Sustainability at the University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews contributes social, economic and environmental benefits in a number of ways. As a result of the provision of excellence in teaching and research, the University has delivered significant benefits to local, national and global communities. The University's reputation and its physical presence in Fife, Scotland means that it also has considerable responsibilities in terms of its operations and future developments on the institution's land and buildings. The University of St Andrews significantly shapes and influences the minds of students and staff who learn and work here and whose actions are informed by the leadership shown by the University's governing body. The skills that students who leave St Andrews with should include a knowledge of sustainability principles.
Sustainability is firmly rooted within the University's governance processes and principles. This governance includes ensuring that the basic fundamentals of environmental compliance are coupled with ongoing improvements in environmental management performance.
Our mission
The University of St Andrews has a mission to be recognised locally and internationally as a world-class institution that leads by example, fully integrating sustainable development into all that we do.
The University of St Andrews is committed to continuing to understand and improve its performance with respect to sustainable development. The University works within the UK Government's framework policy approach, which entails meeting four objectives at the same time:
- Social progress that recognises the needs of everyone.
- Effective protection of the environment.
- Prudent use of natural resources.
- Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.
The sustainability objectives for 2005 to 2009 are outlined below:
Objective 1 - Environment Management and Compliance
To prevent pollution and ensure 100% compliance with relevant environment legislation now and in the future.
Objective 2 - Resource Use
To ensure prudent use of natural resources.
Objective 3 - Utilities Management
To develop and implement best practice utilities management to control cost and consumption of specific natural resources.
Objective 4 - Waste Management
To minimise the production of waste from the University and ensure that the maximum amount is reused and recycled.
Objective 5 - Travel and Transport
To develop solutions that reduce travel and transport impacts generated by the University.
Objective 6 - Changing Behaviour
To change behaviour of staff and students by achieving effective internal communication of environment and sustainability issues.
Objective 7 - Research and Teaching
To teach and research at an international level on sustainability issues.
Tracking and reporting performance
Progress made and performance against targets will be reported at each Environment Task Group meeting. An annual report of performance will approved by the Environment Task Group and presented at the Planning and Resources Committee and then to Court in December of each year. It is intended that this report will be published and made available to internal and external stakeholders in the form of an annual Sustainability Report. A set of sustainability indicators will be created to enable tracking of long-term trends and progress made against the sustainability objectives.