Guide yourself through
This ‘Guide Yourself’ package is designed for those
in the Learning and Skills Sector who wish to take some time to
gain an in-depth understanding of the sustainable management of
Buildings and Estates. It is divided into four sections which can
be read as a whole or separately. Within the sections it addresses
8 relevant sub-topics:
- New buildings and Refurbishments
- Using Energy Efficiently
- Conserving Water
- Reducing Unnecessary Waste
- Encouraging Biodiversity
- Purchasing
- Transport and Fleet Management
- Environmental Management Systems.
Download the
interactive PDF version of Guide Yourself Through Buildings and
Estates
Context
Making the
case for Sustainable Development
Good management of buildings and estates, when put in a broader
sustainability context, can contribute positively towards
sustainable development in key areas such as:
- Reducing an estate’s environmental impact through better
management of wastes and energy
- Raising the environmental awareness and responsibility of all
staff and students. For example through implementing an
environmental policy or formal Environmental Management System
(which requires all individuals in the organisation to be given
environmental training)
- Improved presence and reputation within the community. For
example through greening the supply chain and encouraging local
procurement, as well as ensuring sound physical appearance of
buildings
LSC Policy
The LSC Strategy for Sustainable
Development - From Here to Sustainability (2005) makes a strong
case for sustainable development being at the heart of all
learning. It stresses ‘the importance of all learners
acquiring sustainable development skills – skills that will
equip them to lead their lives and work in a sustainable way and to
influence others to do the same’. The LSC identifies three
ways in which the Learning and Skills sector can contribute to
sustainable development:
- Through its management of resources
- Through the learning opportunities it delivers
- Through its engagement with communities
The LSC Strategy for Sustainable Development has identified a
number of priority action areas for implementing change in
teaching, learning and the curriculum in relation to sustainable
development:
Education for sustainable development
Promote and encourage acceptance and delivery within learning
programmes of the Sustainable Development Education Panel’s
key concepts for education for sustainable development.
Learning materials
Consider adopting and using currently available sustainable
development learning materials and develop appropriate sustainable
development programmes and modules.
Whole-institution approach
Implement a whole-institution approach to sustainable
development, taking account of both institution-based provision and
virtual learning environments, and both informal and formal
learning approaches.
Links and partnerships
Develop links between providers and industry and between pre-
and post-16 education and learning providers (including higher
education), also considering European and international
partnerships.
Healthy college programme
Encourage development and implementation of
healthy
college programmes.