Climate change is one of the greatest challenges the world faces. We are keenly aware of our responsibility as an institution, and as a community, to protect our environment and help tackle climate change at a local and global level.
“Whilst climate change is not the only threat to life on earth, its consequences will be catastrophic. Our response to this is critical, both morally and reputationally. As a globally connected organisation we need to be leading in this area within our local and regional communities and ensure that our graduates leave us with an understanding of the challenges facing society and our world, and have the skills, commitments and personal qualities needed to help address them.”
Peter Rands, Director of Sustainability Development
We have unique opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction strategy and targets that reach significantly beyond reducing our own carbon consumption.
We were one of the first universities in the UK to sign the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Accord, and we are working to align our activity with the United Nations SDGs. We have joined more than 7,000 higher and further education institutions from six continents in declaring a Climate Emergency, pledging to address the crisis through our work with students.
We have developed a dedicated Framework for Sustainability, achieved and maintained ISO14001 accreditation for our Environmental Management System (EMS) with a platinum EcoCampus award, and in 2017 and 2018 we won both a national and then an international Green Gown award for Continuous Improvement: Institutional Change.
But there is still so much more to do. We are determined to build on our response to the challenge of the climate crisis, and create bold and lasting change.
Take a look at our Sustainability Events programme for our latest climate action events and initiatives.
Case studies
Albert partnership – sustainability education for the creative industries
We believe education is vital to creating a sustainable future, so we’re weaving sustainability knowledge and a green focus into our courses wherever we can.
A good example is our use of Albert certification in our Film, Radio and TV and Film Production students’ curriculum, giving them industry-level knowledge of the sustainability challenges in screen industries today. This means our graduates start their new careers with a vital understanding of sustainability within the profession.
Albert is governed by an industry consortium that supports everyone working in film and TV to understand how they can create positive environmental change and inspire audiences to act for a sustainable future. The albert certification provides the tools and knowledge to measure environmental impact of productions and put green practices into place.
Luke Hill, a student who has now completed the certification, said: “The fight against climate change is hugely important and albert is leading the way. By having this on my CV I am able to align myself with the goals of this industry and employers as we move towards positive environmental changes.”
A Carbon Literate community
Global Climate Change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world. We have joined many national and local governments, including the UK and Canterbury City Council, in declaring a Climate Emergency.
As part of our response to this, our Academy for Sustainable Futures now offers free Carbon Literacy Training to all our staff and students. It promotes awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions.
The short course has been developed by Manchester Metropolitan University in collaboration with the Carbon Literacy Trust and is delivered in four 2-hour sessions over four weeks, or comprising 8 hours collaborative training.
By becoming Carbon Literate, our community is learning to be aware of the impact of everyday activities on the climate, how to reduce emissions, and why it’s important that we all take decisive steps.