Changing hearts and minds:Benchmarking for sustainability

Professor Patricia BroadfootVice Chancellor

University of Gloucestershire

Why benchmark?

Diagnosis Integration Communication Challenge Collaboration

EAUC national benchmarking study

25 Universities completed survey 2006 Institutional feedback 2007 Gap-analysis and action plan 2007

What the survey told us: strengths

Corporate values – ‘in the DNA’ Management strategy –integration into key

targets and processes Performance improvement systems

What the survey told us: challenges

Integration Visibility Training Performance management

examples of response

Established a ‘Sustainability Institute’ with comprehensive remit to respond to Index.

Appointed a Professor of Sustainability. Vice-chancellor’s ‘green forums’ Bike scheme ISO14001Accreditation commits to continuous

improvement. Established key stakeholder partnerships eg

Cheltenham Festivals

Key success factors

Commitment at the highest level Culture change Ownership

Future objectives

Visibility of sustainability agenda across institution and beyond through perceived top level commitment

Integrate sustainability into all policies and strategies eg course validations

Student engagement and curriculum experience Benchmark with other universities for mutual

support.

Benchmarking in the South West Region

11 HEIs completed BiTC Environment Index.

Identified key success areas. Identified common challenges Working together to support and inform

change

Our goal

Sustain external reputation for strong commitment to sustainability agenda.

Be active in shaping the sustainability agenda, nationally and internationally.

Involve whole university community – staff and students.

Use benchmarking as the basis for continuous improvement.