Sustainability at the College
The College considers that it is very important that we act in accordance with sound principles of sustainability in our activities as an organisation. We also embed sustainability into our teaching, research and consultancy.
These pages provide details about what we are currently doing in this area, and also of forthcoming developments.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is often understood to mean integrating economic, environmental and social considerations into decision making and activities. One of the most commonly used definitions of sustainable development is the one produced by the UN’s Brundtland Commission in 1987, i.e. ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.
What is the College doing?
The College is involved in a wide range of activities which incorporate sustainability principles. Some examples are given below and more details can be found through the links on the drop-down menu to the left.
Renewable Energy
A biomass district heating system provides heat for most of the teaching rooms, the library and the atrium. In addition, the pavilion is heated via an air source heat pump.
Sustainable Buildings
Our new teaching facilities incorporate a range of sustainability measures including rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation and passive solar design.
College Farms
Our farms demonstrate how environmental management can be integrated with commercial farming. We participate in the Higher and Entry Level Environmental Stewardship Schemes and manage part of our land organically.
Teaching, Research & Consultancy
Many of our undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses incorporate sustainability, and we do a wide range of related research and consultancy.
Environmental Sustainability Strategy Group
This group's membership is made up of students, staff and governors and it assists the College in implementing its Environmental & Sustainability Policy.
New Website Sustainability Section Launched
Our new website section provides lots of details about sustainability at the College – from information about our biomass district heating system and our sustainable buildings, to how we promote biodiversity on our farms, and how we incorporate sustainability into our teaching, research and consultancy. Watch out for regular updates.