Sustainability Policy
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Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to taking an ambitious approach to sustainable development in order to differentiate itself, futureproof the University, and contribute to the global agenda. This policy outlines the University’s management approach and sets out four long-term goals to 2030. It applies to all aspects of the University’s activities and a range of stakeholders, and will be implemented through an environmental management system. Progress will be reported and reviewed annually.
Background
There is a strong rationale for Manchester Metropolitan University to take an ambitious approach to sustainable development to further differentiate, futureproof the University, and to play a part in contributing to the global agenda for sustainable development.
As a Higher Education provider, the University has a major role to play in supporting students and staff to develop skills and attributes to respond to global challenges. Students are the future leaders and decision-makers and will be integral in the global response to the threat of climate change.
Purpose
This policy outlines Manchester Metropolitan University’s management approach to protect the environment, prevent and minimise pollution, fulfil its compliance obligations, and ensure that sustainable development underpins all that it does. The approach will ensure the realisation of the 2030 sustainability goals, objectives, and targets as outlined in the Leadership for Sustainability Strategy (2022 – 2026).
Scope
This policy applies to all aspects of the University’s activities and a range of stakeholders including employees, students, visitors, suppliers, and relevant interested parties.
Policy commitment
The University is committed to develop objectives, targets, and measure and report sustainability performance across the four areas of focus, set out as four long-term goals to 2030.
Leadership for sustainability
Throughout the decade, the University will be a thought leader in climate change and sustainable development.
Academic Innovation and Impact
Throughout the decade, the University will equip students and colleagues with the knowledge and skills to shape a more sustainable future and deliver high-quality research and innovation to contribute to the world’s sustainability agenda.
Sustainable campus and practices
Throughout the decade, the University will embed sustainability into its campus, practices and processes, achieving zero carbon targets, maximising social value, and futureproofing the organisation.
Engagement and partnerships
Throughout the decade, the University will add value to its local, national, and international engagement activities.
Roles and responsibilities
The Sustainability Policy and Leadership for Sustainability Strategy will only succeed with the active support of the entire University community. A range of boards and committees are responsible for the oversight, implementation, and review of the policy and strategy, ensuring effective leadership and communication to progress its implementation.
People, Finance and Resources Committee
Aligned to the Board of Governors People, Finance and Resources Committee principal responsibilities:
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Agree and approve the Sustainability Strategy and Policy.
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Agree and approve future amendments and revisions to policy and strategy.
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Receive reports and information relating to the implementation of the policy and strategy.
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Monitor progress against the strategy and policy through at least annual progress against KPIs.
University Executive Group
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Receive reports and information relating to the development, implementation, progress, and review of the policy and strategy.
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Scrutinise requests and as appropriate recommend approval of projects to the People, Finance and Resources Committee.
Academic Board
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Receive and provide comment on reports and information relating to the development, implementation, progress, and review of the policy and strategy, focussed on the University’s academic activities.
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Endorse and recommend for approval to the relevant University committee group or board a range of activities that are integral to the progression of the policy and strategy.
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Consider, advise, and recommend for approval to the Vice-Chancellor and the Board of Governors People, Finance and Resources Committee a range of matters related to integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in taught and research degrees, and research activities to address the sustainability agenda.
Education Committee
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Receive and provide comment on reports and information relating to the development, implementation, progress, and review of the strategy and policy, focussed on the University’s academic activities.
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Advise the Academic Board on issues related to integrating ESD into student education.
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Approval of a range of institutional procedures related to integrating ESD on behalf of the Academic Board.
Research Committee
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Receive and provide comment on reports and information relating to the development, implementation, progress, and review of the policy and strategy, focussed on the University’s research activities.
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Provide leadership and advise the Academic Board on the University’s approach to aligning research outcomes and impacts to the sustainability agenda.
Internationalisation Committee
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Receive and provide comment on reports and information relating to the development, implementation, progress, and review of the policy and strategy, focussed on the University’s international activities.
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Provide leadership on the University’s approach to aligning the international agenda and impacts to the sustainability agenda.
Sustainability Strategy Group
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Provide strategic leadership on all aspects contained within the policy and strategy.
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Receive and provide comment on reports and information relating to the development, implementation, progress, and review of the policy and strategy.
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Advise and recommend for approval a range of activities and proposals that progress the delivery of the strategy and policy to the University Executive Group, and other University committee group or board if relevant.
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Report on the progress made towards implementation and the achievement of the key performance indicators to the University Executive Group, and other University committee group or board if relevant.
Estates Strategy Board
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Receive and provide comment on reports and information relating to the development, implementation, progress, and review of the policy and strategy, focussed on the University’s estate and infrastructure activities.
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Provide leadership on the University’s approach to aligning the estates agenda and impacts to the sustainability agenda.
Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PVC) for Sustainability
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Provide strategic oversight and ensure implementation of the policy and strategy, with a focus on education and research.
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Review, report progress, and propose amendments to the strategy and policy should they be required.
Assistant Director Facilities Management and Sustainability and Head of Environment and Sustainability
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Provide strategic oversight and ensure the implementation of the policy and strategy, with a focus on sustainable campus and practices.
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Review progress and propose amendments to policy and strategy should they be required.
Engagement
Students, staff, and external stakeholders will be engaged in the ongoing oversight, review, and development of Sustainability Policy and Strategy which will include:
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Co-opted Sustainability Strategy Group membership positions for staff and students
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Actively providing learning opportunities through our research, educational, and extra-curricular offering related to the projects and actions we must deliver to realise our 2030 strategic vision
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Creating mechanisms and platforms for collaboration and knowledge sharing in relation to the delivery of this strategy
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Consulting with our academic and professional colleagues
Framework for delivery
The Sustainability Policy and Leadership in Sustainability Strategy will be implemented through the University’s environmental management system which is certified to ISO 14001. This provides a framework for continual improvement in sustainability performance and the environmental management system. The goals and objectives outlined in the strategy are supported by key enabling projects and actions that must be undertaken to progress towards realising the policy and strategy.
Resources
The University commits to support its sustainability ambitions with appropriate levels of financial investment, and other resources, such as investment in our people, our facilities, and our services and systems.
A budget to resource staff and their professional development, and to undertake a range of projects and activities that are integral to the delivery of this policy and the Leadership for Sustainability Strategy will be reviewed, allocated, and published annually on the University webpages, and the financial support identified for some activities will be progressed on a case-by-case basis.
Monitoring, reviewing, and reporting progress
Review of the Sustainability Policy and Leadership in Sustainability Strategy will occur annually as part of the University’s environmental management system process.
The University will measure its performance and progress towards achieving the commitments outlined in the policy and strategy through a range of associated key performance indicators and targets.
Progress will be reported to the University’s leadership boards, committees, and groups. As part of the annual review, it may be necessary to update the policy and strategy to accommodate changes in the Higher Education sector, or in our operating environment.
The University will publicly report progress on the policy and strategy through its annual report and financial statement, and an externally verified annual sustainability statement.