1. Document Control
Policy Owner: Principal / Director
Responsible Committee: Management Committee
Approval Authority: Principal / Director
Effective From: 25/12/1015
Version: 1.0
Applies To: All staff, students, contractors, suppliers and activities undertaken by or on behalf of Equra College London, including partner-delivered provision where applicable.
2. Purpose
Equra College London recognises its responsibility to operate in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. This policy sets out the College’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices, and embedding environmental awareness into operations, teaching and engagement activities where appropriate.
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
a. Day-to-day College operations and facilities use
b. Teaching, learning and assessment activities
c. Procurement and supplier relationships
d. Events, conferences and external engagement
e. Digital delivery and resource use
f. Partner-delivered provision where the College has oversight or influence
4. Principles
The College’s approach to environmental sustainability is guided by the following principles:
a. Responsible use of resources
b. Minimising waste and environmental impact
c. Compliance with environmental legislation and regulations
d. Continuous improvement through proportionate and achievable actions
e. Shared responsibility across staff, students and partners
f. Promotion of environmental awareness and good practice
5. Environmental Commitments
Equra College London commits to taking reasonable and proportionate steps to:
a. Reduce energy consumption where practicable
b. Minimise paper use and promote digital systems
c. Encourage responsible printing and recycling
d. Reduce waste and support recycling initiatives
e. Use sustainable procurement practices where feasible
f. Promote responsible travel and reduce unnecessary travel where possible
g. Encourage environmentally responsible behaviour among staff and students
6. Teaching, Learning and Awareness
Where appropriate and relevant to programme content, the College will:
a. Encourage consideration of sustainability issues within teaching and learning
b. Promote awareness of environmental responsibility among students
c. Support events, discussions or initiatives that raise sustainability awareness
This policy does not require all programmes to include sustainability content but supports inclusion where academically appropriate.
7. Procurement and Suppliers
The College will, where proportionate and practicable:
a. Consider environmental impact when selecting suppliers
b. Encourage suppliers to adopt environmentally responsible practices
c. Avoid unnecessary waste in purchasing decisions
d. Use digital services where feasible to reduce physical resource use
8. Roles and Responsibilities
8.1 Principal / Director
Has overall responsibility for environmental sustainability commitment and implementation.
8.2 Management Committee
Supports oversight of sustainability practices and improvement actions.
8.3 Staff
Are expected to:
a. Use resources responsibly
b. Follow environmental procedures where they exist
c. Promote good practice within their areas of responsibility
8.4 Students
Are encouraged to:
a. Act responsibly within College premises and activities
b. Support recycling and waste reduction initiatives
c. Engage positively with sustainability initiatives where available
9. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
The College will review sustainability practices periodically and identify proportionate improvements. This may include reviewing:
a. Resource use patterns
b. Waste management practices
c. Opportunities for digital optimisation
d. Feedback from staff, students and partners
10. Compliance
The College will comply with applicable environmental legislation and local authority requirements relevant to its operations.
11. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated where operational, regulatory or strategic changes require revision.
12. Related Policies and Documents
a. Health and Safety Policy
b. Risk Assessment Policy and Template
c. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Policy
e. Quality Assurance, Enhancement and Programme Management Policy