Bournemouth University (BU) has become one of only a handful of universities to achieve a double certification for its environmental and energy management system.
After an external audit, BU received ISO50001 certification, an international standard that recognises organisations that enhance their energy performance. BU also holds the environmental ISO14001 certification, first awarded in 2016 and re-certified in November, for minimising wastage, from materials to energy consumption.
Jim Andrews, Chief Operating Office, said: “Gaining this double certification is a great achievement and demonstrates yet again how committed we are to minimising our environmental footprint.”
The university’s comprehensive environmental framework has led to 92% of the curriculum, and 65% of research, aligning to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, BU stays committed to engaging students and ensure its research contributes to tackling global issues, such as health and wellbeing, climate change and inequality.
As the university has grown its Estate, BU has reduced its carbon footprint by 45% over the last 10 years; investing in energy and water conservation measures, achieving high sustainability build standards, encouraging positive behaviours of its staff and students, and benefiting from the reduction in grid electricity carbon emissions.
The recently opened Poole and Bournemouth Gateway Buildings achieved the BREEAM 'excellent' sustainability standard, and have helped contribute to the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) region’s rank as one of the leading worldwide areas for climate change action.
However, Bournemouth University still aims to improve. Its Climate and Ecological Crisis Action Plan aims to reach net zero emissions by 2030/31. Jim Andrews said: “At the same time, we need to make sure our students and staff continue to contribute to making a better world for all.”
This target reflects the pressing need for society to cut its carbon emissions as quickly as possible to avoid the worst effects of a changing climate.
Find out more about BU’s commitment to sustainability.
