What we are doing
Developing a new Sustainability Strategy
We are creating a new, overarching Sustainability Strategy to replace the Environment and Climate Emergency Policy Statement adopted in 2019. This strategy will define how the University of Exeter responds to its most significant sustainability impacts - both within our campuses and across the wider communities we influence.
At this early stage, we are inviting students and colleagues from across the University to help shape the direction of this work. Your perspectives, lived experience and expertise are essential in identifying the sustainability issues that matter most and ensuring the strategy reflects the priorities of our diverse community. The process will build on previous work already undertaken with a focus on identifying the most significant sustainability impacts, risks and opportunities for the University of Exeter, while also considering the external impacts of the University.
Have Your Say: Sustainability Strategy Consultation
A University‑wide survey is now live, giving all staff and students the opportunity to influence the development of the strategy from the outset. We encourage everyone to take part and share their views. Take the survey here.
Join a Strategy Development Workshop
We are also hosting online workshops to explore key themes in more depth:
- 10am–12pm, Wednesday 11 February
- 2–4pm, Monday 23 February
Please register your interest here.
In-person conversations and social media
The Sustainability Team will be present on campus in February and March, so please come and speak to us. Dates of our in-person stands are listed below:
- Forum Street - 10:30 - 12:30 on Thursday 26th February
- Forum Street - 12:30 - 14:30 on Tuesday 10th March
- Business School (Building One) - 12:00 - 14:00 on Monday 16th March
- St Luke's (CrossKeys) - 13:30 - 15:00 on Wednesday 18th March
Stay up to date with the strategy and ways to engage with us by following our Instagram page, @uoesustainability.
Environmental Management System
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a formal system which enables organisations to control and improve their environmental performance and ensure we comply with environmental legislation. Environmental Management Systems are based on the Deming Cycle of Continual Improvement and are similar to systems used for health, safety and quality management.
The University of Exeter has implemented an EMS for Finance, Infrastructure and Commercial Services (FICS) certified to ISO 14001:2015 see the British Assessment Bureau Certificate. The FICS Environmental Management Policy outlines the goals, responsibilities, aims and commitments that have been adopted within the EMS to cover the activities, services and operations within FICS. It is one part of the University's wider Environment and Climate Emergency (E&CE) response and action.
The University is now working on extending the EMS to all faculties and divisions across Exeter campuses, in support of the Environmental and Climate Emergency Policy aims:
- Aim 3: Demonstrate commitment to managing, minimising and mitigating the impacts from operations, activities, research and education.
- Aim 6: Demonstrate compliance with all relevant legislation as a minimum, and where possible go beyond it.
The EMS helps identify areas where efficiency can be improved and savings made. Areas where tangible benefits and financial savings can be achieved are waste management, energy consumption, transportation, packaging and materials use.
The other major benefits are:
- improved compliance with environmental legislation
- regulator assurance
- reduced insurance risks
- reduced environmental risk
- demonstration of environmental commitment to stakeholders
- support funding bids and invitations to tender
- demonstration of green credentials to attract staff, students and business customers
- enhanced environmental awareness within the University community
- opportunities for research and student projects
- consideration and identification of our environmental aspects & impacts
Further information, including EMS procedures and supporting documentation, is stored on SharePoint and accessible to University of Exeter colleagues. This site is managed by the Sustainability team. For further information or queries relating to the EMS, please contact our Sustainability team: sustainability@exeter.ac.uk
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals which provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. They are at the heart of 'the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development', which was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.
With the backdrop of the climate and ecological crisis, inequality and poverty, the transition to a more sustainable way of life is more important than ever and education is key to catalysing shifts towards more sustainable behaviours and lifestyles.
As a University we are committed to embedding the SDGs across all courses and the experience of our staff and students. Our Annual SDG Report together with the vodcasts below, highlight how we are approaching and contributing to the delivery of each.
Emissions by theme
The above is for illustrative purposes only. Actual reporting is contained in our annual reports.
Emissions by scope
The above is for illustrative purposes only. Actual reporting is contained in our annual reports.
