Aspects and Impacts Register

Transcription

1 Aspects and Impacts Register May University of Worcester An Aspects and Impacts Register is an integral part of the University s ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System, designed to identify and give significance to sustainability and environmental materiality, that are created as a result of the activities and services provided by the University. The University sees its commitment to society to be much broader than mitigating its negative impacts and focuses its resources on positive societal impacts of its activities. Higher Education has a unique role to play in this and it is one area of distinction for the University. Therefore this register whilst noting and managing any potential harm, equal prominence is given to positive impacts and materiality. Sustainability education prepares people to cope with, manage and shape social, economic and ecological conditions characterised by change, uncertainty, risk and complexity. Teaching our students about this has the greatest societal impact. Definitions Environmental Aspects: can be defined as the activities, services and operations that have interactions with the environment such as electricity usage, food waste. Environmental Impacts: can be defined as the changes to the environment whether positive or negative that resulted from the University s activities, services and operations. For examples, energy depletion due to electricity usage and water contamination. Materiality: Materiality is a concept or convention within auditing relating to the importance/significance of an amount or transaction, normally within financial statements. In this context it assists in identifying the material respects of this University, i.e. what from our operations has the greatest societal impacts. The assessment of what is material is a matter of professional judgment and we have utilised the wisdom of the sustainability committee to help set and identify these over a series of workshops.

2 Methodology Significance is calculated as the sum of materiality, likelihood and legislation; Legislation: the aspect is scored zero if not covered by any legislation and 1 if it is. Likelihood: the probability of an impact occurring from this aspect under normal operating conditions is anticipated. Likelihood is scored on a scale of 0-3. Materiality: aspects have been scored based on their level of importance/significance in relation to potential societal impacts, determined during a series of consultation workshops held within Sustainability Commitment meetings. Aspects are scored for materiality on a scale of 1-3; Abnormal and emergency condition scores are based on the normal significance score which have been adjusted for the conditions likely influence on materiality and likelihood. The judgement of the Director of Sustainability and Sustainability Coordinator s has been used to interpret how abnormal and emergency conditions would influence an aspect s significance. Aspect and impact rank Positive Negative 1. Sustainability in the curriculum 2. Waste management 3. Sustainable procurement 4. Promotion and protection of biodiversity 5. Communication and community activities 6. Promotion of health and well-being 1. Electricity consumption 2. Natural gas consumption 3. Procurement of goods and services 4. Control of emissions to air from boilers plant 5. Road transport and promoting sustainable travel 6. Sustainable construction 7. Control of hazardous materials 8. Management of asbestos 9. Nuisance generation 10. Management of equipment containing F-gas and Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) 11. Water management 12. Controlled waste 13. WEEE waste 14. Discharge to water 15. Effluent disposal 16. Fume cupboards 1

3 No Aspect Impact Materiality (1-3) Likelihood (0-3) Legislation (0-1) Total Significance Score (1 7) Objectives Comments Normal (materiality + likelihood + legislation) Abnormal Emergency Sustainability in curriculum - Embedding sustainability in the formal and informal curriculum and conducting research into sustainability Waste management diverting waste to reuse and recycling. Disposal of food waste/ composting Sustainable procurement products, services, materials and equipment. Considering product life cycle and promoting Fairtrade/local goods and services. Increase sustainability awareness for all students. Arguably this will have the greatest impact as our students will become the decision makers of the future. Improves the institution s reputation locally and nationally and is a clear and public endorsement of its improving environmental and sustainability principles, performance and improvements. Less waste sent to landfill reduces methane and other greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. Correct disposal and storage of all waste has environmental and human benefits in terms of reduced pollution and risk to health, reduced depletion of natural resources/deforestation, soil erosion and habitat loss. Significant benefits in terms of rodent/pest control and minimisation of waste storage facilities. Reduced potential contamination and eco-toxicity but negative contribution to climate change arises from CO2 emissions and resource use from transport and some energy-inefficient recycling processes. Support charities and social enterprises through diverting potential waste to re-use schemes. Composting food waste on site reduces waste to landfill and methane and other greenhouse gas emissions. Diverting food waste from halls of residence to a regional anaerobic digestion plant generates renewable energy. Reduces depletion of natural resources and negative impact on global warming due to extraction, production, delivery and disposal processes which release CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Sustainable purchasing has positive sustainability effects, e.g. sourcing locallyproduced food and services and efficient use of funds means that UW can focus on continuous improvement in Sustainability issues. Choosing Fairtrade-certified products ensures a fairer deal for primary producers and will help to improve working conditions, encourage fairer wages and better living conditions (Pos) 4 (Pos) 3 (Pos) Embed sustainability in the curriculum and inform research where appropriate (Pos) 2 (Neg) 6 (Neg) Reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill. Increase the volume of potential waste diverted to re-use projects. Increase the percentage and waste sent of recycling (Pos) 4 (Neg) 5 (Neg) Develop and implement environmentallyresponsible procurement policies and procedures as overseen by the Sustainable Procurement Working Group. Reaching level 4 of the flexible framework. Implement policy of 'life cycle analysis' for all goods and services. Abnormal as University s influence increases the need to reassure that its sustainability agenda is important and influential. Emergency need to be transparent and peer respected in this work. Abnormal - waste and recycling consistent throughout the year with marked increase on Open Days, UCAS fair, annual staff office clearouts (summer months), students arrival and departure at beginning and end of semesters, residential summer schools, Graduation days. Emergency - Use of UW campus accommodation and facilities in event of local fire, flood or accident likely to significantly increase rates. Abnormal - marked increase in procurement of supplies and equipment at beginning and end of each financial year and for events such as UCAS Fair and Graduation days. Emergency - unforeseen need to replace stock, supplies and equipment destroyed in event of campus fire, flood or accident. 4 Promotion and protection of biodiversity Improved biodiversity protection for flora and fauna. Provision of green spaces will lead to benefits for human health and sense of wellbeing and benefit animal health. Involvement of staff, students and local community in campus sustainability projects that improve biodiversity will raise awareness of sustainability issues, the need to conserve natural ecosystems and habitats and live in harmony with the natural environment. Compliance with legislative requirements, policies and grounds management agreements (including non-use of pesticides) will have beneficial impacts on the environment. Sustainability awareness-raising leads to an increased level of (Pos) 2 (Neg) 4 (Neg) Enhance biodiversity across UW estate by incorporating biodiversity in environmental management. The Biodiversity Action Plan outlines a working programme which is regularly reviewed and updated/implemented by Abnormal - UW staff and student numbers expanding year-on-year increasing pressure on campus environment and biodiversity due to footfall and construction. Emergency - any incidence of fire, flood or accident will cause environmental damage. 2

4 5 6 Communication and community activities promotion of sustainability activity through projects, for example, through events based at The Hive and press releases to local papers Promotion of health and well-being Promote healthy lifestyles and discourage smoking, smoking in public areas. environmental responsibility, stewardship and performance on an individual basis. Increase in sustainability awareness in the local community. Support for sustainability projects has a positive impact on local habitats and biodiversity. Improves the institution's reputation locally and nationally and is a clear and public endorsement of its improving sustainable performance and improvements. Enhanced health and well-being of staff students is critical to the success of individuals and the institution. Healthy staff and students are more productive and realise greater potential at work and study. Smoking - airborne cancer-producing chemicals and litter production. Air pollution for nearby students and staff. the Strategic Management Biodiversity Group (Pos) 5 (Pos) 3 (Pos) Ensure any enhancements to the sustainability performance of the University are publicised locally and promoted on the website (Pos) 5 (Pos) 4 (Pos) Fit 4 life programme- Good health depends on a combination of both physical and mental wellbeing and therefore it seeks to maintain a healthy and safe working environment by setting policies and procedures that are designed to support the health and well-being of all its employees. Abnormal - as University's estate increases in the city, the need to reassure that its continuing improvements in environmental performance are not being compromised will grow. Emergency - need to be transparent in the event of any environmental emergency and maintain good relationships with the local press. Abnormal - legislation adhered to by all stakeholders and designated outdoor smoking zone provided at all times. Emergency - legislation adhered to by all stakeholders and designated outdoor zone provided at all times. 1 2 Electricity provided by the National Grid and used for lighting, heating, electrical and electronic appliances Gas provided from national supply Use of non-renewable fossil fuel resulting in depletion of finite gas and oil resources. Production of CO2 accelerates climate change resulting in sea-level rises, incidence of pest/diseases, damage to human health/quality of life and reduced/impaired biodiversity. Production of sulphur dioxide leads to damage to human respiratory health and formation of acid rain resulting in forest decline and lake acidification. Also leads to risk of light pollution on SJC when inappropriate use of external lighting at night. Use of non-renewable fossil fuel resulting in depletion of finite gas and oil resources. Production of CO2 accelerates climate change resulting in sea-level rises, incidence of pest/diseases, damage to human health/quality of life and reduced/impaired biodiversity. Production of sulphur dioxide leads to damage to human respiratory health and formation of acid rain resulting in forest decline and lake acidification. Production of oxides of nitrogen leads to photochemical smog formation, resulting in damage to human health, damage to plants and loss of biodiversity (Neg) 6 (Neg) 7 (Neg) Reduce energy consumption by improving monitoring and increasing awareness of energy conservation (Neg) 7 (Neg) 7 (Neg) Reduce gas consumption by improving monitoring and raising staff and student awareness on energy-efficiency issues. Abnormal - some reduction in energy consumption during student vacation periods but offset by increases on Open Days, UCAS fair, residential summer schools. Emergency - high increase in energy consumption likely when UW provides accommodation and facilities in event of local fire, flood or accident. Abnormal - increase in energy consumption when halls of residence are fully occupied and on Open Days, UCAS fair, residential summer schools, Graduation days. Emergency - high increase in energy consumption likely in event of UW campus providing accommodation and facilities in event of local fire, flood or accident. 3 Procurement of goods and services Depletion of natural resources and negative impact on global warming due to extraction, production, delivery and disposal processes which release CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Low cost of goods may indicate poor quality, high energy use, built-in obsolescence, high repair costs, frequent replacement, and difficulty of disposal. Cheap raw materials and/or components could mean lack of attention to detail, design and longevity (Neg) 7 (Neg) 7 (Neg) Develop and implement sustainable-responsible procurement policies and procedures as overseen by the Sustainable Procurement Working Group. Reaching level 4 of the flexible framework. Implement policy of 'life Abnormal - marked increase in procurement of supplies and equipment at beginning and end of each financial year and for events such as UCAS Fair and Graduation days. Emergency - unforeseen need to replace stock, supplies and equipment destroyed in event of campus fire, flood or accident. 3

5 cycle analysis' for all goods and services. 4 5 Emissions to air from boilers for central heating and generating hot water, oil-fired emergency generators, fire protection equipment, Road transport to and from campus by all stakeholders. Promotion of active and public transport. Depletion of finite gas resource. Production of CO2 leading to climate change and global warming resulting in sea level rise, changing weather patterns, increased incidence of pest/diseases, and damage to human health/quality of life and biodiversity. Also depletion of finite oil reserves and production of oxides of nitrogen leading to photochemical smog formation, resulting in damage to human health, plants and reduction of biodiversity. Production of sulphur dioxide leading to damage to human respiratory health and formation of acid rain resulting in forest decline and lake acidification. Production of particulates resulting in damage to human respiratory health. There is scope to control or influence this aspect by specifying sustainable materials and adoption of BREEAM guidance etc. Road transport - Depletion of finite, non-renewable natural resource. Emission of CO2, SOx, NOx and other contaminants and hydrocarbons which result in climate change/global warming. Reduction in local air quality due to above emissions. Impact on human health due to increasing likelihood of photochemical smog, damage to plants and impaired biodiversity. Removal of vegetation for construction of car-parking spaces results in loss of habitats and campus biodiversity. Contamination of groundwater with petrol, diesel, oil, salt and heavy metals such as lead and platinum. Possible entry into freshwater and soil ecosystems leading to reduction in species diversity, contamination of water supplies and risk to human health and threat to human health. Loss of amenity and green space reducing campus open recreational and sporting facilities for staff and students, impacting on health and wellbeing. Promotion of active and public transport - Reduction of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions and a reduced impact on local air quality, damage to plants and biodiversity. Benefits to human health, fitness and well-being (Neg) 6 (Neg) 7 (Neg) Implementation of the Carbon Management strategy has been developed to support the University s aim of improving sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. Ensure legislative compliance and best practice adopted, boiler servicing (Neg) 7 (Neg) 7 (Neg) Reduce the number of cars travelling to and from the University and promote the Sustainable Travel Plan. Promote the environmental, social, financial and health benefits of cycling to and from work and study. Provide the support and infrastructure to enable more staff and students to cycle safely to and from the university. Continue to work in close partnership with Spokes. Regularly promote salary sacrifice scheme to staff. Promotion of car-share scheme and bus travel. Abnormal - increase in emissions during winter months when central heating in use 24/7. Emergency - use of UW campus accommodation and facilities in event of fire, flood or accident likely to increase overall emissions over an extended period. Abnormal - increase in vehicular movements due to conferences, Open Days, UCAS fair, arrival/departure of students, Graduation days and deliveries associated with these events. Less staff traffic at weekends but increase in student movements. Emergency - increase in and prolonged vehicular movements due to use of UW campus accommodation and facilities in event of local fire, flood or accident. 6 Sustainable construction - management of demolition, construction, refurbishment and maintenance projects Depletion of natural resources such as timber, aggregates, water and metal products when used in building/construction projects. Damage to and pollution of water courses by mining and production processes. Extraction and production of building materials, site construction transport and the building processes all emit CO2 and other contaminants which contribute to climate change/global warming. Land degradation caused by extraction methods. Local atmospheric contamination from the use of hazardous substances such as solvents, lubricants and adhesives can harm human health. Care is needed in storage, use and disposal of such products and any waste residues. VOCs emitted from solvent-based paints during use affects local air quality. Compliance with Health and Safety guidelines. Promote use of recycled and sustainable materials and/or locally-sourced materials and labour (Neg) 5 (Neg) 7 (Neg) 1) Ensure 100% compliance with all legal and grounds management requirements/agreements. 2) Develop and implement sustainable purchasing policies for all construction and refurbishment projects. Abnormal - construction/refurbishment activity less likely during evenings and weekends therefore significance of impact is substantially reduced. Emergency - unplanned increase in construction and refurbishment projects due to unforeseen damage caused by fire, flood or accident on campus. 4

6 Control of hazardous materials - production, storage and disposal of waste Management, identification and safe disposal of asbestos Nuisance generation including noise, odour, smoke, dust and light Management of equipment containing F-gas and ozone depleting substance use in air conditioning and other equipment. Potential spillage or leakage could contribute to eco-toxicity (toxic liquid chemicals) resulting in damage to local biodiversity, global warming (HFCs, CFCs, HCFCs), harm to human health (hazardous substances), local air quality (VOCs), ozone depletion (CFCs and HCFCs), waste burden (from clean-up) and water pollution (if uncontained spillage of liquids). Resource use from waste treatment processes (landfill and incineration). Habitat loss and reduced biodiversity. Potential contamination of land, i.e. eco-toxicity (soil contamination due to use as landfill), air (odour), water (leachate), with associated impacts including global warming due to the production of methane, water pollution from landfill leachate and nuisance (e.g. odour, negative visual impact) associated with the location of landfills. Reduced air quality can lead to a risk to human health. Potential release of asbestos fibres into the atmosphere resulting in potential damage to human health. Potential waste disposal is sues - disposal in a stable non-reactive hazardous landfill cell - potential for local contamination if fibres released. Generation of any form of nuisance in the local environment including disturbance to students, staff, neighbours and habitats. This can include noise, smoke, odour, dust and light pollution caused by, a) any construction/demolition or other building work being carried out on campus, b) any grounds maintenance work and/or construction work that involves the use of portable machinery or equipment, c) the excessive use of exterior lighting in out-of-hours, d) use of oil-fired generators Potential leakage could contribute to global warming (HFCs, CFCs, HCFCs) or ozone depletion (CFCs and HCFCs). This aspect is considered controllable and influenced through appropriate procedures for use and storage F-gas and ODS for the air conditioning unit and other equipment containing gas (Neg) 5 (Neg) 7 (Neg) 1) Improve storage facilities and monitoring and control of hazardous waste. 2) Ensure 100% compliance with legislation and best practice adopted (Neg) 7 (Neg) 7 (Neg) Ensure best practice and 100% compliance with legislation. Maintain Management Plan for Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) and Asbestos Register. All contractors briefed on ACM before starting works. All staff who roles may mean they work on building fabric fully trained (Neg) 3 (Neg) 6 (Neg) Ensure best practice and 100% compliance with legislation. Maintain a register of complaints/incidents while construction and refurbishment programme takes place on SJC in 2008/10. Ensure full engagement with wider community is continued throughout the building programme (Neg) 5 (Neg) 6 (Neg) Air conditioning and to be correctly maintained and performance Checked and leak test to ensure risk of environmental impact is minimised. Ensure 100% compliance with legislation and best practice adopted. is not necessarily reduced. Emergency - in event of fire, flood or accident a major pollution incident may occur leading to contamination of land, air and water.. Abnormal demolition and refurbishment of building. Contractors not following procedures. Emergency unidentified material disturb or unplanned release as a result of major incident, for example, fire. Abnormal - construction/refurbishment activity less likely during evenings and weekends but sometimes necessary, therefore significance of impact is substantially reduced. Emergency - unplanned increase in construction and refurbishment projects due to unforeseen damage caused by fire, flood or accident on campus. is not necessarily reduced. Emergency - incidence of campus fire, flood and accident liable to cause major pollution incident due to release of contaminants into the environment. 5

7 Water used by staff, students and visitors and other University stakeholders for everyday use Production and storage and disposal of controlled waste (i.e. all waste to landfill removed by waste contractors) Production, storage and disposal of WEEE waste (e.g. computer monitors, fridges and freezers, TVs, paints, adhesives, fluorescent tubes, chemicals, clinical, oil, fuel, oily rags, batteries, inks, etc.) Discharges to water (including ground water run-off (petrol, oil, salt and grit) Depletion of natural resource essential for all life on earth. Overconsumption can negatively affect local water supplies. Over-use of chlorine/ozone and fluoride in treatment is a potential risk of damage to human health and ecosystems. Resource from waste treatment processes (landfill and incineration). Habitat loss and reduced biodiversity. Potential contamination of land, i.e. eco-toxicity (soil contamination due to use as landfill), air (odour), water (leachate), with associated impacts including global warming due to the production of methane, water pollution from landfill leachate and nuisance (e.g. odour, negative visual impact) associated with the location of landfills. Reduced air quality can lead to a risk to human health. Potential mixing of hazardous and controlled waste or different types of hazardous waste increases the risk of pollution to the environment or requires additional disposal processes. It is a legal requirement to segregate waste into the correct category. This means it can be handled in a way that prevents pollution from leaching or discharge to land and water. Segregation (clinical bags, sharps, others) is necessary to reduce risk of cross-contamination of waste. Human environment, health and safety issues, potential for spillage into the surrounding environment leading to pollution to land or water. Inadequate storage/containment leading to increased risk of pollution to local and wider environment resulting in damage to biodiversity. Aesthetics, nuisance. Contribution to global warming through landfill gas or incinerator emissions leading to production of CO² into atmosphere. Pollution through emissions/effluent to air, land or water from production process, production related energy usage which releases emissions and discharges to land, water or air causing pollution to the environment. Increased risk of damaging bio-diversity at a local and national level. Negative impact on the local environment and water quality with potential to impair/reduce biodiversity and ecosystems due to contamination and potential pollution of surface freshwater courses, underground water courses and soil structure. Also possible soil erosion leading to contamination and silting of freshwater streams and lakes. Threat to flora, fauna, wildlife and aquatic life and fish stocks when discharge enters water courses. All have impact on quality of water supply and necessitate more water treatment and cleansing to alleviate threat to human and animal health (Neg) 4 (Neg) 6 (Neg) 1) Reduce water consumption by improving monitoring, extending the use of water-saving devices, promoting water conservation and increasing water re-use (Neg) 4 (Neg) 5 (Neg) Ensure best practice and legislative compliance in correct storage, management, monitoring and disposal of waste (Neg) 4 (Neg) 5 (Neg) Improve storage facilities and monitoring and control of WEEE waste and ensure 100% compliance with WEEE Directive (Neg) 4 (Neg) 6 (Neg) Ensure legislative compliance and best practice adopted. Abnormal - some reduction in water consumption during student vacation periods but offset by increases on Open Days, UCAS fair, residential summer schools, Graduation days. Emergency - high increase in water use likely when UW campus provides accommodation and facilities in event of local fire, flood or accident. weekends for majority of the year therefore significance of impact is not necessarily reduced. Emergency - in the event of fire, flood or accident possibility of uncontrolled release of contaminants into the environment causing pollution of air, water and land. is not necessarily reduced. Emergency - in event of fire, flood or accident a major pollution incident may occur leading to contamination of land, air and water. is not necessarily reduced. Emergency - in event of campus fire, flood or accident a major pollution incident may occur leading to contamination of land, air and water. 15 Effluent disposal; bathrooms/cleaners, discharge of effluent to sewers. Possible breaches of disposal agreements. Human health and safety issues, potential for spillage into the surrounding environment. Inadequate storage and containment leading to increased risk of pollution to local and wider environment. Contribution to global warming through emissions of landfill gas (methane) or incinerator emissions leading to production of CO² into atmosphere. Pollution through emissions/effluent to air, land or water from production process, production related energy usage which releases emissions and discharges to land, water or air causing pollution to the environment. Increased risk of damaging biodiversity at a local and (Neg) 6 (Neg) 6 (Neg) Reduce emissions and discharges by improving monitoring, raising staff and student awareness, regularly reviewing practice against benchmarks/new technology and best practice for improvement. Abnormal - significance of impact increased during summer months as always a period of numerous maintenance and construction projects. Emergency - incidence of campus fire, flood or accident likely to lead to discharge of toxic substances into water supply causing serious pollution incident. 6

8 national level. Potential release of nitrates, phosphates and organic effluents to local watercourses, leading to fish death and reduced species diversity. Loss of water as a natural resource use of chlorine / ozone in treatment and potential risk of damage to human health and ecosystems. Aesthetics, nuisance. 16 Emissions to air from fume cupboards and use of chemicals, solvents and some cleaning materials Solvents and chemicals can cause various health problems should these substances enter the body, get on the skin or be inhaled. Damage can also be caused to local ecosystems and food chains should they be released into the environment and enters the soil or underground water courses, eg. DDT (Neg) 3 (Neg) 6 (Neg) Ensure legislative compliance and best practice adopted. is not necessarily reduced. Emergency - in event of fire, flood or accident a major pollution incident may occur leading to contamination of land, air and water. Reviewed: November 2009, May 2011, March 2012, April 2013, April 2014, December 2014-July