The University of Sussex

Introduction

The University of Sussex is set in an attractive campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park between Brighton and Lewes. The University has more than 10,500 students and 2,200 members of staff. The campus comprises 94 hectares of land and approximately 210,000 square metres of buildings,18% of which is listed. Our senior management has initiated and gives full support to our environmental policy. As a responsible institution, we intend to grow and develop in a sustainable manner.

Sustainability in Research and the Curriculum

Sussex has been at the forefront of environmental research for many years, particularly in relation to energy and climate change. In June 2009, the Sussex Energy Group, headed by Dr Jim Watson, was awarded the Green Gown award by EAUC for its research into the transition to low carbon economies. More recently, Sussex appointed a new Professor in Climate Change and is currently developing an MSc programme in Climate Change.

Salix

Sussex was one of the first Universities to be awarded a Salix Institutional Small Projects Fund to finance the delivery of carbon reduction projects. Since then, its fund of £275,000 has delivered annual energy savings of £63,000 and 366 tonnes CO2. Its strong performance recently resulted in an increase of its fund size by Salix by a further £118,000.

EcoCampus

Sussex joined the EcoCampus scheme in September 2008, and has used the scheme as a vehicle for delivering a more structured approach to its environmental management. It was one of the first of the 2008 cohort to be awarded Bronze accreditation, and is shortly due to submit for Silver accreditation.

For more information about The University of Sussex and the steps it is taking in sustainability, please contact Patrick Pica by e-mailing P.Pica@sussex.ac.uk