Media Invitation: Sustainable Practice in Universities: Leading and Improving

Tuesday 12 August 2008

Sustainability is a growing political and corporate priority both nationally and internationally and it is here to stay. The world faces major challenges of resourcing sustainably the service expectations of a growing and developing global population. Climate change, security of energy and water supply and resource and waste management are all pressing concerns at all levels, from international institutions to local authorities and individuals. There are calls from all corners that we move resolutely in a low carbon direction.

Universities have a unique position to contribute to the challenges of sustainability, through teaching and research, as campus managers, as employers and as protagonists in their local communities. The Sustainable Practice in Universities conference will bring together leaders in campus planning, facilities management, finance and business, environmental health and safety, procurement with sustainability researchers and decision-makers in local and national government.

Sustainability can no longer be considered optional. It is a critical part of the overall planning process. Universities will be required to set higher standards of practice in areas of energy savings and carbon reduction, waste minimisation and recycling, procurement and transport, driven by legislation, competitive pressures and the aspirations of their own staff and prospective students. With ever increasing student numbers and expanding campuses, the challenge to maintain high quality service will be severely tested. That was the message coming from the latest the Higher Education Funding Council for England consultation document on sustainable development action plan.

The challenge to move along a sustainable pathway involves vision and strategy combined with many local actions and technical innovation. Sustainability requires a partnership between the various stakeholders within universities, including students, to generate alternatives, create lasting solutions, and change old habits. The conference will bring many outstanding speakers to the University of Surrey to share with participants models of success and visions of development. Confirmed speakers/panellists include:

• Sara Parkin, Co-Founder and Programme Director, Forum for the Future
• Ian Leggett, Director, People and Planet
• David Vincent, Director of Policy, The Carbon Trust
• Tim Jackson, Director, Research Group on Lifestyles, Values and Environment (RESOLVE), University of Surrey
• Edward Green, Head of Public Sector Team – Climate & Energy, DEFRA
• Keith McIntyre, Energy Manager, Kings College, London
• John Aston, Green Marketing Manager, Philips
• Martyn Newton, Sustainability Manager, University of East Anglia
• Peter Jones, former Director of External Relations, Biffa
• Keith Pitcher, Environmental Officer, The University of Leeds
• Victoria Hands, Environmental & Sustainability Manager, London School of Economics
• Mark Warner, Sustainability Manager, Leeds Metropolitan University
• George Munson, Climate Change Officer, Leeds City Council
• Peter Watts, Senior Consultant, Turner & Townsend Management Solutions
• Roland Clift, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Technology, University of Surrey
• Nilda Mesa, Director, Environmental Stewardship Office, Columbia University, USA
• Steven Lanou, Deputy Director of Sustainability, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
• Almut Beringer, Senior Research Fellow, UNESCO Chair 'Higher Education for Sustainable Development', University of Lueneburg, Germany
• Ann Finlayson, Education Commissioner, Sustainable Development Commission

For more information about the conference please visit: http://www.ias.surrey.ac.uk/workshops/sustainability/index.php

Media Enquiries

Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk