Environmental policy (2023-24)

1. Commitments

1.1 The University of West London has four campus sites in Ealing and Brentford, west London, and an educational hub at Fountain House in Reading. Drama Studio London in Ealing and Ruskin College, Oxford are also part of the UWL Group where the University also supports environmental sustainability.

1.2 The University teaches a variety of academic subjects across eleven academic schools. The day-to-day activities of staff and students have a major impact on the local community and environment, and therefore the University is a significant contributor to the local economy, especially in west London.

1.3 The underlying need for this policy is driven by the University’s wider corporate and social responsibilities and by our statutory obligations. We recognise and are committed to reducing all our environmental impacts to develop sound environmental management systems and to promote environmental sustainability awareness and education.

1.4 With regards to the above drivers, the University will:

• Ensure that environmental protection, including the prevention of pollution, are considered within the University's strategic planning and operations
• Support the teaching of sustainable development topics in the curriculum
• Fulfil all compliance obligations and comply with all relevant legal and other requirements
• Develop measurable objectives and targets, reviewing and evaluating performance to continually improve our environmental management system to enhance environmental performance
• Reduce the use of resources, and reuse and recycle them whenever possible
• Ensure that environmental requirements are considered during the design, development and refurbishment of its estate
• Address the impact of its supply chain through its sustainable procurement strategy
• Communicate this Policy within the University and make it publicly available

2. Key commitments

2.1 The University will:

• Reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2030
• Minimise waste sent to landfill through effective reduce, reuse and recycling programmes
• Implement sustainable procurement practice within the institution and across the supply chain
• Develop low-carbon travel infrastructure and promote active modes of transport
• Minimise water wastage and conserve water
• Develop a sustainable food system that is underpinned by the circular economy model
• Deliver education in sustainable development to all key stakeholders
• Ensure all construction and refurbishment projects are completed against the industry’s relevant environmental standards
• Preserve and enhance the biodiversity of the estate
• Empower and motivate stakeholders through environmental communication and engagement programmes

3. Review

3.1 It is the role of the Environmental Operations Group (EOG) to devise and deliver the environmental objectives and report to the Vice Chancellor’s Executive on progress.

3.2 Progress towards achieving the identified objectives will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

3.3 A summary of the University’s environmental sustainability performance will be included in the annual reports.

3.4 This policy will be reviewed annually.