Carbon Reduction Policy

1. Introduction

  1. Bath Spa University recognises that the energy, products and services it consumes cause the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change.
  2. As part of our overall goal of sustainable development, we are committed to continual improvement in the management and reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions.

2. Objectives

To this end we will:

  1. Develop a systematic, auditable energy management system.
  2. Ensure continual compliance with energy related legislation, HEFCE requirements and corporate commitments.
  3. Develop a sustainable energy strategy.
  4. Ensure any new development contributes to the sustainable energy strategy.
  5. Implement a programme of improvements to building fabric, services and controls to maximise energy efficiency.
  6. Regularly monitor and review energy consumption against our reduction targets.
  7. Ensure the necessary resources are made available to achieve these goals, cost effectively.
  8. Manage emissions from waste, water, transport products and services, via our Ecocampus Environmental Management System.
  9. Develop behaviour change programmes to promote an energy aware culture, via our Ecocampus Environmental Management System.
  10. Communicate progress to internal and external stakeholders This policy will be regularly reviewed to ensure it continues to reflect Bath Spa University's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

3. Responsibility

  1. The responsibility for continual improvement in the management and reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions lies with the Board of Governors, the Vice-Chancellor, managers and staff of Bath Spa University.
  2. The Vice-Chancellor has the responsibility for keeping the Board of Governors advised of energy consumption and carbon emission issues (for example, the publication of relevant advice or reports). To help discharge this responsibility the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Resources), and Director of Estates will be responsible for providing advice and relevant reports to the Vice-Chancellor.
  3. The Director of Estates has line management responsibility for formulating appropriate action plans to meet the University's energy consumption and carbon emission objectives which will be resourced through the annual budget approved by the Board of Governors. This officer will be assisted as appropriate by the Carbon Reduction and Energy Manager.
  4. The Carbon Reduction and Energy Manager will be responsible for liaising as appropriate with the Environment Steering Group, with managers and staff responsible for the University's waste and recycling environment objectives, and for ensuring close working relationships with the University's energy and environment champions.
  5. All members of the Senior Management team are responsible for ensuring that the Objectives and Action plans applicable to their areas of responsibility are followed appropriately.
  6. Managers have responsibility for maintaining an awareness of good practices in their own area of operation and for ensuring that these are followed appropriately. Managers will be assisted in this by staff reporting to them who are designated Energy Champions.
  7. All staff should endeavour to support the University's objectives of continual improvement in the management and reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Approved by the Board of Governors on 30 June, 2010.