Climate Emergency. “Institutions take urgent action to help reduce or halt climate change, avoid irreversible damage, and support environmental sustainability measures.”
Climate Emergency. 23 1. INTRODUCTION This is the University of Aberdeen’s Outcome Agreement with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) for 2021-22. 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. As with the Outcome and Impact Framework published in early 2021 in response to Covid-19, this document is written at a time when the University, as with the sector at large, continues to work under constraints resulting from the pandemic, while in parallel, working to mitigate the adverse effects of Brexit on the sector. The University has also been working to begin delivery of its landmark strategic vision, Aberdeen 2040, published in March 2020 just prior to the first major lockdown. Aberdeen 2040 provides a framework to the University for its longer-term contributions to recovery from the pandemic and to society more broadly, and sets out a road map for institutional priorities over the coming years. This document outlines in detail a range of measures the University has and will take to mitigate the ongoing impacts of Covid-19 over the short to medium-term, while in turn positively impacting the wider recovery. Under the priority Outcomes referenced above, this Agreement addresses a number of key areas, setting out the different activities, initiatives and actions it will continue to take forward over the coming years. These areas are as follows: • Outcomes for Students • Fair Access and Transitions • High Quality Learning, Teaching and Support • Partnership, Participation and Student Experience • Learning with Impact • Public Health Emergency • Equalities and Inclusion • Outcomes for Research • Research Excellence • Research Sustainability • Outcomes for Economic Recovery and Social Renewal • Responsive Institutions • Confident and Highly Capable – Work Ready Graduates • Knowledge Exchange and Innovation • Collaboration • Climate Emergency It should be noted at the outset that while this document focuses primarily on the Scottish context, the strategies, actions, standards and services taken forward and provided by the University to staff and students both during the pandemic and on an ongoing, permanent basis, are also applied to staff and students studying as part of the University’s provision in Qatar, where applicable. The refined Table of Measures provided by the SFC at the start of the exercise is attached as Appendix
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. We continue to enhance our impact and work around sustainability as referenced more closely in the ROA. Our Vision By 2025 Dumfries & Xxxxxxxx College will provide an ambitious and far-reaching student experience that will: Nurture aspiration, ambition and achievement Support and stimulate the regional economy and communities Develop our people and partnerships Enable equity of access and social mobility Support Scotland's transition to net zero Case Studies Outcomes for Students: Digital Care Hub At the heart of our college lies a cutting-edge initiative that has redefined the way we approach teaching and learning within our Health and Social Care department. Our Digital Care Hub, originally designed as a nurturing home environment for students, is revolutionizing education. This state-of-the-art facility is not merely a space but a testament to our commitment to providing an unparalleled learning experience. The Digital Care Hub boasts a plethora of features that could reshape the way care at home could be delivered in the future. This has reshaped the learning landscape for health and social care students in Dumfries and Xxxxxxxx. Central to the Hub’s innovation are our Learning Pods – collaborative spaces where students can engage in group work while seamlessly sharing their work with another member of the group who could be sitting at home – or indeed anywhere else. This fosters dynamic interaction and enhances the collaborative spirit among our students. The Hub also encompasses a spacious area dedicated to classroom activities, complete with a mobile digital board. One of the most remarkable facets of the Digital Care Hub is its versatility. The space can be effortlessly partitioned, accommodating multiple classes or lectures, including those online. This adaptability ensures that we can meet the evolving demands of modern education, even in the face of challenging scheduling constraints. Indeed, some of the lecturers will be delivering from home while others are in the Care Hub.Incorporating technology to its fullest extent, we have the capacity to record live lessons and capture students’ practical demonstrations of their skills. These recordings are made accessible through the Hub’s integrated flat screens, providing students with a valuable resource for self- assessment and improvement. Collaboration with the National Health Service (NHS) has been pivotal in shaping the Hub, infusing it with clinical expertise and insights. Clinical educators no...
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. 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. Innovation in Responding to the Climate Emergency Xxxxxxxx and Xxxxxxxx College is 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 focussed on sustainability and green technology to allow people to upskill or train for an employment in a net zero future. xxxxx://xxx.xxxxxx.xx.xx/green-skills-academy Our Green Energy Hub was launched in April this year. The hub promotes 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. Case Study: Awards and Recognition Dumfries and Xxxxxxxx College was crowned Sustainable Institution of the Year across the UK and Ireland in 2020 in the small institution category of the Green Gown Awards. The College was subsequently shortlisted for the International Green Gown award and has received acclaim for its work. Sustainable Development Goals Dumfries and Xxxxxxxx College has this year published it’s new climate change action plan. The ambitious and far-reaching document outlines the steps that the College plans to take to reach it’s net zero target by 2030. The College took the step of declaring a climate emergency in 2019 and has created a cross college working group dedicated to supporting and providing guidance to staff and students on climate change issues. Initiatives include; Carbon reductions through efficient operations; reducing the negative impact of business travel; reducing waste and a renewed emphasis on green skills and education. Appendix 1 Index to relevant links: Ambition 2025 xxxxx://xxxxxxxx.xxxxxx.xx.xx/tools/file_viewer/files/25124.pdf?t=1637585855.292 Student Experience Strategy xxxxx://xxxxxxxx.xxxxxx.xx.xx/tools/file_viewer/files/25122.pdf?t=1637585998.148 Equality Impact Assessment Results and Summary xxxxx://xxx.xxxxxx.xx.xx/sites/default/files/2021- 10/Equality%20Impact%20Assessment%20Results%20Summary.pdf Transform Learning Model file:///C:/Users/storrierp/Downloads/Transform%20Learning%20Model%202021.22.p df Climate Change Action Plan file:///C:/Users/storrierp/Downloads/climate%20change%20action%20plan%20(2). pdf Appendix 2 Key performance measures, supporting data. College Outcome Agreement Impact Fram...
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...
