University Gains Re-accreditation for Environmental and Energy Standards

19/03/2024 by Newman Staff

Birmingham Newman University has gained the “ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Standard” and the “ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Standard” which relates to all Environmental and Energy management activities across the University.

The University was last awarded this standard in March 2019 and have since been externally audited to ensure we are upholding this standard throughout the campus.

Birmingham Newman University trees planted for Green Week

The audit for the re-accreditation of this Standard, by The Certification Group, took place over 3 days from the 4th– 6th March 2024. During the audit sustainability policies, green events, Environmental Committee meetings and our own internal fire/environmental audits were assessed and reviewed.

Policies assessed included:

  • Sustainable food policy
  • Energy Policy
  • Impact risk register
  • Waste strategy
  • Environmental Policy

With help and assistance from Environmental Advisor, Lucy Clarke, and the Estates team, Birmingham Newman University has helped the external auditor in conducting campus inspections.

Reviews involved our environmental, energy and fire audits and how we are working to ensure the university campus is safe, taking care of the environment and energy efficient.

Green events held on campus were also accessed. This included most recently, Green Week 2024, and the activities that took place to engage and teach students and staff the importance of taking care our natural world.

Green Week at Birmingham Newman University

Lucy Clarke, Birmingham Newman University Environmental Advisor commented on the importance of the accreditation stating,

“This accreditation is all voluntary, we do not have to be accredited and follow these standards, but we chose to, because we realise the impact we have on the planet, and are working hard to make sure we leave a healthy, liveable planet behind for our current and future students.”

Birmingham Newman University solar panels

 

The audit succeeded in meeting its objectives and continued certification to ISO 50001:2018 and IS014001:2015. The whole university is working to encourage and implement sustainable change throughout the whole campus, including student and staff engagement. Being certified to this standard will help improve environmental performance and put the environment at the heart of Newman.