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Sustainability Report

2016 - 17

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FORWARD

The future of the environment is the responsibility of all of us, both collectively and individually. The products we buy, the journeys we make, the actions we take all impact on the world around us, and it is vital that we all make a real effort to reduce the damage we are doing to the environment.

The Government's Climate Change Act 2008 sets legally binding targets for the UK to reduce CO2 emissions by least 34% by 2020 and by at least 80% by 2050 from 1990 levels.

Aston University has robust plans in place to meet the 2020 target at institutional level. The University has set itself a challenging target of 48% by 2020 (from 2005/6 base year) in line with our Aston 2020 University Strategy where sustainability forms one of our eight high level objectives.

Professor Alec Cameron, Vice Chancellor

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The strategic management of energy and sustainability is undertaken by the Sustainability Team within Estates and Capital Developments and supported by the Sustainable Aston Working Group (SAWG) and the Estates Sustainability Group (ESG). Members of these groups meet quarterly. This report is linked to the University’s main sustainability objectives and targets as detailed in our ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 50001 documentation and summarised on page 9.

This year we have seen some significant sustainability initiatives implemented as well as positive steps to hitting our targets. This includes:

• Reducing our Scope 1 and 2 (direct) carbon emissions by 33.6% since 2005/06 • Adopting a sustainable construction specification for refurbished projects called SKA HE • Moving to zero waste to landfill • Increasing our secure cycle parking infrastructure • Strengthening our procurement targets for next year • Achieving 6th in the People and Planet University League 2016 • Re-Accredited to ISO 14001:2015 new standard

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

As well as improving sustainability within Aston University, we are also concerned about the wider social and economic impacts the university has on the world. As such, we are focusing on Aston’s contribution to achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These seventeen goals have been agreed by world leaders, after extended consultation with a host of people and organisations, to drive the global agenda to create a better world through to 2030. Aston University is seeking to align its work against the SDGs to support the global effort to make a better world by 2030, and to publicise the university’s widespread contribution to society in Birmingham, in the UK, and the world at large.

The Sustainability Team is currently carrying out a baseline survey to identify Aston’s contribution to the achievement of the SDGs through the research and teaching carried out at the university, as well as additional projects run by students and staff and the university as a whole to effect change both within campus and in the outside world. Each of our objectives and targets are linked to one or more SDG’s and these are highlighted at the bottom of each aspect in this document

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CONTENTS

Forward ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Sustainable Development Goals ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2

Sustainable Timeline .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Objectives and Targets .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

1. Biodiversity ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

2. Energy and Climate Change ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

3. Construction ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

4. Waste and Recycling ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

5. Water management .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

6. Travel and Transport ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

7. Procurement ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

8. Community ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

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SUSTAINABLE TIMELINE

1990’S A breeding pair of Kestrels first recorded nesting in the Main Building and this event carry’s on to date. Installation of a Building Management System (BMS) to all our buildings. Now 100% of our buildings at Aston Triangle are on our BMS.

2006 Professor Dame Julia King became Vice-Chancellor of Aston University until 2016. At the time Julia was a member of the Committee on Climate Change.

2007 Sustainable Aston Working Group (SAWG) setup Aston Sustainability Aims written Ranked 93rd in People and Planet University Green League Fairtrade Group setup University gains Fairtrade status

2008 First Environmental Manager employed Aston University becomes a member of the Environment Association of Universities and Collages The People and Planet Green Educational Declaration signed by Vice-Chancellor Sustainability webpages created and live Environmental Policy written Ranked 45th in People and Planet University Green League University becomes a partner in the Birmingham District Energy Company (BDEC) by signing 25 year contract. BDEC install a 2MW and 1MW Combined Heat and Power engines in University Energy Centre selling low carbon electricity and heat University passes EUETS requirements over to BDEC Aston Business School becomes an early signatory to the UN Global Compact Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME)

2009

Ethical Investment Policy written Sustainability Policy written Ranked 18th in People and Planet University Green League BDEC starts operating Energy Centre Student Union recruit first Ethical Officer Aston University is successful in gaining a £312,000 SALIX revolving Green Fund for energy saving projects University signs up to 10:10 commitment initiative which aims for a 10% of energy usage by 2010 Aston Wildlife Group setup EcoCampus Bronze level Awarded

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2010 First Go Green Week organised First Energy Manager employed Go Green Workbook created Biodiversity Policy written along with a Biodiversity Action Plan Transport Plan written @GreenAstonUni Facebook page created Original Carbon Management Plan written University adopts a 5% stretched target above HE sector average to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Originally this average was 48%, so Aston’s target was 53%. However, as the sector dropped this to 43% eventually in 2017 the University aligned its emissions target to 48% based on 2005/06 baseline year. Ranked 5th in People and Planet University Green League EcoCampus Silver level achieved Sustainable Procurement Policy written Waste Management Plan written Kestrel Cam installed to watch live feed of nest ABS receives funding for HEFCE project ‘Leading Curriculum Change in Sustainability’ New Aston Student Villages phase 1built including the first micro wind turbine in Birmingham VC agrees that all new buildings to meet BREEAM Excellent certification Third Party Masshouse residential building added to Aston’s BDEC scheme

2011

MSc in Social Responsibility and Sustainability launched Energy Champions created, which evolves into Go Green Champions EcoCampus Gold level achieved EAS introduce corporate responsibility into some of its MSc programmes Ranked 5th in People and Planet University Green League although due to an error by People and Planet the University is shown as 12th with a disclaimer attached Zero Waste in halls of residence achieved Aston Student Villages becomes a separate entity and its emissions are removed from the University’s baseline figures Energy and Water Management Policy written University install a Rocket Composter for food waste Aston Brain Centre gains BREEAM Excellent standard Refurbishment of Woodcock Sports (Grade II listed building built 1860) and added to the district heat network Third Party Woodcock Street Birmingham City Centre Offices added to the Aston BDEC scheme Awarded RGF loan towards installing voltage optimisation in Vision Sciences and Business School

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2012

Aston representative attends Rio+20 Earth Summit 2012 Sustainability included within PG Certificate 32.5 KW solar PV system installed on Main Building roof Birmingham Centre for Business Ethics (BCBE) established at ABS University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy written including sustainability EcoCampus Platinum level achieved Ranked 11th in People and Planet University Green League European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI) opens at Aston University EBRI highly commended at EAUC Green Gown Awards Woodcock Sports Centre refurbishment highly commended at EAUC Green Gown Awards Awarded RGF loan towards installing free cooling in our main data centre

2013 Sustainability one of eight aims within the University’s 2020 Strategy Awarded RGF loan to reinsulate our Main Building basement heating pipes ABS becomes a signature to Global Compact Conference Aston Main Building opens, which is the first main refurbishment using SMART LED lights as a standard Specification Aston University hosts Foundation meeting of the newly formed UK and Ireland of PRME Library fully refurbished including a large number of energy saving measures Aston Student Villages phase 2 complete including a series of brown roofs and a second micro wind turbine Woodcock Sports Centre phase 2 built and includes a green wall. Achieves BREEAM Excellent standard Second solar PV system installed onto Vision Sciences roof, but feed Woodcock phase 2 University ethical framework policy approved by Council University invests in Automatic Meter Reading System to collect utility data for all utility meters Ranked 12th in People and Planet University Green League

2014 Catering wins a Bronze award by the Food for Life Catering Mark from the Soil Association accreditation Aston University drops out of Carbon Reduction Commitment due to the BDEC scheme Kitty the Kestrel mascot created Energy merges with Environment Team to create Sustainability Team Final old halls demolished MSc in Social Responsibility and Sustainability shortlisted for EAUC award Go Green Week shortlisted for EAUC award Obtains ISO 14001 accreditation along with EcoCampus

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2015 Rocket Composter is decommissioned due to multiple issues and food waste is separated and collected instead Procurement Team reach Level Four of the Flexible Framework Campus redevelopment increases green spaces around campus Carbon Week held for all 2nd year students to learn about climate change within their future careers SAWG reorganised and increases membership to include those from professional departments and champions Ranked 12th in People and Planet University Green League Winner of Best Recycling Scheme at the Making Birmingham Greener and Healthier Awards

2016 Obtains ISO 50001 (Energy Management System) Carbon Journey (previously known as the Carbon Week) takes place again in partnership with Birmingham City University First bug hotels built on campus Ranked 6th in People and Planet University Green League Carbon Week High Commended at EAUC Green Gown Awards VC Professor Dame Julia King finalist for EAUC Leadership Green Gown Award Overall Winner of Making Birmingham Greener and Healthier Awards Receives a Gold certification for Top Cycling Award Carbon Reduction hits 30% decrease since 2005/06 and is on target for 2020/21 The University’s Fairtrade Accreditation status renewed Faxi CarShare scheme launched Climate Change and Adaptation at Aston University document written

2017 BREEAM standard dropped for new build and replaced by bespoke Sustainable Construction Specification for all new build Re-Accredited to ISO 14001:2015 new standard Finalist in EAUC Green Gown Awards under Continuous Improvement Procurement Team and Sustainability Team purchase NetPositive tool SKA HE adopted for all large refurbishment projects. MB3 becomes first project to use the scheme

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OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS

BIODIVERSITY ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE WASTE AND RECYCLING PROCUREMENT COMMUNITY

Objective: To preserve, and where

possible, enhance the biodiversity of

the University campus

Objective: Raising awareness within the Aston community to ensure that everyone recognises and respects their environmental responsibilities and acts accordingly.

To deliver the targets detailed in the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)

To help embed sustainability into the curriculum by working with academics around the University including SAWG.

Reduce our scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions from energy consumption by 48% by 2020 from a 2005/6 baseline.

Reduce electricity consumption by 25% by 2020 from a 2008/9 baseline.

To reduce our total waste production to 60kg per FTE staff and student by 2020/21.

Work with at least 3 key suppliers to reduce/take back packaging.

CONSTRUCTIONReduce gas consumption by 23% by 2020 from a 2010/11 baseline.

To achieve a 5% increase in on site recycling rates by 2020/21 using a baseline of 2015/16

Map the supply chain of 1 key high risk supplier.

Maintain a top 20 position in the People and Planet Green League.

Reduce heat consumption by 23% from a 2009/10 baseline.

Embed the use of the Net Positive Tool within the procurement process.

Detailed targets can be found within the ISO 50001 Energy Review document. WATER

The Sustainability Team to provide advice on the Ethical Investment Policy review.

All new build projects must be designed in line with the Sustainable Construction Specification. Refurbishment projects over £1 million must achieve SKA HE Gold.

Reduce fugitive F Gas emissions by 25% by 2020/21 from a baseline of 2015/16

To support continuous environmental improvement by establishing demanding and measureable environmental performance targets, which are reviewed regularly and reported upon at least annually.

University Catering will work towards the Food Action Plan

Ensure all R22 F Gas is removed from all HVAC equipment by August 2018.

To achieve a 20% reduction in water usage by 2030 from 2008/9 baseline per FTE staff and students.

Maintain the University’s Fairtrade status

Provide chemical and oil spill training to key staff members every two years

Meet and where appropriate exceed all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements and agreements

Objective: To support continuous environmental improvement by establishing demanding and measureable environmental performance targets, which are reviewed regularly and reported upon at least annually.

Objective: To recognise our purchasing decisions and aim to minimise any negative environmental and social impact.The University will support agricultural practices that are environmentally friendly, economically viable and socially responsible by the way we purchase consumables.

Objective: To protect the environment by preventing all kinds of pollution through reduced emissions

To maintain EcoCampus Platinum and ISO 14001.

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1. BIODIVERSITY

1.1 CAMPUS REDEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The University is currently working with an organisation called NODE to develop our campus redevelopment strategy. The strategy will look to enhance current green spaces; develop a more accessible and inviting campus as well as reduce the maintenance of certain areas. Currently, there are aspirations to also include a sensory garden that will be built between the Library and Vision Sciences.

Campus areas currently being looked at include the development of grounds around the Aston Medical School.

1.2 TREE SURVEY

A full tree survey was recently completed for the main campus and our Outdoor Recreational Grounds highlighting the number and species of trees on the two campuses as well as stating the health of each tree. From this survey a number of trees have had to cut back and a few removed due to the certain aliments those trees had. The Sustainability Team have mapped some key trees on campus that can be found on the Sustainable Interactive map http://www.aston.ac.uk/environment/ . Trees include cherry, apple, walnut chestnut and plum trees.

1.3 BUG HOTELS

The University’s Wildlife Group recently built two bug hotels on campus. One near our EBRI building the other near our Nursery. Staff and Students were involved with the building of the hotels

1.4 BIRD BOXES

This year departments which won a Gold in the Go Green Champions Workbook were awarded with either a bird box or bee hotel. The champions of each have recently chosen where to install their prizes around campus.

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2. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

2.1 CARBON EMISSIONS

Aston’s emissions of carbon dioxide are measured and benchmarked one main data collection initiatives; HESA’s Estates Management Records (EMR). This initiative calculates CO2 emissions by taking into consideration the gas that is used to fuel the CHPs, grid electricity imported, emissions from biofuel, oil, and the fuel to run one’s transport fleet. However, it does not include electricity generated by the CHPs.

Aston University’s Carbon Management Plan (CMP) is the strategy designed to reduce the University’s emissions over the period from 2005/6 to 2020/21. The plan was approved by the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chair of University Council in September 2010.

The emissions for 2016/17 are 7,562 tonnes of CO2e, which is equivalent to a 33.6% reduction of CO2e from our base year. The University now has an annual 5.4% reduction target in order to still meet the overall 2020/21 target. Future years within Figure 2.1a highlight’s projects that have been specified with the Carbon management Plan to help meet our targets that provide short-medium, long term and nonfinancial saving projects. The figure also highlights the emissions that would be saved if the University’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) scheme used biofuel instead of gas.

One of the key reasons we didn’t meet our annual target for 2016/17 emissions is due to our CHP engines not running to their full capacity over the year. Some of this is due to large maintenance issues during the winter period.

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2.2 ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The University currently purchases the majority of its electricity and all of its heat from Birmingham City Energy Company, an organisation managed by ENGIE. EDF and E-ON supply EBRI and our Outdoor Recreational Centre and ENGIE Gas Ltd. Supply our gas for buildings not on the district.

In order for the University to meet the above emissions targets savings need to be made in the University’s energy consumption. The three key energy sources that are used on site are Electricity, Heat and Gas. Around 60-70% of our electricity is generated through our on-site CHP scheme, where the by-product of heat goes to our district heating network. The remaining buildings not on the heat network use gas as a fuel.

The following figures demonstrate our current position with energy in line with our targets:

• Figure 2.2a shows on electricity consumption since the base line

year of 2008/09. The accuracy in data prevents the baseline year being any earlier. The current electricity target is a 25% reduction by 2020/21. This is reviewed annually in line with electricity carbon factor changes.

In 2016/17 the University used 13,654,978 kWh, which was a 9.1% decrease in electricity compared to 2008/09 figures.

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• Figure 2.2b shows the heat consumption since the base line year of

2009/2010.This year was chosen as this was when our boiler house moved over to a CHP heat system. The current heat target is 23% reduction by 2020/21. This is reviewed annually in line with gas carbon factor changes.

In 2016/17 the University used 10,397,106 kWh, which was a 19.6% decrease in heat compared to 2009/10 figures. However, when normalised in line with degree days of the baseline year Aston would have used 12,164,687 kWh, which is only a 5.9% reduction.

• Figure 2.2c shows the gas consumption since the base line year of 2010/2011. The accuracy in data prevents the baseline year being and earlier. The current gas target is 23% reduction by 2020/21. This is reviewed annually in line with gas carbon factor changes.

In 2016/17 the University used 5,237,531 kWh, which was a 17 % decrease in heat compared to 2010/11 figures. However, when normalised in line with degree days of the baseline year Aston would have used 5,961,331 kWh, which is a 5.2% increase.

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Figure 2.2d shows the consumption of total energy compared with that of floor area and staff and student FTE (full time equivalent). This is used to indicate changes in building energy efficiency in line with potential growth.

2.3 ENERGY COSTS

Figure 2.3a shows the cost of Electricity and Fossil Fuels and Heat since 2009/10. In 2016/17 the University spent £1,219,383 on electricity; a saving of 11.6% compared to that of the previous year and £589,142 in Fossil Fuels and Heat; a saving of 26.5% compared to that of the previous year.

The following are projects that have been implemented or are have been confirmed, which will help meet these targets:

• Replacing street lights with SMART LED fittings; • Replacing a number of Transformers with more efficient models; • Replacing circulation space light fittings with SMART LED fittings; • Connect the CHP scheme to new street station, which would allow an increase in generated electricity; • Installation of CO2 sensors and motion sensors in main lecture theatres; and • The connection of the Student Union Building and new Business School to the district heating network.

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 Last Two Years Change % diff

Floor Area (sq. m) 107,938 108,748 109,665 106,108 106,515 106,847 107,119 107,119 0.0

Staff and Student FTE 9,924 10,241 9,838 9,043 9,475 9,820 10,520 10,520 0.0

Annual Energy Usage (MWh) 41,554 30,534 31,111 37,023 33,442 32,334 30,352 29,290 -3.5

Energy Use Per sq. m. (MWh) 0.385 0.281 0.284 0.349 0.314 0.303 0.283 0.273 -3.5

Energy Use Per Staff and Student FTE 4.187 2.982 3.162 4.094 3.530 3.293 2.885 2.784 -3.5

*estimated

(£) 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 Last Two Years Change % diff

Electricity Costs 1,241,146 1,151,307 1,539,679 1,667,950 1,527,838 1,425,510 1,380,160 1,221,453 -11.5

Fossil Fuel and Heat Costs 875,206 781,969 1,017,965 1,252,755 1,043,270 891,074 801,207 592,019 -26.1

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3. CONSTRUCTION

3.1 NEW BUILD

In 2016/17 the University made the decision that it would not work towards assessing future new buildings to the BREEAM Excellent certification. Instead a bespoke Sustainable Construction Specification was written to meet Sustainable and energy requirements deemed essential within new buildings. This document can be found here ‘Sustainable Construction Specification’. The specification is planned to be used for the new Aston Business School extension and the Student Union will be the main buildings, currently in early design stages to use this specification to embed sustainability.

3.2 REFURBISHMENTS

Previously the University did not embed sustainability aspects into any refurbishment projects. In 2016/17 the Estates and Capital Project Department adopted the refurbishment specification of SKA HE, a sustainability specification led by RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors). Further details can be found here: http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/ska-rating-/ .

Project under £150,000 have the basic methodology of the SKA HE scheme highlighted within the University’s own Building Refurbishment Guidelines. Larger project that are £150,000-£1 million will be informally assessed under the SKA HE scheme to a GOLD standard. All projects over £1million will then be formally assessed to a GOLD standard. The SKA HE standard looks at a large number of scopes, which are variable based on each project. Scopes sit within main categories, which include Energy, Materials, Waste, Water, Well Being, Project Delivery and Biodiversity.

Two projects are currently being formally assessed under SKA HE and are aiming for a GOLD certification. Firstly, our MB3 project which is looking to refurbish a majority of our 3rd Floor in the Main Building from existing teaching and office space into our new office layout including teaching spaces and breakout facilities. Secondly, the University is looking to fully refurbish our North Wing in three phases. The first of these phases is at design stage and is aiming towards a SKA HE GOLD.

General image of the ABS Building; New Student Union Building design; early North Wing refurbishment design

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4. WASTE AND RECYCLING

4.1 WASTE OBJECTIVES

The following are waste and recycling figures that show where the University is in line with its Waste Objectives.

Figure 4.1a shows the total waste produced (includes all waste streams) and disposal method for 2016/17.

Total Landfill Recycled SRF RDF AD Compost

Weight (Tonnes) 570.79 82.25 210.61 147.70 61.46 37.38 31.39

Percentage (%) 14.41 36.90 25.88 10.77 6.55 5.50

Figure 4.1b shows the weight (kg) of total waste per Staff and Student FTE. This shows that the University has already met its 2020/21 target of 60kg per FTE.

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17

Total Waste (T) 663.78 646.61 598.54 749.82 570.79

Staff and student FTE 9043.00 9474.70 9820.00 10520.00 10520.00 kg of total waste per FTE 73.4 68.2 61 71.28 54.26

Figure 4.1c shows the recycling percentage of the total waste produced by the University. This shows that the recycling has increased by almost 4%, which is a positive step towards our objective.

2015/16 2016/17

% sent as general 61.13 57.38

% sent as recycling 38.87 42.62

4.2 NEW INITIATIVES

A trial has started looking at the collection of polystyrene packaging. Our furniture providers Senator are able to provide a collection service due to being regularly on site to recycle the material. The University just pay for bags that the packaging is collected in.

The University is looking to promote a 15pence disposable cup tax on all hot drinks purchased on site, where customers don’t use a reusable cup. The Sustainability Team are promoting this initiative by giving out 1000 eco Mugs to staff and students in the new academic year.

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5. WATER MANAGEMENT

Figure 5.1 shows absolute water usage since 2008/09. The University has a target to reduce water from this year by 30% by 2030/31. The University used 62,264 m3 of water in 2016/17, which was a reduction of 14.7%. However, this figure uses estimated data for the last month (July) due to water invoicing issues still unresolved

Moreover, there are concerns over the accuracy of one of our main water meters on Jennins Road as it is believed it has been under reading since February 2017. We are still awaiting details on this issue.

A few water saving projects were implemented during the year including installing urinal controls in our Outdoor Recreational Centre as well as fitting a number of save a flush bags in toilets. Almost all toilets and kitchen areas already have a number of water saving devices installed, therefore future savings are based on minimising water leaks.

Figure 5.2 shows the water consumption per staff and student numbers (FTE) over the same period as Figure 5.1. In 2016/17 water per staff/student FTE also reduced by 14.75 as it is estimated that student staff numbers will be similar to the previous year.

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6. TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT

6.1 CARS

The Sustainability Team launched a car share scheme in the year with support from Faxi. To support the use this scheme any staff members applying for a new parking permit on campus will receive information on joining the car share scheme. Currently, the scheme has only had 22 people register. Actual numbers of people who are sharing through this are unknown. This lack users is a worrying factor. It has been decided to carry the scheme for one more year and see if numbers increase. Further information can be found here: https://faxi.co.uk/@AstonUniversity

The use of our four main car charging points has increased from 1,997 kWh in 2015/16 to 6,860 kWh, which highlights the increase uptake of staff using electric cars.

6.2 CYCLING

The following has occurred during 2016/17 regarding cycling:

• Three existing cycle parking shelters have had key pad gates installed onto them increasing their security level. The shelters include one at the front of the library, one at the back of the library and one at the Aston Brain Centre.

• The Brompton Bike Shelter has been on site for just over a year, with Aston staff gaining a 50% discount on its annual membership. • The University had 24 staff register under the cycle scheme during the year, compared with 15 the previous year. • Due to time constraints and the introduction of the Brompton locker the Sustainability Team have stopped the loan of two bicycles to students. These bicycles were

given to charity along with any other abandoned bicycles.

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6.3 TRAVEL SURVEY

The University repeats a Travel Survey to staff and students biannually. This is to make sure we get a high number of responses. The last survey was completed in 2015/16 and the results are below.

• In 2015/16, 92% of students indicated they travel in on foot, by bicycle or via public transport (a 1% increase compared to 2013/14). • Staff cycling in 2015/16 has increased by around 1.5% and student cycling has increased by 1% since the previous survey (in 2013/14). • The 2020 target of staff cycling at 6% has been achieved, based on the 2015/16 survey. This level will need to be maintained and efforts will still be made to

encourage staff to cycle in and exceed this target. • Bus usage amongst both staff and students has increased since the last survey, 1% and 7%, respectively. • The percentages of both staff and students walking to campus has decreased. More information needs to be provided on accessing the campus on foot. • The percentage of students arriving on campus by car has decreased year on year, this is including the percentage split out as being car drivers with passengers

(new for 2015/16).

Figure 6.3a shows the percentage in travel mode for staff and students. Staff percentages are in blue and student percentages are in brown

Travel Mode 2005/6 2008/9 2013/14 2015/16

Car 54%/ 19% 34%/ 10% 32%/ 7% 26%/ 5%

Car Passenger 3% 3% 2% 3%

*New* Car Share (Driver) n/a n/a n/a 4%*/ 1%*

Train 21%/ 15% 31%/ 14% 31%/ 18% 28%/ 20%

Public Bus 16%/ 38% 20%/ 33% 18%/ 20% 19%/ 27%

Bicycle 3%/ 3% 4%/ 4% 4%/ 2% 6%/ 3%

Walk 2%/ 21% 4%/ 35% 9%/ 49% 7%/ 41%

Metro 1%/ 2% 1%/ 2% 1%/ 2% 1%/ 2%

Motorbike/scooter 0% / 1% 1% / 1% 1% / 0% n/a

Park and Ride n/a n/a n/a 4%*

*This new category for 2015/16 may affect the ‘Car Driver’ percentage – the ‘Car Driver’ amount overall is therefore likely to be 6% with this taken into account.

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7. PROCUREMENT

The Sustainability Team and Procurement Team are working together to develop and strengthen the objectives and targets around procurement for future years. The below headings form the main targets set.

7.1 PACKAGING

A number of initiatives is being looked at regarding packaging. These include:

• As part of the SKA HE scheme mentioned in 3. Construction, one of the scopes that we aim to do on any project is have five companies take back their packaging, which needs to be reusable packaging.

• Linked to the first point, within tender documents we have started asking organisations to take back their own packaging and where possible to use reusable packaging.

7.2 MAPPING THE SUPPLIER

The Sustainability Team will has a target to work with one major supplier each year to learn more about their environmental performance including where all their suppliers come from and if they meet international workers’ rights legislation. In 20016-17 we trialled this target by working with Thorlux lighting. A tour of their main facility took place and they have since sent the main objectives and aspirations to become more Sustainable. Finally they were able to provide a map of all the locations of the suppliers they use.

7.3 NET POSITIVE TOOL

The University has recently purchased the use of the NETpositive Supplier Engagement Software through NETpositive FUTURES. The NETpositive software enables Aston University to have a way of offering our suppliers an opportunity to generate their own, bespoke Sustainability Action Plan. Suppliers can ensure content is specific to their particular market. Aston University is able to interrogate the data that is generated to understand not only how their stakeholder businesses are making progress in relation to sustainability, but also to better understand their needs.

7.4 FOOD ACTION PLAN

Our Catering Food Action Plan was reviewed this year and highlights our advances in sustainable catering. Aspects the catering team are looking to looking to improve on include:

• Improved advertisement of their vegetarian/ vegan options; • Use of free range eggs; • Hospitality water will be filtered in house from August 2017; and • 1000 reusable coffee cups have been purchased to give out to staff and students at the start of Welcome Week 2017 to help reduce the number of disposable.

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8. COMMUNITY

8.1 ISO14001 AND 50001

The University successfully passed its transition audit to ISO 14001: 2015 (Environmental Management System) standard as well as keeping its ISO 50001 (Energy Management System) with only one Opportunity For Improvement (OFI). This was to make sure our targets were energy focused, where at the moment they are emissions focused.

The nonconformities raised over the last 12 months are related to:

• waste transfer documentation; • waste segregation issues; • top management not being reported to; and • unavailable drainage plans.

Additional requirements included the Energy, Environment and Sustainability Team carrying out a PESTLE analysis and identified relevant interested parties, which in turn highlighted the risks and opportunities that the University need to be aware of.

8.2 PEOPLE AND PLANET

Figure 8.2a shows that Aston University was ranked 6th in the 2016 People and Planet University Green League. The league is graded based on a mix of data submitted to HESA annually and information that is publically available on our webpages. This figure shows the criteria that People and Planet grade each University on.

In 2016 the University performed well on a number of criteria such as Environmental Policy, Auditing, Engagement, and Education. However, the University performed poorly on Ethical Investment and Workers Rights.

The Sustainability Team work throughout the year to look at enhancing such scores where possible.

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ANY QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE CONTENT OF THIS REPORT PLEASE GET IN TOUCH AS BELOW

E-Mail: environment@aston.ac.uk

@GreenAstonUni

For more information please visit:

www.aston.ac.uk/environment/