The University of Northampton recognises that the impact of our activities isn’t just on the local environment, but on the global environment too. It is based on this recognition that we acknowledge a responsibility for, and a commitment to, lessening our impact through a variety of initiatives and schemes involving:

• energy saving and carbon management
• sustainable travel and transport
• waste minimisation
• biodiversity
• sustainable construction and design
• sustainable procurement

Everyone studying, working or living at the University can make a difference and play a valuable part in creating greener campuses – helping work towards a sustainable future.

Environmental Management System

The University is participating in the Investors in the Environment (IiE) scheme in order to help develop and implement an Environmental Management System (EMS). The University achieved the EcoCampus Silver award for the initial development of its EMS, and in 2016 was awarded Investors in the Environment ‘Great Green Star Award’ accreditation.

The University has an Environmental Policy, and environmental performance targets have been set by the Health, Safety, Welfare and Environment Committee.

Carbon management

Committed to making efficient and environmentally responsible use of energy, the University has developed a carbon management plan and is continually investigating and undertaking actions across the estate to improve its energy efficiency. The University’s principal carbon reduction target is to reduce its annual Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 43% to 4530 tonnes of CO2 by the end of 2019/20 academic year, compared to its 2005/6 emissions baseline of 7947 tonnes of CO2. This aligns with the higher education sector target set by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in support of the national targets set by the UK Government in the 2008 Climate Change Act.

Waste and recycling

In support of our responsibilities, the University has an efficient recycling scheme aimed at reducing the quantity of waste sent to landfill. The University’s halls of residence, academic and administrative buildings are provided with durable recycling bins for a variety of different materials including mixed recycling, food waste, paper, cardboard, plastics, cans and glass. In 2014/15 we were very proud to have recycled 69% of our day to day waste!

Biodiversity index

The University is keen to promote the conservation of biodiversity on its campuses and to maintain its estate in an environmentally sensitive way. The award winning interactive Biodiversity Index is a web based tool developed by the University of Northampton, as part of the HEFCE funded SEED Project. It enables organisations with little or no knowledge of biodiversity to do a rapid but scientific assessment of the level of plant diversity on their site and is free to use for UK schools, colleges and higher education institutions.

To contact us about any environmental or carbon management matters please email the Sustainability Team.