The LSC has developed this website to provide guidance and support to colleges and their consultants to develop Capital Projects. The website looks at the process of achieving a capital project as well as providing design guidance. It also has case studies (external website) and a section looking specifically at sustainability. (external website)
BREEAM is the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method. BREEAM Buildings can be used to assess the environmental performance of any type of building (new and existing). Standard versions exist for common building types and less common building types can be assessed against tailored criteria under a bespoke version.
BREEAM Bespoke
Can assess buildings that fall outside the standard BREEAM categories, including leisure complexes, laboratories, higher & further education buildings and hotels at the design stage and post construction.
BREEAM Multi-residential
Is a bespoke version of the BREEAM eco-homes standard that is applicable to learners' halls of residences, taking account of communal areas and services.
BREEAM Schools
Helps schools and Local Authorities to set environmental targets for new and refurbished school buildings.
The Sustainable Development Unit in Defra coordinates and monitors the implementation of sustainable development across the UK, including management of the government estate. Its website contains information about targets and mandatory details relating to these targets that can be a valuable resource for anyone involved in new build or refurbishments.
eMandate has been developed to help estate managers understand, compare, improve, and measure performance in key areas of estate and facilities management. It provides FE and other providers with access to performance metrics and data to facilitate improved management, improve building quality & efficiency through awareness and support an objective approach to FE provider estate management.
Association of South East Colleges (AOSEC) is running a sustainable construction project.
The HE Network is an online community for Higher Education Energy Officers, who have an interest in non-domestic energy and environmental issues. Registration required (free).
The Carbon Trust has developed a carbon management product tailored to the needs of the Higher Education sector. The primary focus of the work is to reduce emissions under the control of the university such as academic, accommodation and leisure buildings and vehicle fleets. The programme will be supported by the Higher Education Carbon Management Toolkit, a web-based self-help workbook. The Toolkit captures lessons learned, is updated every year, and provides detailed carbon management process instructions, technical guidance and relevant tools. Although it is targeted at universities, the results could be valuable to other educational establishments as well.
HEEPI aims to improve the environmental performance of universities and FE providers by:
- Developing environmental benchmarking within further and higher education
- Running events to share best practice and build networks
- Providing an information resource
HEEPI organises the Green Gown Awards, now in their fourth year, which recognise innovative sustainable actions by universities and FE providers across the UK.
Energy purchasing and related services are offered exclusively to the Higher and Further Education sectors by this Not-for-Profit organisation.
Envirowise provides manuals, guides and other information of relevance to all water users.
The Environment Agency has a range of free publications on water efficiency, from how to carry out a simple water audit to information on the different water-efficient technologies available.
The Environmental Association of Universites and Colleges have produced an online, step-by-step guide to sustainably managing waste, with lots of case studies and guidance on the relevant legislation
WRAP works in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment.
NetRegs is a comprehensive web resource that provides free environmental guidance for a range of organisations in the UK. It provides guidance on how to comply with environmental law and to protect the environment. It provides useful information about legislation that is relevant to the FE system, including water, waste, recycling, energy and hazardous substances.
Biodiversity forms one of the cornerstones of sustainable development. This resource centre provides information about the important role played by biodiversity. Although targeted primarily at businesses, the information provided is also of direct relevance for educational establishments. It provides details about how different sectors impact on wildlife and nature, and what can be done to help conserve and manage biodiversity.
A website dedicated to supporting local authorities in their efforts to procure sustainably, and provides lots of information relating to the sustainable procurement agenda.
SPIN was launched and is maintained as part of an East Midlands Centre of Excellence sustainable procurement project.
As a global provider of management systems assessment, certification and training services, BSI Management Systems is one of the world's leading certification bodies, with more than 64,000 certified locations and clients in over 120 countries. There are a number of useful BSI case studies here.
The HEEPI (Higher Education - Environmental Performance Improvement) website contains examples of a number of EMS policies from universities.
The European Union's Environmental Management System
The International Environmental Management System
Created: Apr 9, 2009