The Environmental Sustainability Strategy Committee (ESSC) was established from 1 October 2015 to deliver the University's
Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy, replacing the Environmental Strategy Committee, the Energy and Carbon Reduction Project Board and the Living Lab Advisory Group.
The Committee, which meets at least four times a year, is a joint committee of the Council and General Board with indirect reporting lines to the Planning and Resources Committee and the Estates Committee.
ESSC Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference are to:
provide strategic oversight of the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability embodied in its Environmental Sustainability Policy and Strategy
recommend for approval strategies, policies, procedures, guidance notes and action plans in connection with environmental sustainability
review and recommend the strategies, policies, procedures, guidance notes and action plans of other committees in connection with environmental sustainability where appropriate
make recommendations to the Planning and Resources Committee in relation to resource requirements for the implementation of the policy
monitor progress against the implementation of policy and produce an annual environmental sustainability report that will be made publicly available
take forward strategic decisions relating to agreed policies within the area of environmental sustainability
require that Schools/Institutions produce and implement environmental sustainability management plans that identify actions to improve performance and allocate appropriate resources
review and comment on these plans, with authority to refer a matter to the appropriate School/Institution with a recommendation for action
oversee the delivery of supporting policies and plans including, but not limited to, the Carbon Management Plan, Travel Plan and Sustainable Procurement Policy
direct the implementation of the Energy and Carbon Reduction Project and authorise the use of ECRP funding
act as ambassadors for Environmental Sustainability matters at the University
Membership composition
The membership of the ESSC is constituted as follows:
(a) The Vice-Chancellor or a duly appointed deputy, as Chair
(b) Three members nominated by the University Council, of whom one shall be a member of the Council
(c) Three members appointed by the General Board, after consultation with the Heads of School
(d) Two student members appointed by the Committee, one on the nomination of the CUSU Executive and one on the nomination of the Graduate Union Executive Committee
(e) The Chair of the Bursar’s Environment and Planning Sub-Committee or his or her deputy appointed from amongst the Bursars serving on the Sub-Committee; and
(f) Up to four further members co-opted by the Committee for their expertise, of which two may be external members
The Director of Estates acts as Secretary to the Committee; and
the Head of Environmental Sustainability acts as Assistant Secretary.
Officers in attendance
The following officers, or their nominated deputy, may also attend meetings: