A More Sustainable University

This is an overview of Cardiff University's commitment to sustainability. More detailed information is available through the links on the left.

Principles

Cardiff University pursues the principles of sustainable development both in its engagement with external stakeholders and in the management of its internal operations. This is reflected in the key aim of the University’s Innovation and Engagement Strategy, that 

"Cardiff University aims to benefit society through making a significant and sustainable contribution to health, economy, education and culture."

Plans, Performance and Targets

The University's Environmental Objectives and Targets are linked on the right.

In 2007, the University agreed a Carbon Management Plan (linked on the right under Our Performance), to reduce its carbon emissions as a result of its participation in the Carbon Trust Higher Education Carbon Management Programme. 

Performance against this plan is monitored regularly to ensure targets are met.

Graphs of energy performance throughout the University buildings are updated monthly, to help us to monitor and reduce costs and carbon. These will be published shortly under University Facts and Figures.

The University also has a Biodiversity Policy and Action Plan, available from the University's Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Unit.

Sustainable Development Strategic Framework

The Sustainable Development Strategic Framework outlines the University’s current and future sustainable development agenda and commits the University to a process of continuous improvement across its research, teaching and operations. The Framework covers the following key areas:

1. Research and Teaching
2. Sustaining the Environment and Sustainable Resource Use
3. A Sustainable Society
4. A Sustainable Economy

View the Sustainable Development Strategic Framework:

• Sustainable Development Framework [48.3 Kb]

An Implementation Plan has also been developed to provide a delivery mechanism for specific elements of the Framework. The Plan identifies six key objectives and details actions to be undertaken across the University during 2010/11.

View the Sustainable Development Framework Implementation Plan:

• Sustainable Development Implementation Plan [57.1 Kb]

Welsh Assembly Government’s Sustainable Development Charter

In May 2010, the University became the first higher education institution in Wales to make a landmark commitment to future proofing lives and communities across Wales by signing the Welsh Assembly Government’s Sustainable Development Charter.

The University is one of only 22 organisations in Wales who have set out their intentions to find long-term sustainable business solutions that protect resources for future generations.

Policies

The University recognises its responsibilities to the environment through the policies linked on the right:

• the University's Safety, Health and Environment Policy
• the University's Energy, Water and Waste Management Policy

as well as through policies covering equal opportunities and employment, procurement and ethics. 

People

Involvement by staff and students will produce results: 

• Eco Champions play a key role in promoting good sustainability practice within their own schools and divisions. 
• Recycling reduces waste. 
• Staff may take advantage of sustainable procurement policies and procedures. 
• The University is also currently developing a sustainable transport policy. 

Promotion and Education

The University also plays a key role in educating future generations of citizens, consumers, investors, entrepreneurs, leaders, and decision-makers within Wales, the UK, and globally. 

Sustainability principles are embedded in a wide range of teaching subjects. This empowers the University's students and graduates to contribute towards a more sustainable society.