Environmental
Co-ordinator Strategy
2010 - 2011
November 2010
Environmental Co-ordinator Strategy
2010 – 2011
Contents
1.
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
2.
History of Environmental Co-ordinators at Newcastle University ................................................. 1
3.
Strategic Aims and Objectives ........................................................................................................ 2
4.
EC Vision ........................................................................................................................................ 2
5.
Targets............................................................................................................................................. 2
6.
Action Plan...................................................................................................................................... 3
Table 6.1 Strategy’s action plan roll out ............................................................................................. 3
Appendix A – Environmental Co-ordinator; Voluntary Role Guidelines............................................... 6
Environmental Co-ordinator Strategy
2010 – 2011
1. Introduction
Environmental sustainability is a strategic objective of the University’s 2021 Vision and the
University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy sets a number of challenging targets to
reduce environmental impact of the institution.
The role of Environmental Co-ordinator (EC) is a role that is undertaken by existing members
of staff and it is intended that there will be at least one EC per School /Service. The role of
ECs is integral to reducing University environmental impacts, contributing to the effective
delivery of environmental objectives. ECs communicate environmental policy and provide a
link between operational sustainability, schools and services, share good practice and
encourage and motivate other staff. The voluntary role guidelines for an EC are attached in
appendix A.
This strategy provides a framework to underpin the role of ECs, to support them and to
empower them in the effective and efficient delivery of environmental objectives.
2. History of Environmental Co-ordinators at Newcastle University
The role of EC was created to produce a University wide network to assist in rolling out
environmental initiatives on a local level. The network was launched in 2007 with a
Sustainable Development consultation event attended by approximately 30 members. The role
was developed over the next few years, and went on to receive senior approval by Professor
Tony Stevenson, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Planning and Resources.
In May 2008, a series of meetings were convened with the ECs principally to agree the
methodology for the roll out of the Recycling Scheme; following their input, the EC network
was used extensively to implement and support the roll out of the recycling infrastructure.
The success of this activity provided the EC network with a boost in morale and provided a
positive momentum. Quarterly meetings were set up for ECs to meet and discuss the wider
range of environmental issues; however the network did not have comprehensive attendance
from each school.
A great deal of work was done to get the vast majority of schools and services represented on
the EC network and the numbers swelled to 80. In the academic year of 2008/2009, the EC
role was fully rekindled and attendance at each event was high. A major achievement was the
majority of ECs developed environmental action plans outlining several objectives for their
school.
To address any issues and further improve the network, a consultation event took place with
the ECs in March 2009. The main issues are highlighted below;

ECs felt they did not have enough support,

ECs felt there was not enough senior commitment,
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Environmental Co-ordinator Strategy
2010 – 2011

Many ECs commented that a building user group for ECs would be helpful
As a result of the consultation the possibility of employing an Environmental Co-ordinator
Support Officer was explored, to address the issues brought forward by the ECs. The role of
the Support Officer is to provide support to the EC network, aiding them to progress the
2010 environmental sustainability objectives.
3. Strategic Aims and Objectives
The overall aim of the strategy is to reduce the environmental impact of the Institution. The
objectives of this strategy are to;

Develop policy to support the EC role,

Develop physical support for EC functions,

Consult and communicate effectively,

Increase links between ECs.
4. EC Vision
The overall aim is for the EC network to continue to grow in numbers and strength, with
empowerment of the network in its recognition and influence. The creation of Eco Teams
should help to strengthen the network, and provide a sense of local ownership of
sustainability issues.
It is aimed that by the end of the 2010/2011 academic year (June 2011), the network has
increased in size in terms of EC members, to cover all current gaps, and to have at least 3
additional Eco Teams to the 2 Eco teams already set up (Library Green Group and School
of Modern Languages Eco Team).
5. Targets
It is hoped that ECs will set exact measureable targets to work towards. The suggested
targets are to be set for issues which can be quantitatively measured for example:

Recycling rate for the building

Reduction in energy usage during the Christmas holiday for the building.

Reduction in energy usage during the weekend for the building

Reduction in hard drive (computer) energy usage during the weekend for the
building
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Environmental Co-ordinator Strategy
2010 – 2011

To be recognised in staff survey as the person to contact for any local energy /
waste / general sustainability.
6. Action Plan
The actions of this strategy are detailed below, with an outline for roll out responsibility and
timeframe of completion deadlines, in Table 6.1.
Table 6.1 Strategy’s action plan roll out
Action
Comments
Responsibility Timeframe
Policy
Development of EC strategy
 Get senior commitment
 Create EC Policy
DOC / KG
On-line Consultation
With ECs
HM/ KG
COMPLETE
Re-emphasise EC role to Head
of School
Email from TS
DOC
Dec 2010
Explore including EC roles in
PDR process, and role
recognised by HR
 As a result of TS email
 Encourage during meetings
 Meet with HR / SDU
DOC / KG
June 2011
HM/KG
Dec 2010
ECs develop 10/11 objectives
KG
Spring 2011
ECs set measureable targets
KG
Spring 2011
Ensure EC objectives 09/10
are completed
Each EC set objectives 2009
which feed into business plans
Resources and support
Support officer
Explore development of and
initiate support role
JM / DOC
COMPLETE
Student ECs
Integrate with student engagement
strategy
DOC / HM
LIVE
Student ECs
Work with E&E officers, P&P
representatives, careers service
and A&HS to develop student EC
role
DOC/HM/KG
LIVE
Quarterly meetings
Ensure meetings encourage
engagement and stimulate the EC
role. Create guidance on
encouraging participation.
KG / HM
LIVE
Stage 1 and 2
HM
Jan 2011
Training
Environmental awareness
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Environmental Co-ordinator Strategy
2010 – 2011
Building specific training
Part of action energy programme
Sustainable Procurement
4
GC / HM
April 2011
HM
Jun 2011
Environmental Co-ordinator Strategy
2010 – 2011
Table 6.1 Strategy’s action plan roll out (continued)
Eco Teams
Develop Eco Teams
Building based EC groups were
requested in the consultation
HM / KG
LIVE
Deliver Eco Teams workshops
There are 2 existing groups who
will spread best practice
DOC/ HM / KG
Oct 2010
Create communication map
Graphic representation of
communication streams in the EC
network
HM/ KG
Nov 2010
EC information on DEC
boards
Improve staff / student awareness
of ECs
HM/ KG
Dec 2010
Gap analysis on EC members
Check member coverage
HM/ KG
COMPLETE
Annual EC award
DOC / HM
COMPLETE
Social events (2 per year)
HM / KG
LIVE
Communications
Incentives
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Environmental Co-ordinator Strategy
2010 – 2011
Appendix A – Environmental Co-ordinator;
Voluntary Role Guidelines
Role: Environmental Coordinator
Time of Commitment:
½ - 1 day maximum per month
Responsible to:
Head of Unit / Sustainability Team
The role of a School / Service Environmental Coordinator (EC) is instrumental in implementing the
University’s Sustainability Strategy. As a day to day contact, they provide a source of knowledge
surrounding issues within their school and create a communication link between staff, students, the
Heads of School/Service and the Estate Support Service (ESS).
Heads of Unit are encouraged to rotate the role of EC between their staff on a regular basis (ideally
once every 2 years). The Head of Unit is responsible for ensuring a smooth rotation of the staff in the
role, and will provide assistance (along with Sustainability input if required) to the EC to locate a new
staff member to undertake the role. Should an EC wish to remain in that role for the foreseeable
future, there is no need to create a regular EC rotation.







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Duties and Responsibilities Assist the Head of Unit in managing and implementing
everyday sustainable activities, ensuring procedures are adhered to for regulatory compliance
and best practice.
Act as the principle unit contact for both staff and students who raise waste and energy issues.
Act as a sustainability champion within the unit and more generally within the University.
Disseminate information provided by the Sustainability Team to staff and students where
required.
Liaise with appropriate members of unit staff and students to highlight training needs.
Liaise with the appropriate members of unit staff to ensure all new starters are trained and
aware of the procedures as they relate to the unit and the overall Sustainability Policy and
Strategy.
Assist the appropriate person in the production and continued review of localised procedures.
Assist the appropriate person in ensuring all employees are aware of changes to procedures
and the reasons behind the change.
Assist in the collation of information and appropriate data.
Assist in implementing waste and energy awareness campaigns.
Represent the unit at meetings.
Liaise directly with appropriate persons within the Estate Support Service.
Provide support and advice to other EC’s.
.
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