Go to https://www.nwupc.ac.uk/ for more information.
WHICH SUSTAINABLE
LET'S TAKE ACTION TOGETHER DEVELOPMENT GOALS ARE YOU COMMITTING TO?
ECONNECT 28
NWUPC’s sustainability newsletter
Celebrating Two Centuries of Academic Excellence and Sustainability: Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester This year marks a momentous milestone for Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and The University of Manchester, as both esteemed institutions celebrate 200 years of academic excellence, innovation, and community impact. Over the past two centuries, these universities have not only been at the forefront of educational and research advancements but have also taken significant strides in sustainability and environmental stewardship, setting benchmarks for institutions worldwide.
A Legacy of Academic Achievement
Pioneers in Sustainability
Founded in the early 19th century, both universities have grown from humble beginnings into globally recognised centres of learning and research. MMU, with its strong emphasis on vocational education and professional development, and the University of Manchester, renowned for its pioneering research and extensive academic offerings, have together contributed to the rich educational fabric of the UK.
In recent decades, both universities have demonstrated a robust commitment to sustainability, aligning their operations and academics with the principles of environmental responsibility. Their efforts have not only enhanced their campuses but have also served as a catalyst for the broader higher education community and global environmental initiatives.
As MMU and The University of Manchester celebrate their bicentenaries, they are not resting on their laurels. Both institutions continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in higher education and sustainability. Their forward-looking strategies and unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility ensure that they will remain leaders in these fields for the next 200 years and beyond.
Looking to the Future
In celebrating this dual bicentennial, we not only honour their past achievements but also look forward to a future where they continue to inspire and lead the way toward a more sustainable and equitable world.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The University of Manchester is ranked number one in the UK and Europe for sustainable development for its impact on the United Nations SDGs, reflecting its comprehensive approach to social responsibility and sustainability. 1. Carbon Neutrality: The university has set an ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2038, with significant investments in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and green infrastructure. 2. Research Excellence: Pioneering research in environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable development at the university has led to groundbreaking discoveries and practical solutions to global environmental challenges. 3. Community Engagement: Through initiatives like the 50,000 Actions program, the university engages staff and students in practical sustainability actions, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. 4.
1. Green University of the Year: MMU celebrated 11 years as a top 3 sustainable university in the People &
Planet University League, a testament to its comprehensive sustainability strategies.
2. Carbon Reduction: The university has successfully reduced its carbon emissions by over 50% since 2005, achieving its carbon management goals ahead of schedule. 3. Sustainable Campus: The All Saints Campus features energy- efficient buildings, green roofs, and extensive recycling programs, making it a model of sustainable urban development. 4. Curriculum Integration: Sustainability is woven into the curriculum, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable practices in their respective fields.
Sustainable Furniture – Establishing Priorities Southernsbroadstock is an approved supplier on the NWUPC Furniture Framework . As part of its offer, the company can provide environmental impact advice as well as services to maximise the useful life of furniture assets. Southernsbroadstock’s sustainability progress report and the Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon reduction plan are published on its web site.
It is widely reported that furniture, fittings, and equipment (FF&E) represent 30% of a building’s carbon footprint over its lifespan. Waste is a fundamental factor with an estimate that the UK’s commercial interiors sector discards 300 tonnes of fit-out waste every day including furniture. Most universities have already introduced robust ESG strategies and there’s increasing recognition that actions and ambitions towards greater environmental responsibility influences students’ choices for future learning. There is a significant opportunity to drive change through a focus on furniture procurement by understanding carbon impact, product materiality, eco-design, reuse, and end-of-use recycling.
The challenge for buyers is establishing priorities. Many manufacturers are introducing ranges which incorporate waste, such as discarded fishing nets or coconut husks as well as new, innovative materials and all are heralded as more environmentally responsible. Do these new introductions help support greater sustainability, or do they encourage people to buy new products without considering how to maximise the ‘life’ of existing assets? Project decisions should start with the questions “what can we do without?” and “what can we reuse?”. Evaluation and design solutions should be driven by minimal changes to achieve maximum impact. Aesthetic and functional design outcomes can still be achieved without necessarily discarding all existing assets. The approach also offers the opportunity to communicate a powerful environmental message to students.
When buying new, evaluation for future use to reduce subsequent waste should be part of the process. Are the new products designed for reuse and repair? Can they be disassembled so that materials can be segregated for recycling? Analysis also needs to include a recognition of the longer-term lifecycle cost, not simply the initial purchase price.
Service 04
Service 02
Service 03
Sustainable Furniture – Establishing Priorities
Furniture assets can usually be repaired, renovated, or upcycled to extend their life and with substantial carbon savings. A scheduled programme including, where necessary, loan furniture makes this approach viable. Surplus products can be exchanged or donated to worthwhile causes.
Investigations into future recyclability as well as recycled content can also be conflicting. Many materials are recyclable, but can they be separated into waste streams and is there access to recycling facilities? Are the recycled materials suitable for onward recycling? Do you specify something that is 80% recycled or 100% recyclable?
Renewable materials also have considerations. There has been much publicity about bamboo, for example, describing the fast growing, carbon removal benefits yet it is a highly invasive plant. Has its planting impacted local habitats or replaced food production land? Another example is cotton. It generally requires chemical fertilisers and pesticides to grow, polluting local ecosystems and drinking water. It can degrade soil quality, prevent biodiversity, and labour conditions for the workers can be questionable.
Specifying for environmental responsibility does require research and planning. We need to challenge our short-term thinking; design for reuse over multiple lifetimes; design for disassembly and deconstruction; and design out waste. If you would like further information and details of future webinars from Southernsbroadstock , please contact Joanna at joanna.knight@southernsbroadstock.co.uk.
Hawkesworth: Making the country greener, one plug at a time
Hawkesworth is well-known in the health and safety sector for its innovative purple PAT Testing labels. These include a barcode that an engineer can scan to immediately bring up a piece of equipment’s PAT testing record – ideal for generating asset lists. “We test millions of appliances per year, so we go through a lot of labels,” says Darren. “We regularly audit the volume of labels and ensure engineers don’t have more labels than they can use. As the labels have a testing date on them, they are time-sensitive.” “We changed our processes so we apply a new date label in year two rather than a full label year- on-year. This significantly reduces waste and ensures our labels retain their uniquely numbered barcoded label to ensure traceability for our valued clients.” Over the last 30 years, Hawkesworth has carried out PAT testing (Electrical Equipment Testing) and EICR (Fixed Wire Testing) inspections for schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. With the deadline for Net Zero edging increasingly closer, educational establishments need to partner with suppliers who are sustainable. We spoke to Darren Tonge, Business Development Director at Hawkesworth, to see what the company is doing to keep educational establishments green and reduce waste. “Not many people know that regular PAT testing can help your business become more sustainable,” “It helps you identify minor faults before they become major issues and the engineer will carry out remedial work on appliances, such as replacing plugs and fuses if required. This reduces waste and means your electrical equipment lasts for longer.” PAT Testing Labels
The use of Salesforce
Hawkesworth started using customer relationship management system (CRM) Salesforce at the start of 2024. “Salesforce has made it so much easier to manage our client reporting, but it’s also made us more sustainable too,” says Darren. “It’s completely cloud-based, so we don’t need physical servers on-site, helping us reduce our carbon footprint. “We can also keep key documents on the system and engineers can submit expense requests electronically, reducing our use of paper as an organisation.”
Staying green and keeping clients happy
Client satisfaction and eliminating waste go hand-in-hand at Hawkesworth. “We review our engineers’ availability once a week and arrange visits so they can complete all local testing in the same trip,” says Darren. “This means our engineers make fewer journeys. In busy cities, our engineers may also car share or use public transportation to get to site.” “As a leading PAT testing company, we do everything we can to reduce our overall environmental impact, as our ISO 14001 accreditation shows. All companies, no matter their size or purpose, have a part to play in helping the planet and ensuring it stays green and safe for future generations.”
You can find Hawkesworth on the Facilities Services Framework (EFM3141 NW). Please email Darren Tonge or call 07792 576944 for a chat about how Hawkesworth can help you with your PAT testing and EICR requirements.
IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES IN HIGHER EDUCATION WITH
Sustainable procurement is an important way universities can lower their environmental impact. By choosing eco-friendly products and services, universities can encourage a sustainable culture while enhancing reputation and efficiency. This article explores the significance of sustainable procurement via a case study of a university partnering with sustainable print management company, Cubiquity .
The university, an award-winning research and educational centre in Yorkshire, hosts over 20,000 students and 2,000 employees. Since 2008, it has invested around £156 million in campus expansions and top-notch facilities. Seeking a print management partner, the university approached Cubiquity to innovate its undergraduate prospectus. Cubiquity's expertise in print production and finishing techniques helped bring the university's vision to life. Delivering Excellence through Sustainable Innovation
An Innovative Solution
To accomplish the university's aims, Cubiquity collaborated closely with key stakeholders and considering their goals and ideas before establishing the optimal materials and production procedures. Sustainability was a key factor in the project, with FSC paper utilised and Cubiquity partnering with the Woodland Trust to mitigate CO2 emissions created throughout the production and distribution processes. Delivering a Smooth and Seamless Transition Cubiquity's account team created pre-production samples that met the final criteria, allowing the university to assess the physical product and design prior to final production. These samples were also used to convey the prospectus concept to the broader team.
The University’s Objectives
The university aimed to make their undergraduate prospectus more reader-friendly and innovative. They replaced the usual A4 book with a smartphone-sized deck of playing cards, making it portable and easy to use. This prospectus included campus details, financial tips, housing options, open day schedules, and QR codes for additional resources like dining and nightlife, engaging prospective students and enhancing their application and induction experience.
The Project’s Successes
Sustainability is Key
During development, the Cubiquity Client Account Director closely collaborated with the university, meticulously reviewing every detail. The university stakeholders were delighted with the result, which received positive feedback at UCAS events. The project's success was attributed to robust ecological and creative systems, along with expert guidance from experienced account teams.
The Carbon Capture Programme used sustainable materials for the prospectus, offsetting emissions through Cubiquity's RISE partnership with the Woodland Trust and the Woodland Carbon Scheme, aligned with the university's ESG goals. Cubiquity works with suppliers committed to high sustainability standards, using FSC-certified paper. In Q1 2023, the university and Cubiquity planted 66.27m² of UK forest, reducing CO2 emissions by 2,651 kg through the prospectus project.
Conclusion
In summary, sustainable procurement is key to helping universities reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable values. By focusing on sustainability and implementing innovative solutions, institutions can enhance environmental protection, attractiveness, and efficiency. The university's partnership with Cubiquity exemplifies successful sustainable procurement, setting a precedent for others. Cubiquity are on the Print Solutions (DPS) Framework and offer comprehensive print management solutions, including procurement, promotional merchandise, and marketing technology. With ISO14001 accreditation and a Gold Ecovadis certification, we prioritise ethical, legal, and sustainable practices. Contact our sustainability team at RISE@cubiquitymedia.com or visit www.cubiquitymedia.com for more information. About Cubiquity
The drive to be more sustainable is a growing one for organisations across a wide spectrum of sectors, not least for universities. Meeting net zero targets or sustainability goals can be done through a variety of tactics. One of the ways universities can work towards sustainability is by choosing more sustainable products, whether for university education purposes or facilities management requirements. Choosing sustainably can sometimes be daunting and verifying claims often challenging. To help in this area, RS , a digitally enabled global distributor of product and service solutions, launched its Better World range. The range categorises products as those that are either made more sustainably, offer a sustainable solution like reducing energy and emissions or support circularity by having an increased lifespan due to being reusable, recyclable or repairable. Driving sustainability for a Better World with RS
Under the ‘made more sustainable’ category, factors like using products with a reduced environmental impact, using lower carbon manufacture and using recycled or responsibly-sourced
Supporting circularity is a key issue and the Better World range offers products meeting that goal. These products are designed for disassembly, ease of disposal at end of usable life and increased chances of recovery of core materials to increase recycling rates. materials must be considered. When it comes to sustainable solutions, criteria includes waste, water or energy-reducing, and improving air quality, as well as protecting health and safety.
Products supporting circularity can also be those that have an extended product life with more durable properties, to keep them in use for longer. Those that can be recharged are also within the range, as well as products repairable by the end user. All of these elements support circularity and are important product criteria.
RS has two frameworks available to NWUPC members that include Better World product options: And learning about how a product is more sustainable is easy, as the products within this range are tagged with a Better World badge and a clear description of the sustainability improvement. Choosing products from this range is a great way for buyers to easily increase sustainability without hassle or significantly higher cost. The Better World product range has more than 30,000 products. It is backed by a transparent claims-based framework that outlines the methodology of qualification for each and every product in the range. More information on Better World and products available within the expanding range can be found here .
Framework: Electrical Components LAB3152 NW
Framework: Facilities Supplies EFM3190 NW
Lot 1 – Electrical Components including Development Boards and Associated Products Lot 2 – Tools & Fixings Lot 4 – Rechargeable & Single Use Batteries Lot 5 – Multi-Purpose Lot (Including T&M)
Lot 3 – Electrical Materials and Associated Products & Services Lot 4 - Electrical Materials and Associated Products & Services – NI Only
How eco-friendly marketing choices can save your brand money. Discovering sustainable solutions is both eco-friendly and financially smart. Embracing sustainability can align with your values and save your brand money. GREEN MARKETING ON A BUDGET
You can find Extravaganza on the Promotional Merchandise and Clothing Framework under Lot 1 - Promotional Goods.
Single-Use Plastic Bottles
Reusable Water Bottle
2. Cut down on energy costs.
Single-use items harm the environment and your wallet. Swap disposable water bottles for reusable stainless steel or BPA-free options. This small investment saves money in the long run compared to constantly buying bottled water. 1. Rethink single-use products for your audience.
Plastic bags and containers pollute and cost money. Buy sturdy reusable bags and containers for shopping and meal prep. Many stores offer discounts for using them, saving you money over time. 5. Invest in reusable bags and containers.
Reducing energy consumption lowers your carbon footprint and utility bills. Turn off lights, unplug devices, and invest in energy- efficient LED bulbs or solar products. Our items include printed solar table lamps, solar sunflower lamps, and solar torch keyrings.
4. DIY cleaning products.
3. Embrace second-hand and thrift shopping.
Commercial cleaners are pricey and full of harmful chemicals. Make eco-friendly solutions with vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. These budget- friendly ingredients replace multiple specialized cleaners. A handy hygiene kit can also be helpful.
Thrift stores offer affordable, gently used items like clothing, furniture, and kitchenware. Buying second-hand saves money and reduces demand for new products, supporting a circular economy.
Switching to low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets cuts water use, lowering bills. Water companies may give rebates for these fixtures, making them cost-effective. Use items like shower timers to reduce shower time and save energy. 6. Save on water bills with eco-friendly fixtures.
7. Grow your food and herbs.
8. Invest in a reusable coffee cup.
A small vegetable or herb garden is affordable with seeds and basic tools. Growing your own produce saves on groceries and provides fresh, organic food. Our printed garden essentials kit is perfect for planting herbs, flowers, or veggies.
If you're a coffee enthusiast, those daily to-go cups can add up. Purchase a reusable coffee cup, and many coffee shops offer discounts when you bring your container. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you'll also save money with each visit.
9. Choose quality over quantity.
Reduce transportation costs and environmental impact by using public transit, carpooling, or biking. Gift cycling and sports accessories to promote eco-friendly travel. 10. Utilise public transportation or carpool.
Investing in durable, higher-quality clothing and household items saves money long-term despite higher initial costs, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHEAT SHEET.
Here are some simple and engaging social media post ideas for a marketing manager to use.
Scan to our website
1. Sustainable swaps.
DIY your cleaning supplies with lemon, vinegar, and baking soda for budget and eco-friendly cleaning. 2. DIY cleaning hacks.
3. Thrift store finds.
4. Reusable coffee cups.
Start a small garden for fresh, homegrown produce. Save on groceries and enjoy your veggies. 5. Grow your food and herbs.
Swap disposable water bottles for a reusable ones.
Explore thrift stores for affordable, stylish second-hand treasures. Save money, reduce waste, support a circular economy.
Get a reusable coffee cup for discounts at your favorite coffee shop. Save money, say no to single-use cups.
Page i Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software