hee news


Sustainability progress across university estates says AUDE report


THE Association of University Directors of Estates, in its first-ever sustainability report, says that “sustainability is being seen as relevant across all areas of an institution and more users are taking a whole institution approach”. The report is based on the sector’s performance as indicated in the Sustainability Leadership Scorecard (SLS), which has been created by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC – more recently known as the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education), AUDE and Arup to build a definitive picture of an institution’s performance.


AUDE Chair Craig Nowell and Iain Patton, CEO of EAUC, commented jointly, saying: “With increasing expectations on universities and colleges to demonstrate responsibility and build organisational adaptability and resilience, it is appropriate that we find new approaches to sector challenges and opportunities. “Reflecting the integrated and aligned approach of the Scorecard, EAUC, AUDE


and Arup are committed to a collaborative approach, which we hope other agencies will join. This report aims to show where the sector is leading and where it needs to improve. This, our first report, establishes an important baseline for sector sustainability performance. With ever increasing stakeholder interest from funders, students, employers and the general public, we know there will be more eyes than ever reviewing future reports with the expectation of performance improvement. We welcome this scrutiny and are confident that our collaborative and strategic approach to whole-institution sustainability will inspire our sector and give it deserved recognition as a sustainability leader.” Since the launch of the SLS in June 2018, 45 institutions have used the tool to assess their current activities and set targets. The findings of the report are encouraging, says AUDE. It comments: “Sustainability is being seen as relevant across all areas of an institution and more users are taking a whole institution approach. However the


sector needs to address Risk and Climate Change Adaptation. “With the call from students seen


recently in the Youth Climate Strikes there is an urgency for the sector to take action now. This is to ensure not only that measures are taken to mitigate climate change but to also to educate about climate change. Post-16 educational institutions are in a unique place to ensure through our buildings and operations to our teaching, learning and research we can make a difference to the future of our students and our planet.”


University of Birmingham appeals for ‘smart building’ ideas


FOLLOWING the ambitious redevelopment of its campus this year, the University of Birmingham has launched an initiative which invites ideas from across the built environment sector about what might their buildings look like in 2026. Specifically, the university is seeking ideas


about how they create a “truly smart building” in order to fulfill the needs and expectations of future student generations.


Supported by Willmott Dixon and


Buildoffsite, the university wants individuals or companies to pitch ideas “Dragons Den


style” on “How to support us in creating and delivering smart, hi-tech, sustainable buildings of the future?”


Ideas the university is particularly


interested in include: - Developing buildings and the campus as a learning tool


- Sustainable methods of construction (Offsite MMC)


- Improving building performance and operational efficiency - Enhancing user comfort - Creating a seamless experience for ultra-convenience


- Digital technologies that could enhance the teaching and learning experience The university says the pitching idea is a part of a new procurement initiative that moves away from the traditional strict framework approach. It says: “Any proposals that interest the university, prompting further discussion, could well turn into tangible project opportunities across the campus development for those taking part.” To submit your interest, register


here and write a short summary for your idea (maximum 200 words) to arli@contacts.bham.ac.uk


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