We recognise the complexity of our organisation, the social, economic and environmental impact of our operations, as well as our role in research and as educators. Sustainability has been identified as a key enabler in the new 2035 University Strategy. This will help to underpin the strategy in line with student, staff and societal expectations regarding sustainability.
Refer to our new Sustainable Engagement Strategy and Action Plan for more details.
We work with the SOS-UK to deliver the green impact programme to our staff and students. The programme helps you understand sustainability and social responsibility. It shows you what you can do to make a difference, and supports you in achieving these actions. The programme has been developed using social change theory and SOS’s expertise to produce a model that works year-after-year. It covers the whole sustainability agenda and is based on the themes of continual improvement, collaboration and meaningful change to establish new social norms and inspire people with the skills and passion needed to make a difference.
The programme is delivered through an on-line toolkit, which breaks sustainability down into simple, manageable actions. Teams of colleagues can use it to plan their activities, record their progress and upload evidence. Every year participants receive awards to recognise their achievements.
To find out whether your place of work already has an established team, or to start a new team please email the sustainability team on sustainability@brookes.ac.uk. For more information on the Green Impact programme visit SOS’s website.
We strive to deliver and continually improve our performance, using an externally accredited ISO14001 environmental management system covering all aspects of sustainability. Read more in our annual EMS report.
In recognition of our local and global impacts we align and report on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are also signatories to the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) SDG Accord.
The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals aimed at promoting prosperity while protecting the planet. They understand that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth. And address a range of social needs including education, health and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. Oxford Brookes recognises the importance of engaging with the SDGs, to promote a greener and more equitable future for all. To gain a better understanding of what we deliver, refer to our annual sustainability report.
Each year we deliver Sustainability related events that staff can get directly involved with and support. Past events have included:
Our social responsibility framework brings our mission, vision and guiding principles to life by sharing great initiatives which have a positive social or environmental impact. To find out how to get more involved, visit our social responsibility page. As part of the staff experience programme, we run two staff volunteering campaigns each academic year; one around the season of giving in December and one around Volunteers' Week in June.
All upcoming events and staff volunteering campaigns and opportunities are advertised through the fortnightly, staff newsletter. External volunteering opportunities can also be found on the new Oxfordshire-wide volunteering website.
There are many opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills around Sustainability. For more information please email the Sustainability team on sustainability@brookes.ac.uk
