UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY DUAL ASSURANCE
A meeting of the Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability Dual Assurance Group was held on
Tuesday 17 March 2015 at 1.00pm in the Ted Wragg Room, Northcote House.
PRESENT:
Phil Attwell (Director of Campus Services) (in the Chair)
Peter Lacey (Lay Lead)
Hugh McCann (Director of Estate Development Service)
Lianne Moore (Co-ordinator)
Geoff Pringle
Karen Gallagher
Paul Mucklow
APOLOGIES:
Tim Quine
1.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 10 February were APPROVED.
2a.
Actions Arising from the November 2014 meeting of the Group
Carbon Reduction – IT
P Mucklow has attended IT Dual Assurance with P Evans to look at key areas for IT
sustainability. Three items were identified:
 Shadow service - A survey is to be commissioned to identify high performance computing
in Colleges. This information will then be used to consider duplication with servers
provided by IT and to identify savings.
 Energy usage for PCs (est 8k) and hand held device charging (est 40k). Energy
performance software available. Education required to those who leave PCs on 24hrs for
access from home.
 Audio visual equipment left on after use. Looking at the possibility of introducing remote
‘switch off’ facility.
Discussions also took place around data centre power usage effectiveness (PUE), which is
calculated by ratio (total gross power of data centre divided by computer capacity power
consumed). The current ratio is 1:4, 1:2 is the target for the data centre and 1:1 is achievable,
depending on budget available.
P Mucklow felt that IT are now more engaged with the sustainability agenda and that there
were mutual benefits to be gained, particularly around the shadow service.
Energy Saving Funding Models
P Mucklow has identified two key external funding possibilities to assist with reducing the
carbon target without capital investment. P Mucklow estimated 400kw of shadow free, south
facing space on roofs with approximately 1megawatt available on the East Field site.
Photovoltaic Panels – Simple and risk free, 250kw investment per installation. Payback made
through savings. Equipment reverts to University at end of 5 year period typically.
Exeter Community Energy – Seeking buildings to install equipment. Would benefit carbon
reduction, however, equipment would not revert to our ownership.
Robert Jackson, PIL, is keen for panels to be installed to the Innovation Centre Phase I and II
on their lease. Capacity is also available at Russell Seale, Amory and other buildings.
It was noted that Council have a desire to meet carbon reduction targets, whilst also
recognising the large associated cost and how this can be met. It was AGREED that alternative
funding mechanisms be sought and presented to Council. P Mucklow hopes to be in a
position for market testing shortly.
Energy Performance Contacting
A RE:FIT framework agreement is in place in the public sector. Noted that delivery teams are
generally small and their track record is not strong.
Scottish and Southern Electric (SSE) provide a more rounded offering and have completed
some HV works on campus. The Harrison audit has been shared with SSE, who will provide
estimates and advice on whether the project is commercially attractive to them and if external
funding is available. Should the report suggest there is appetite the e-procurement route
would be followed and a paper taken to Council.
Noted that energy and carbon reduction solutions need to be considered within the Residence
Strategy.
The Revolving Green Fund (£150k) has a requirement for the project to have a 10yr payback
period. This fund is fully committed.
Salix (£600k) has a payback period of 5 years. Noted that it is more difficult to achieve
payback in the 5 year period and there have been instances where the payback has fallen
short.
HEFCE (£250k) fund fully committed for St Luke’s lighting.
A Seaman will be attending a conference in Bristol where public sector finance and revolving
green funds will be discussed.
Council Report for Environmental Sustainability
K Gallagher confirmed that an additional paragraph under Construction and Refurbishment,
the carbon reduction graph and reference to the Bicycle Users Group were included in the
Council report, which was well received.
2b
To consider Actions Arising from the February 2015 meeting of the Group
H McCann confirmed that items in T3 should be solely Capital.
Action: P Attwell to discuss revenue fund with A Connolly, whether this exists and how it is
used.
3.
Environmental Management System: Management Review - Paper circulated for discussion
(Agenda Item 3 201503 – EMS Management Review VB)
ISO14001 management system has been in use for 5 years. Exeter were leaders and 80% of
Russell Group universities are either working towards implementation or have full
certification. The recertification audit is due March/April. The quarterly report
has been completed and included as an appendix to Agenda Item 3 201503 – EMS
Management Review VB.
The Environmental Policy was reviewed and agreed as fit for purpose in September and will
need revisiting in July this year. Register of environmental impacts remains rigorous.
Environmental performance (item 9 in Agenda Item 3 201503 – EMS Management Review VB)
shows targets to July 2014. Strategy expires end of 2015. Items at red status include:
 Carbon Emissions – Slight increase/flat line in last two years, linked to extension of estate.
10% increase in next two years expected (24 hour operation of buildings, increase in
student numbers and handheld devices etc). Key areas to address were discussed earlier in
the meeting (item 2a). Unlikely the 2015 target will be met, suggested future target be set
for 2050 with a structured managed process in place to achieve target.
 Waste and Recycling - Performing well with year on year reduction and progress against
waste target. Confident will achieve target. Viridor food waste collections commenced.
Rocket composter no longer efficient compared to commercial collections.
 Staff commuting – Unlikely will hit target. Travel survey planned soon. Single car
occupancy showed an increase in the most recent survey (better return rate). Hard to
achieve by 2015 but can demonstrate progress in other areas. H McCann added that
there has been an increase in requests from Pennsylvania Road and others from the
community for us to create more parking.
 Sustainable Procurement Strategy has been withdrawn.
Water consumption – Water Strategy to be revisited. P Mucklow advised of a 10% use
increase in residence areas (UPP increased also) but no increase across the remaining estate.
Looking to ratify metrics so we can benchmark with other institutions. Aim to drive down
water usage by 10% by 2020. Close links with CEMPS regarding water strategy. Quality of
data has improved.
Pollution incidents have decreased and responses are good. Oil remains an issue. Emergency
Response and Storage Procedures have been reviewed.
ISO14001:2015 to be published this year and we need to consider how we as an institution
respond. Requires top management involvement and scrutiny (believe Dual Assurance meets
these demands), integration into Strategic Plan and performance improvements (continue to
measure improvements, including cultural change and engagement).
4.
Sustainability Research Strategy - Presentation from the Estate Development Service
Sustainability Manager
Initiative from Tim Lenton to develop a specific Sustainable Research Strategy. K Gallagher
was invited to join the group. The aim is for the Strategy to be signed off in July. A practical
application with potential to embed across the institution is being sought. Need to ensure
ambition, both in terms of research and on campus activities, are fully aligned and checked.
Tim Quine is keen to link activities informed by our research. K Gallagher also wishes to
understand the impact on research and investment of carbon and resources.
5.
Green League - To receive a presentation from the Estate Development Service
Sustainability Manager.
Noted that 60% of Higher Education Institutions did not participate in the Green League.
Exeter’s position has dropped to 36th from 14th. When compared to other Russell Group
universities Exeter is positioned 5th. The time involved in Green League preparation is
considerable. Exeter excelled in staff areas but less well in ethical supply change, education
and workers rights (living wage in supply chain, human rights etc). Exeter has made many
improvements in the sustainable food area, scoring 75%.
K Gallagher queried whether Exeter should consider benchmarking in another way. Green
Metric provides international ranking requiring a simple three page online return and takes
into account the setting of the institution. Data is collated from July-Oct. Other institutions
who participate in Green Metric include Oxford, Nottingham and York, with participation
growing over recent years. There is currently a strong UK presence in the Top 10.
Discussions took place with regards to the Green League metrics (change each year) concern
that the criteria may not be relevant to research and damage to the Green League brand.
It was felt that an international league table would be appropriate and aligns with the
University’s ambition to be in the Global Top 100. The view of the group is to be within a
league table relevant to research with the aim to measure highly against others in the RG
(upper quartile).
Alternative league tables that are well publicised are very limited. Noted that AUDE are
looking into a balance score card approach, however, this has yet to be developed.
6.
Environmental Sustainability
To receive verbal updates on the following:
(a) Public Transport (Karen Gallagher)
A passenger transport review is being carried out by R Webb and K Gallagher with the aim to
complete by 20 March. Objectives include the shuttle bus service, provision, cost and
patronage.
The subsidy for the Stagecoach D bus service will be revisited this year. DCC, who also
subsidise the D Service, have announced that they will be cutting subsidies to some routes and
consultation is presently taking place to identify which.
Looking at profiling of car parking budget.
Noted that there are many challenges with Park and Ride services and this is unlikely to
change within the next 2 years. Noted that the physical size of the bus used for Park and Ride
are unable to navigate certain turns leading to campus.
P Lacey added that the development of a Park and Ride at Ide is unlikely in the near future.
The Review will be presented to Transport Management Group for comment and then to the
PS Transformation Board.
(b) Environmental Risk (Karen Gallagher)
K Gallagher is continuing to manage environmental risk and revisiting College plans. The ILM
Health, Safety and Environment module has been a real success and real changes are being
seen in Departments.
Progress at Penryn is slow and steady and an Environmental Management System is being put
in place by FXPlus.
(c)
Sustainability Steering Group (Karen Gallagher)
The first meeting of SSG has taken place, Chaired by T Quine, with discussions around Green
League. There was lots of emphasis on galvanising internal activity and alignment in terms of
Exeter 2050.
(d)
University Strategic Plan: Sustainability (Karen Gallagher)
The Strategic Plan is due for renewal. K Gallagher is in correspondence with S Selway to discuss
the process. There will be a high level public facing element on the website and online offering.
Sitting behind single sign out will be a suite of enabling strategies, of which Sustainability will be
one. K Gallagher proposed that a document is produced for presentation in June, with the aim
for agreement for University Plan in July. The Group AGREED this approach.
P Attwell queried the name of the Sustainability Research Strategy. It was noted that Council
had raised a similar concern and suggested ‘Environmental Management’ rather than
‘Sustainability’.
ACTION: K Gallagher to produce University Strategic Plan Environment Management enabling
document for discussion at the June meeting.
(e)
Revision of the 5-year Sustainability Strategy (Geoff Pringle/Karen Gallagher)
Noted that the Sustainability Action Plan is on target.
7.
Infrastructure
(a)
Student Residential Strategy (Hugh McCann)
H McCann advised that VCEG have identified a shortfall of c800 beds and the need to deliver
additional beds on Streatham Campus. Professional advice has been procured from Quayle
Munroe and a series of options have been considered:
Develop East Park (c1000-1200 rooms) and market on DBFO. Suggested return iro £13.1m
capital receipt. £3.6-£3.8m to take to market (legal fees, surveys etc).
Demolish and build at Spreytonway (c122 rooms) and Estate Service Centre (c216 rooms)
sites and creation of a new single Grounds Depot.
Existing Family Centre site (c 132 beds)
Suggested that these areas be developed by the University.
Conversion of Moberly, Birks Grange and Birks Central to self-catered. The number of beds
at Birks Grange and Moberly would reduce slightly. Creating a town house model on the
Birks Central site would create an additional 104 beds. In total a net increase of 25 rooms
would be expected and the backlog maintenance in these areas removed.
Accommodation disposals – When additional rooms have been created there are a series
of off campus disposals to consider. The University may also wish to consider the disposal
of Birks/Moberly.
G Pringle queried whether off-site disposals are likely to be reused as student
accommodation. H McCann would aim to sell as student residences, but with no guarantee
from the University on occupancy. Future property/site values would also be considered to
ensure that sales were conducted at the right time for best return, some of which may be
decades away.
G Pringle suggested that short term financing may be considered by Council and he would
wish to know the risks of empty accommodation.
P Attwell added that by the approach suggested above any ‘rent war’ with the private sector
could be better managed and there are opportunities to remove the poorer accommodation,
address the majority of backlog maintenance and create a strategy for addressing what we do
with accommodation stock in the future. The capital receipt would ideally be used to pay off
debt or an income stream provided to continue to service residence debt.
H McCann estimated £30-£35m in value for offsite disposal.
P Lacey expressed an interesting in seeing reverting periods for the current and future
projects.
H McCann added that Quayle Munro are very optimistic with regards to the market operators
who are likely to be interested.
H McCann has met with planners, all of whom are keen for the University to put in full or
outline planning permissions for the sites. Quayle Munro support this way forward and feel it
will add to the value of the sites.
8.
Any Other Business
K Gallagher advised that the future of Green Impact (GI) is under review. GI has been running
for 6 years and has catalysed change and created a positive culture. Practitioners now feel
that GI is reaching the end of life and a fresh and innovative replacement is required. The
Group AGREED that alternatives to GI be considered. Action: K Gallagher will aim to present
possible alternatives to GI at the June meeting.
9.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 21 April, 1400-1500