Terms of Reference – Sustainability Committee

Context

The Sustainability Committee exists to foster continuous improvement and coordinated decision-making and ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in policy development in the critical area of sustainable development (climate and social justice) which, in a global sense, is captured by the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (The Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs) and, in a sector-specific UK HE context, is expressed through the Climate Commission for UK Higher and Further Education (specifically, Climate Action Toolkit for the Higher Education Sector).

Terms of Reference

1. To advise Executive Committee (ExCo) on the University’s sustainability vision, goals, strategy, and partnerships and to consider cost-effective resourcing implications.
2. To ground the University’s sustainability initiatives in the latest science and research, and to leverage the University’s strengths to help translate research into practice both locally and globally.
3. To lead the University in reaching its climate goals, including becoming fossil fuel-neutral by 2050 or sooner.
4. To develop and oversee the University-wide sustainability plan.
5. To engage disciplines, departments, and the student voice in the exchange of best practice, as well as to drive genuine green initiatives.
6. To liaise with Academic Board on items that are synergetic with or inform its work.
7. To review and develop the Universities strategies, policies and procedures related to sustainability.

Membership

CEO (Chair)

Associate Dean of Global Impact and Sustainability (Deputy Chair)

Executive Assistant to Executive Committee (Secretary)

Director of Finance

Director of Resourcing and Operations

Head of Entrepreneurship

Head of Sustainable Curriculum

Student Union Representative

Any other members to be co-opted as required

Quorum

Meetings are quorate when the Chair (or Deputy Chair) and 50% of the members are present, to include a student representative at meetings held during the semester.

Frequency of Meetings

The Sustainability Committee meets at least twice yearly.

Reports to

The Sustainability Committee reports to Executive Committee.

Communicates with

The Sustainability Committee communicates with Academic Board.

Reports from

This Committee does not receive any direct reports from sub-committees but may request that working parties be set up to address certain issues as appropriate.

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