Environmental & Sustainability Policy

We lead by example, transforming our own business to be both flourishing and sustainable, and to produce new generations of colleagues and students that are agents of positive social and environmental change. The Environmental & Sustainability Policy supports and applies to all activities and services carried out by Abodus, across all our sites and we will integrate environmental principles into our operations, wherever possible. Where Abodus operates on sites in partnership with other organisations, we will work with them to adopt a policy in accordance with the commitments laid out within this Policy.

Abodus recognises that aspects of our activities have an impact on the environment. We are committed to managing these aspects and impacts to:

• Reduce our carbon footprint
• Meet our social responsibilities
• Meet legislation
• Prevent pollution
• Use resources effectively
• Influence those we work with
• Enhance our brand
• Can access the benefits of holding an EMS
• Minimise our carbon footprint
• Continuously improve our sustainability and environmental management system

We are committed to continually looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment and working to prevent pollution. We pay attention to waste minimisation and resource efficiency and ensure we source sustainable materials where practically and economically feasible. We take the Government’s aim to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted very seriously.

In the face of the increasing environmental, social and economic challenges we have been witnessing in recent years, the theme of Social Responsibility, has become the subject of a growing and renewed common interest, resulting from the formation of collective consciousness about the fact that organisations have an impact on society and environment based on their decisions and activities

Abodus is committed to acting in a socially responsible way that maximises its positive and minimises its negative impact on society and the communities in which it is based. Abodus work with our students and colleagues as well as local organisations, schools and businesses to develop resilient partnerships which enhance community and the local economy.

Charity & Fundraising Initiatives

Waste management

We will seek to:

• Reduce the amount of waste on all our sites through student information and guidance
• Supply recycling bins at all sites main bin collection area (some also in house)
• Explore alternative waste collection options to reduce land fill
• Monitor waste usage across the portfolio to identify spikes
• Partner with waste management contractors that guarantee maximum recycling of waste

Energy and Water

We will seek to:

• Reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible
• Switch off lights & electrical items when not in use
• Take energy consumption and efficiency of new products into account when purchasing
• Install and replace equipment to a more energy efficient alternative at end of life
• Supply information and guidance to Students on energy efficiency

Office Supplies

We will:

• Evaluate if the need can be met in another way
• Evaluate if renting or sharing is an option before purchasing equipment
• Evaluate the environment impacts of any new products we intend to purchase
• Favour more environmentally friendly and efficient products wherever possible
• Reuse and recycle everything we can

Sustainable procurement

Adopt a Sustainable Procurement Policy covering all aspects of sustainability (environmental, social, and economic) and including commitments to procure goods and services that minimise energy use, waste, and social impacts.

• Provide appropriate training and guidance to staff within procurement services and institutions who are involved in purchasing decisions.
• Develop policies and procedures that promote sustainable procurement and encourage institutions to use these.
• Undertake a Commodity Impact Analysis to identify priority commodity areas and develop plans for our top ten commodity areas
• Develop and implement a targeted supplier engagement programme to promote continual improvements by suppliers.

Monitoring and review

• Bi-annual reports on key performance indicators will be presented to the Estates team
• An annual Environmental Sustainability Report will be published online providing transparency about our approach and progress.
• Our performance will be benchmarked annually against national and international peer institutions.

The Environmental Sustainability Policy and Strategy will be reviewed regularly considering our developing understanding of the scale of challenges, our own performance, and emerging opportunities.