How to set up and environmental champion network Denise Shearman Head of Campus Services, University of Reading 26 April 2019

Generating senior buy in & strategy development How do you get senior management switched on?

Professor Tony Downes, Acting Vice-Chancellor “I have been proud and delighted to be involved with our carbon management plan, and especially with the work of our environmental champions. As a University carrying out world-leading research into climate change we are acutely aware of the need for us all to take significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint. It has been immensely pleasing and not a little humbling to see the efforts that staff and students have made, encouraged and pushed by our large team of environmental champions, to make a real difference. Of course, it is important that the commitment at the top of the University, the message in our deeds and not just our words, and the resource to make things happen, are all there to back up their efforts. But the reality is that mobilizing our people into signing up and joining in was surprisingly easy, such was the enthusiasm to make a contribution.” How did I get the VC to say this?

Money – income and expenditure Legal Compliance Key Drivers Reputation Money – income and expenditure Legal Compliance Academic research and excellence To bring about improved environmental performance – what are the key drivers? Reputation – within the sector, locally, nationally and increasingly internationally. League tables Money – linked to generating more income e.g grants and HEFCE. Saving money by carbon reductions Legal – fines for non compliance can be high Build on the academic excellence of your university. Engage students on research projects e.g MSC and internships

First Steps Background reading Key players Corporate plan League tables Student societies Committee structure Academic subjects taught Key players Who’s who Willing volunteers? Approach like minded colleagues to champion the cause

Strategy Policies Committee Structure Procedures Are your policies suitable for addressing the issues you want environmental champions to do? Do you need to amend any procedures to make them fit for purpose Does the existing committee structure work? Can you get environmental champions represented on committees?

Implementation Draw up job description for the role of Environmental Champion Resources – what will be required to roll out the network Funding requirements Benefits Communication Hand out examples of our JD – check with HR Can you manage the rapid growth of the teams? Volunteer scheme at university Have you got your communications team on board? Celebrate good news – bribery?

Summary of Top Tips Understand your university – what are the key drivers and how would a network of environmental champions assist in that? Get individual members of the senior management team on board Ensure you have the capacity and funding to support a network Build momentum from staff and students Ensure you have a communications strategy and ongoing support for the network

Questions Hand over to Tom