University Estates Still Underpin Sustainability Progress in Higher Education
I was invited to contribute to a book celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Association of University Directors of Estates (www.aude.ac.uk) some time back.
The main components of my contribution are available on my blog site. Here's the summary:
Universities in the UK have responded to the research challenge and have developed world leading expertise in a wide range of disciplines – cities and urbanism, public health, food and crops, climate adaptation, energy systems and transport, forestry and water and they’ve done it on the campuses, in the buildings and laboratories and out there, for real, in wider society. Because of that, the campuses of 2018 are very different to the campuses of 25 years ago.
Today, visit any UK university and the chances are you will find an exemplar building or project that showcases the art of the possible. Zero carbon laboratories, BREEAM outstanding buildings, LEED Platinum and Passivhaus standards abound. Without doubt, our universities are able to demonstrate best practice with exemplars but are the social, economic and environmental impacts (both positive and negative) of universities adequately understood – both academically and operationally?
You can read the longer version of this blog here.
Public Engagement Director
7 年Very thought provoking, 'is the message getting across?' in some ways yes. Another way to catch attention would be electric car charging points at ALL halls not just hidden away for university vehicles blocking in early morning. Low carbon Notts are offering ￡25,000 for every charging - ideal opportunity. https://www.transportnottingham.com/workplace-travel-service/
Sustainability Leader & Board Chair | Helping Local Governments Lead the Way in Climate Solutions | MBA, MF, CCEM, CCMP?, CC-P?, ICD.D
7 年Great article Andy. To me your article speaks to "big messy problem" of sustainability and the need for organizations to adopt a whole systems perspective to achieve the ultimate outcome of a sustainable future. Nice work!