5: Sustainability

Our Goal:
To ensure the ongoing sustainability of the University.

Our approach to sustainability includes financial, environmental and reputational factors across our activities. We know that the prevailing challenging financial climate means that we must look for opportunities to generate additional income and to control our costs. Where appropriate, if it enhances the pursuit of our core mission, we will explore models that increase the University’s independence. An annual sustainability statement will demonstrate our progress towards the goal of environmental, economic and social sustainability to a range of external stakeholders including prospective staff and students.

Goal 4: Stakeholders

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2015 Objectives

1. Greater independence from State regulation and further financial independence.

We will investigate alternative models of independent, not-for-profit ownership, allowing the University greater independence from State regulation. Where there is a strong strategic fit we will seek out opportunities to develop or acquire successful teaching and research operations elsewhere in the UK and overseas.

2. Raised priority and University community engagement in fundraising.

Fundraising will become an even higher priority, with more areas of the University seriously engaged in Development activities. An ambitious University Campaign will be formally launched by Summer 2011 in support of the University Strategy.

3. Substantially increase income from knowledge transfer and external engagement.

We will substantially increase income from knowledge transfer and engagement with corporate, public sector and community partners at a regional, national and international level. To support this, a new Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Transfer and Business Engagement will be appointed from August 2011, with definite goals to meet.

4. Core operation investment enabled through commercial income growth and efficiency.

Our portfolio of commercial activities are distinctive and provide us with additional revenue to invest in our core operations. Administrative and on campus services will be delivered more efficiently to provide staff and students with high quality services for the best value for money. We will seek to maximize surpluses from our existing businesses and proactively seek to acquire or develop new businesses which increase surpluses by at least 10% per annum.

5. Halve projected carbon emissions by 2020.

Environmental sustainability and energy reduction remain a key focus for the University. Even better use will be made of new and existing buildings and facilities. We will halve the University’s projected carbon emissions by 2020 and everyone will be encouraged to take an active role in achieving key environmental goals.