Annual Report 2009/10

Statement 2009/10

“We have made excellent progress in 2009/10 in improving the environmental performance of the University. We have strengthened our partnerships with key local stakeholders, including Devon County Council, Devon Wildlife Trust and Stagecoach Southwest, as well as engaging in nationwide initiatives such as the Recycle Zone and Degrees Cooler projects. We have made a significant investment in new, high quality cycle parking, enhanced bus services, recycling facilities and energy saving projects. In addition we have secured external funding from Cycle Exeter, Vinspired and Recycle Zone to deliver these projects. We have already seen the benefit of this investment through a reduction in single car occupancy, increased recycling rates, increased staff and student engagement in biodiversity related activities and ongoing reductions in our carbon dioxide emissions.

With regards to the curriculum we have made some significant progress with staff development in introducing ‘sustainability’ as a theme within Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (LTHE) and Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PCAP) programmes, the introduction of modular sustainability pathways and the development of innovative interdisciplinary research inspired catalyst programmes, such as the Big Dilemmas project. The establishment of the Campus as Living Laboratory, which brings together students, academics and communities in learning for sustainability, has offered additional extra-curricular and curricular learning opportunities. The Birds & Bees Campaign and the Exeter Carbon Observatory are two groundbreaking examples of good practice. Further learning opportunities have been created to link sustainability with employability through the Exeter Award’s ‘Green Economy’ workshops.”

Professor Mark Overton

Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Affairs)