Are you looking to go greener with your IT efforts?
Whilst universities have been at the forefront of understanding the challenges of sustainability, Higher Education remains one of the UK’s largest non-commercial consumers of energy, therefore concerns about sustainability need to be addressed.
An increasing number of universities are focusing on carbon emissions and footprint and putting this as a main priority, with targets to reduce emissions set by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
The HEFCE is committed to reducing carbon emission levels by 43% (against a 2005 baseline) by 2020 and requires all the higher education institutions (HEIs) it funds, to have a carbon management plan that contains carbon reduction targets, meaning it’s paramount to monitor performance to create a sustainable campus.
To help the sector reduce their carbon emissions, HEFCE are providing:
- Recoverable grants through the Revolving Green Fund (RGF) for projects that reduce institutions’ emissions
- Good practice guidance on producing carbon reduction strategies, targets and associated carbon management plans
- A report to estimate carbon dioxide emission baselines for each HEI that they fund.
However, many institutions have also adopted the SMART strategy when setting targets:
- Specific – each target should address one issue
- Measurable – targets should be expressed as a quantity
- Achievable – targets should be reasonable for everyone involved
- Realistic – targets should be challenging but practical, they can be reviewed once accomplished
- Time-bound – target must have a deadline
Although, there are no financial penalties for failing to meet the 2020 targets, institutions are required to publicly report their progress towards carbon reduction targets – which is hoped will encourage them. It’s also predicted that a university’s record on sustainability will become increasingly important for students deciding where to study.
What is conclusive, is that sustainability must become deeply embedded in an institution’s policies and practices, the easiest way to make a difference and become more sustainable is through innovative and pioneering new technologies.
XMA sit on a number of frameworks that can help you meet your needs. Our team of tech specialists can find opportunities for you to save time and money in your efforts to provide cleaner, greener technology in your institution.
