PROJECTS WE HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO REDUCE BNU’ S CARBON FOOTPRINT:
• The micro-SMEs with whom we have worked are committed to sustainable landscape and planting practices. All plants have been chosen for their variation and support in enhancing biodiversity and urban greening. They will support wildlife with small fruits and flowering in the spring. Many are drought-resistant and chosen in consideration of climate resilience. • Timber to create planters has been salvaged from the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff where it was a previously a board walk. It is self-maintaining without the need for reapplied paint finishes, and the planters will serve as homes for bees to support biodiversity. The timber is treated with a product that is based upon purified and refined natural resources. • A wildflower garden at our High Wycombe Campus supports biodiversity, and we have created green roof spaces at our Hughenden Student Village halls of residence.
NET ZERO CARBON EMI SSIONS
A full audit and review of all plant, machinery, mechanical and electrical equipment across our estate was undertaken, using financial cost / benefit analysis, to identify where capital investment is required to reduce our carbon emissions. We have proud to have already succeeded in reducing our carbon footprint by 55% since 2011.
ENERGY COSTS AND CONSUMPTION
Energy costs consist of two key elements: electricity and gas. Our Estate Management Report indicates the University’s gas costs in terms of both price and % consumption are in line with the lower quartile of the sector. For electricity, however, both price and % consumption are in the upper quartile. This is partly driven by the fact that we have opted to use a nuclear carbon neutral tariff which attracts a price premium. A review of electricity consumption is planned for 2021-22 to identify areas of focus to improve both our tariff and consumption. ENHANCING OUR CAMPUSES During the year, we developed plans to enhance our campuses to improve the experience of our students and staff. The team with whom we work share our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are purpose driven in their work. We are committed to meeting the Social Value Act by procuring goods and services from social enterprises. • We have developed a partnership with a local social enterprise and charity which salvages materials for reuse and supports disadvantaged people into employment.
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