Climate Emergency. “Institutions take urgent action to help reduce or halt climate change, avoid irreversible damage, and support environmental sustainability measures.”
Climate Emergency. Forth Valley College recognises that the changing climate will have far reaching effects on Scotland’s economy, people and environment. Consequently, the commitment to carbon reduction remains a key strategic objective for the College and we continue to progress a “whole college approach” through adoption of the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Learning in Future Environments (LiFE) initiative. The LiFE initiative adopts a self-assessment tool for 4 key themes- each with their own objectives; • Leadership and Governance • Estates and Operations • Partnership and Engagement • Learning and Teaching Our vision is to continue to lead by example in all our activities and to ensure that learners are aware of the impact their actions will have, on the environment. This commitment is supported by the College Green Sustainability Statement that is approved annually by the Board of Management and Senior Management Team. The College, through its partnership with the EAUC and re-signing of the Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment for Scotland (UCCCfS) has developed a Carbon Management Plan, with a commitment to lower carbon year on year. Moving into our new Falkirk campus means that we aim to reset our baseline once we have sufficient data, however our new campus will have a lower carbon footprint than our old campus. However The CMP forms only part of the overall College Sustainability agenda. The College Sustainability Committee consists of various College support and teaching departments along with the Student Association. The Committee set key performance indicators and continue to monitor progress. These key performance indicators include printing, travel, energy and utilities, health and wellbeing, sustainable procurement, waste, Fairtrade, embedding sustainability into the curriculum along with citizenship and employability. In Session 2020-21 the College has introduced and embedded a range of measures to reduce energy usage. Overall heating temperatures have been reduced controlled by the Building Management System, and at Falkirk users cannot override radiator settings. At both Alloa and Stirling we have upgraded our rain water harvester systems, which is allowing greater use of grey water. We have reduced our omissions by increasing our green fleet of electric vehicles to three cars and two vans, we have reduced travel by smarter timetabling with staff not timetabled in more than one campus per day, and have been promotin...
Climate Emergency. Preamble: In a damning report last year the IPCC declared that we have 12 years to limit the climate change catastrophe. The future of the planet and life as we know it depends on what measures we take in the next decade. The catastrophe has already begun. The Sahara desert advances 20km south every year threatening the millions of people who live in the Sahel with the realities of drought, erosion and famine. To the south, deforestation plagues these regions of equatorial Africa as well as Indonesia and the Amazon; areas that are also crucial hotspots for the absorption of atmospheric carbon due to their location and density of vegetation. In Australia, last year the Great Barrier Reef suffered its worst bleaching event in history and rural Australia was plagued with drought. Fires have raged across Europe and North America and storms, cyclones and hurricanes worldwide are becoming more intense and more frequent. Around the world, the pressure for radical action is rising. Last year’s IPCC report proved that the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement would not be adequate and was unlikely to be realised as politicians continue to help big businesses secure lucrative contracts for coal, oil and gas extraction. In Australia the Liberal party have continued their overt love-affair with coal, best symbolised in their endorsement of the Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Coal Mine in the Galilee Basin. The ALP have also, despite claiming they are in favour of honoring the Paris Agreement and taking action on climate change, continued to support the proposed mine in Queensland on the false claim that it will bring 1000’s of Jobs to rural Australians. This is despite 65% of Australians saying they are against Xxxxx. This bi-partisan failure is added to by both major parties supporting exploration by big oil companies in the Great Australian Bight. We as student representatives at the Australian National University, declare a CLIMATE EMERGENCY. We demand the government ensure a complete transition to 100% renewable energy, end new coal, oil and gas projects and begin transferring and re-skilling all workers in this sector into the renewable sector. We recognise the efforts of activists and groups to raise awareness and fight against climate change, and stand in solidarity with people around the world fighting for a liveable future on this planet. Motion: XXXXX declares a Climate Emergency. XXXXX condemns both major parties for their inaction and negligence towards climate change XXXXX comme...
Climate Emergency. 23 1. INTRODUCTION This is the University of Aberdeen’s Outcome Agreement with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) for 2022-23. It sets out the University’s commitments to delivering outcomes prioritised by the Scottish Government via the SFC, relating to Students, Research, and to Economic Recovery and Social Renewal. This is the University’s first Outcome and Impact Framework since Covid-19 rules and restrictions were lifted in Scotland. It comes at a time when the University, as with the wider sector, focuses not just on its post-pandemic recovery, but on mitigating a growing cost-of-living crisis which has arisen as a consequence of various national and international events, including Brexit and Xxxxx’x war in Ukraine. This document therefore outlines key measures taken by the University in response to these challenging environmental factors across the areas identified by the SFC; focusing not least on supporting the health, safety, and wellbeing of the University community. This ethos is underpinned by the University’s Aberdeen 2040 strategy, launched in February 2020, just prior to the onset of Covid-19 in the UK. With its focus on Education and Research, and the four strategic themes of Inclusive, Interdisciplinary, International and Sustainable, it sets out 20, high-level commitments to be delivered over the coming years; providing a framework to the University for its longer-term contributions to recovery from the pandemic and to society more broadly, as every effort is made to collectively navigate these challenging times. In this regard, the University is pleased to note that despite the challenges faced in recent years, its ability to work towards its strategic commitments has remained undimmed; reflected in key measures like the National Student Survey (NSS) where it now ranks 4th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland, and across different league tables, where it now ranks inside the UK top 20 in two of the three primary domestic measures. Taking account of this wider context, this Agreement focuses on how the University will continue to address the key areas and priority outcomes identified by the Scottish Government via the SFC, in line with its own strategic priorities. It covers the following areas: • Outcomes for Students • Fair Access and Transitions • High Quality Learning, Teaching and Support • Partnership, Participation and Student Experience • Learning with Impact • Equalities and Inclusion • Outcomes for Research • Research Excellence • Re...
Climate Emergency. The Council has a clear strategy for addressing the Climate Emergency and we would expect the funder to support the Council’s Climate Change principles. The focus on Sport, Play and Youth provision through this allocated funding will concentrate on localised opportunities that we would encourage access to through sustainable modes of transport. Health & Safety Both parties will operate within the Council’s Health & Safety Policy and processes. Any accident/incident will be reported to the Council’s SLA lead and appropriate on-line accident forms completed. If providing food, the council will demonstrate clear understanding of and demonstrate certificates in Food Hygiene, Allergen Awareness (based on the latest allergens & labelling law) and risk assessment for the preparation and serving of food. All of the above will be delivered by the council, on behalf of the funder, across all associated provision.
Climate Emergency. The Statement of Ambition 2030, which sets out the College’s long-term ambitions and aspirations as the country recovers from the pandemic, was launched in August 2021. The Ayrshire College Statement of Ambition 2030 is that: Ayrshire College will be an inspirational place of learning where individuals can excel and realise their full potential and where businesses and communities can access skills, expertise and innovation that supports local and national economic development and inclusive growth. We will achieve this through strong collaboration and partnership working and by investing in and valuing our staff and students. The overall Statement for 2030 has three underpinning ambitions: Ambition 1 To be an accessible, inspirational, and inclusive place to work and learn Ambition 2 To support, empower and inspire our staff and students Ambition 3 To be a high-performing, environmentally responsible college recognised for excellence, equality, and integrity In addition to the Statement of Ambition, a Refresh and Renew Plan 2021-24 has been developed which identifies key strategic objectives for the next 3 years that will support economic and social recovery and contribute to achieving the three Ambitions. Over the next 3 years Ayrshire College will: Embed a culture of open leadership and empowerment where staff and students feel valued, their voices are heard, and they are involved in decisions which affect them. Provide an inspirational college experience which supports and enables students to overcome the disruption to learning caused by the pandemic and to successfully progress on their learning journey. Embed diversity and inclusion in all decisions, and support staff and students by providing accessible opportunities to learn, work and develop. Focus on being a high-performing College underpinned by excellence in stewardship, effective risk management and the highest standards of corporate governance. Respond to the climate change emergency by being environmentally responsible, embedding sustainability in our learning and teaching and business operations. Work with partners, including businesses, to co-create a portfolio of learning and skills that is relevant, dynamic, flexible, and responsive to employer and industry needs, to current and future skills requirements and contributes to social and economic recovery. Develop and support staff and students to work and learn in new and innovative ways to enable excellence in all aspects of learning and t...
Climate Emergency. The college continues to make progress in this area. With capital funding from SFC, we introduced LED lighting and insulation in teaching areas and student communal areas. We also introduced instant hot water heaters in the kitchen and student toilets in the main building and in student communal areas. The impact of the Coronavirus on all aspects of society has highlighted the importance of outdoor learning in supporting sustainability and promoting the health and well-being of people of all ages. We are very well placed to respond to the Scottish Government focus on the green agenda and sustainability. Our Forest College Programme offers accredited learning options to a wide range of learners across Scotland, including: - 3-18 pupils and staff - 16-24 year olds - adult returners - Third Age learners - outdoor learning practitioners - corporate clients Our Rural Skills Courses and Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards are delivered in our 125 acre estate and in community locations. Our Community Woodland Ranger and Forest College Co-ordination have continued to undertake community engagement with volunteers, in compliance with national social distancing guidelines, throughout the period of lockdown. Our outdoor learning classroom, established through SFC capital funding, has enabled us to extend curriculum and commercial opportunities. While the impact of the Coronavirus continues to have an adverse effect on college income, Newbattle is very well placed to emerge from national restrictions with confidence. Support from SFC and our Trustees has greatly enhanced the condition of the main building, outdoor teaching areas and student residency. Our staff expertise and our successful collaboration with partners offer major opportunities to respond to the green agenda through curriculum and corporate developments. Although challenging, online delivery of the curriculum has enhanced the skills and creativity of staff. These skills will be valuable in developing our online learning opportunities, as detailed at point 6 above. Likewise, the difficulties faced by all members of our college community have strengthened our collective commitment to work together for the continuing development of Newbattle. Appendix 1 College Outcome Agreement Impact Framework: Supporting Data 2019- 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 20 2020-21 1,220 1,320 833 1,190 1,148 1,237 921 1,220 1,320 833 1,190 1,148 1,237 921 40 80 64 50 70 147 56 3.3% 6.1% 7.7% 4.2% 6.1% 11.9% 6.1% 0 0 0 8...
Climate Emergency. 77. The most recent Greenmetric world ranking in which we appear has placed the University in the top 100 in the world, top in Scotland and in the top 10 in the UK for its environmental sustainability. We have worked to raise awareness of environmental issues across our campuses and amongst both staff and students and will continue to keep these important issues at the top of our agenda.
Climate Emergency. 3.1. The University of St Xxxxxxx places environmental sustainability and responding to the climate emergency at the heart of all we do. Our leadership team has committed to developing ‘Sustainability’ as a theme in the forthcoming University Strategy 2022-27 and to becoming Net Zero by 2035.
Climate Emergency. Xxxxxxxx and Xxxxxxxx College continues to be a leading voice in green skills development to help tackle climate change and are dedicated to making our ideas a reality that will benefit students, staff and the wider region. Our Green Skills Academy offers a range of courses focused on sustainability and green technology to allow people to upskill or retrain for employment in a net zero future. Green Skills Academy Our Green Energy Hub continues to promote sustainable economic growth, increased air quality and other aspects of environmental forward planning within the region. The technology provided by the hub will allow access to a significant range of practical solutions to the challenges of heating, power, and water supply.
