our Dynevor campus to be cleaned and tested. The clay was then used by staff and students to create their ceramic projects. The project encouraged staff and students to question the sourcing of and the impact of their materials. The actions put in place by the Green Impact teams provided potential savings of 9,492kgCO2e and almost 1400 in savings though waste reduction, energy conservation and reductions in travel. 19

21 Green Impact also provided six students with the opportunity to audit our staff teams. The students were given environmental auditing training, approved by the IEMA, to conduct end of year workbook audits. This was a great opportunity for them to develop their understanding of sustainability, gain first-hand experience of sustainability 'in action' in the University and also gain experience of conducting an audit in a professional setting. In 2016/17, UWTSD hopes to build upon the successes of this years' Green Impact teams by involving more staff in the scheme and encouraging those who are already involved to go for Gold! Blackout Blackout is a national NUS campaign, taking place in Universities all over the UK. It aims to highlight and reduce energy waste on campus. The campaign brings together teams of staff and students in a challenge to turn off all nonessential equipment (e.g. computers, printers, lights, phone chargers, etc.) that has been left on unnecessarily before the weekend. The energy use of that week is then compared to previous weeks to reveal the savings that can be achieved by making just a few small changes to the way we work. In 2015/16 UWTSD held a Blackout at our Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea campuses in November targeting seven buildings. 45 student volunteers and 10 staff volunteers took part in the challenge turning off a total of 1,158 pieces of equipment that had been found left on unnecessarily before the weekend. By turning these off the volunteers produced an average energy saving of 17%. In Swansea in particular the energy saving was 35%. Over the course of a year, the Blackout demonstrated the potential to attain savings of 16,534kgCO2e and 3,304. A number of activities were also organised for after the Blackout for the volunteers to take part in. In Swansea the volunteers shared pizza and tuned in to the live 24 Hours of a Climate Reality. In Lampeter, volunteers embarked on a Ghost Walk through campus organised by the LARP society; and in Carmarthen Fairtrade Intern Kaura Stephens held a Fairtrade Tasting event for volunteers! 20

22 Sustainable Food The University first implemented a Sustainable Food Policy in 2014/15 in line with the University's Environmental Aims & Objectives 2012/13. The University's commitment to sourcing its food sustainably has been built upon in 2015/16 with the achievement of 10 Silver Food for Life Catering Marks and one Bronze Catering Mark from the Soil Association in addition to our Gold Standard for the University-wide Banqueting Service. The Soil Association s Catering Mark provides an independent endorsement that food providers are taking steps to improve the food that they serve, using fresh ingredients which are free from trans-fats, harmful additives and genetically modified products (GM), and are better for animal welfare. Catering Services are audited by the Association annually to ensure they meet high standards of provenance and traceability, providing reassurance to customers that meals are freshly prepared using environmentally sustainable and seasonal ingredients. To promote sustainable food and the use of Fairtrade products the University hosted a range of events and activities across Fairtrade Fortnight which took place 29 th February 13 th March The Catering Team hosted local farmers for a 'Sit down for Breakfast, Stand up for Farmers' event to raise awareness of supporting local farmers and suppliers, and a Fairtrade film night with free tastings of Fairtrade wine was held for students in Swansea. This was supported by a social media campaign that included posting information on Fairtrade. Paper Consumption UWTSD aspires to minimize paper waste by using high-quality FSC-Certified paper. The University has used recycled paper for a number of years (since 2004) however in line with our stated goals of continual improvement and of monitoring best available technology. As opposed to recycled paper, non-recycled paper is elemental chlorine free and with FSC wood being used the environmental impacts of paper production are reduced. Furthermore we have saved money and there are considerably less problems with paper jamming in photocopier/printers thus reducing down-time and maintenance costs. During the 2015/16 academic period a total of 5,492,568 pages were printed and copied by our centralised printers, a reduction of 854,304 pages on 2014/15 paper consumption. Each campuses consumption and associated carbon emissions are outlined in the table below. Swansea Total pages consumed 3,686,504 Total boxes bought 1475 Paper weight Kg 18,433 Weight in tonnes 18.4 CO2 (t) 25.1 Carmarthen Total pages consumed 1,262,489 Total boxes bought 217 Paper weight Kg 6,312 Weight in tonnes 6.3 CO2 (t) 8.6 Lampeter Total pages consumed 543,575 Total Boxes bought 217 Paper weight Kg 2,718 Weight in tonnes 2.7 CO2 (t) 3.7 Continued monitoring of paper consumption across the universities campuses will allow us to develop actions to manage and work towards reducing UWTSD overall paper consumption and associated emissions. 21

23 British Heart Foundation Campaign For a third year in a row UWTSD participated in the British Heart Foundation Moving On campaign. This encourages students to donate unwanted clothing and other brick-a-brac at the end of term to the charity. During the 2015/16 academic term students from all three campuses: Swansea; Carmarthen and Lampeter, donated a total 271 bags equating to approximately 2.23 tonnes diverted from landfill and a saving of 22,715 kg CO2e. The income raised from these donations (@ 14/bag) is approximately 3,794 which can support a range of services in the local area such as Heart start programs, prevention and care programs, and Health at Work initiatives. 22