CAMPUS Following our biodiversity analysis in 2024 we will redevelop all our green spaces to create accessible and biodiverse rich areas for our community by 2030 0% Sustainable food policy in place by 2026 Undertake an estate wide decarbonisation study by 2026 CREATING GREEN SPACES FOR ALL GREEN IT FEEDING THE FUTURE INVESTING IN A CIRCULAR ECONOMY ESTATE DECARBONISATION AND NET ZERO SUPPORTING TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT Landfill (Pledged) Reduction of waste by by 2030 Increase recycling rate by Establish a carbon reduction plan by 2027 Seek to appoint an Energy and Data Officer by 2025 Improve pollution monitoring across campus Work with IT to establish a robust sustainable IT framework Undertake digital decluttering initiatives Undertake a travel and transport analysis by 2026 Establish a Sustainable Travel Policy and relevant guidance for staff and students 25% 15% Our campus is a living demonstration of our sustainability values. The changes we make to our buildings, green spaces and operations influence not only our environmental footprint, but the wellbeing and behaviours of our whole community. We are committed to creating a more accessible, biodiverse and low-carbon estate – improving how we manage waste, energy, travel, water and construction, while planning a clear pathway to net zero. Progress so far has shown what’s possible; the next phase will deepen our impact, get clear on measurement and data reporting and strengthen University College Birmingham’s role as a sustainable anchor institution for Birmingham. Supporting the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust’s goal to create more green and wild spaces where nature thrives and where everyone has an equal opportunity to access nature in their daily lives CAMPUS Creating an environment that reflects our vision and values, inspiring our community to model our sustainability principles beyond campus boundaries. I’m honoured to lead University College Birmingham’s Campus Working Group and help turn our Sustainability Strategy into tangible action. Our role is to make sustainability visible and achievable across the estate – from greener spaces to everyday operational improvements. Our campus reflects our commitment to our students’ experience and bringing together different voices to make sure our decisions reflect the needs of our whole community. Our work will foster greater awareness, engagement and accountability, empowering individuals to contribute to meaningful environmental and social change on campus. Benjamin Pithouse, Executive Director of Student Support and Wellbeing and Campus Working Group lead for our Sustainability Steering Board LOOKING AHEAD 2025-2030: A SELECTION OF ACTIONS WE’RE TAKING ACROSS OUR CAMPUS CASE STUDY Centre for Sustainable Construction, formerly James Cond Printworks The Centre for Sustainable Construction brings our sustainability ambitions to life. Housed in a restored 1920s Art Deco printworks in the Jewellery Quarter, the centre showcases what responsible retrofit looks like in practice: from solar panels generating over 16MWh of energy annually, to original Crittal windows adapted rather than replaced to improve thermal efficiency without losing their heritage character. Live energy monitoring at the entrance lets any student observe the building’s energy use in real time. With 100% of construction waste diverted from landfill, the teaching facility exemplifies circular economy in practice – preparing students for retrofit, low-carbon building and circular-construction techniques that are in critical national shortage. Or BNG as it’s often referred to – it requires developments in England to leave nature in a measurably better state than before. It became a legal requirement in 2024, meaning most new developments must deliver at least a 10% biodiversity improvement. This is influencing planning, construction and land management across England. WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN? UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2025–2030 17 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2025–2030 16
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