An introduction to the LiFE Index Sustainability and Social Responsibility Index

✦ The tool has three elements ✦ Performance Improvement System - which enables institutional self-assessment, management and improvement. ✦ Performance Accreditation Programme - which allows institutions to submit to independent assessment, verification and accreditation of their progress ✦ Support package for participants, workshops and online support What is the LiFE Index?

✦ Excellent work has been undertaken by many institutions on sustainability but progress is mixed ✦ Focus has often been on estate related activity ✦ Whole institution engagement is still a challenge ✦ Metrics systems that exist are not sector focused or holistic ✦ There is a need and opportunities for increased dialogue / partnership nationally and internationally Some general context

✦ Want to reward process and practice – help bridge the implementation gap ✦ Provide guidance and support without being overly prescriptive – recognise / reward difference ✦ Recognise that institutional journeys are non-linear and reward this ✦ Provide a tool to help institutions, manage and evidence sustainability activity ✦ Stimulate cross institutional dialogue and a whole institution engagement Guiding principles

What is Sustainability? “Sustainability is about how institutions do what they do, its a focus on core activity and about taking responsibility for the total impact of their activity. A socially responsible and sustainable institution is one that is not only profitable but takes account of all the positive and negative environmental, social and economic effects it has on society, both now and into the future”

Sustainability and Social Responsibility Environmental Social Economic Short Term Long Term Reduce the negative impacts and increase the positive impacts of your activity

Negative Impacts Positive Contribution Social Cohesion Business Engagement Community Engagement Regional objectives Graduate Attributes Employability Learning, Teaching and Research Student Engagement Social Impact (Community Impact) Use of resources We need to recognise and enhance the positives!

What does the system contain?

Learning and Teaching Research Student Engagement Energy Water Resource Efficiency and Waste Sustainable ICT Sustainable Construction and Renovation Biodiversity Travel and Transport Community and Public Engagement Business and Industry Interface Procurement and Supplier Engagement Leadership Staff Engagement and Human Resources Leadership and Governance Partnership and Engagement Learning, Teaching and Research Facilities and Operations

✦ Small number of questions ✦ Relevant metrics - quantitative ✦ A comprehensive set of development frameworks covering institutional activity WHAT DOES LIFE LOOK What does it contain?

WHAT DOES LIFE LOOK WHAT IS LIFE? What is LiFE? Policy and StrategyAction Planning Stakeholder Engagement Measurement Commitments are in place to sustainability in this area of activity Action plans are in place (SMART) and commitments made Relevant stakeholders are involved in the activity. Institutions are looking at measuring the impact and benefit of the activity not just the activity itself Communication Training and SupportImplementation Links to the Curriculum Activity is being communicated and there is clear support People are being trained and supported Embedded into the way things are done, systems and processes Links between campus, curriculum and community

Where are you on your sustainability journey? Performance Management Staff EngagementAccreditationExisting sign ups n the UK! Strategy and plans well developed, lots of implementation, institution considers itself a leader Consider using the frameworks as a reference point to review your activity. The tool encourages measuring impact which may be of use Whilst staff are already engaged the tool can be used to manage documents, share resources, case studies and increase engagement. This is probably your priority reason for using the LiFE index. Consider an early date to be accredited 20% Strategy and plans ready for review and implementation has been limited. The tool provides a mechanism to review existing strategies and plans. The guidance will help you plug the gaps in your strategic approach. The structure of the tool will allow you to manage increasing engagement across the institution in a manageable way. Do not consider accreditation for 6 months. 65% No meaningful strategy or plans in place, need to engage management and staff The LiFE index has been adopted by some intuitions in the UK as their strategy. It can then be used to implement and manage your approach. Staff engagement to develop and refine plans and manage implementation can all be achieved through the system. Do not consider accreditation for 9 – 18 months. 15% How to get the best out of the LiFE Index

✦ Whilst demonstrating the system we will look ✦ Functionality ✦ Data management ✦ People management ✦ Reporting ✦ Best way to use it ✦ Accreditation Demonstration of the system

✦ Completing the on-line tool ✦ Provide evidence of your journey / narrative ✦ Quality not quantity (Limit on the evidence) ✦ Independent team to assess ✦ Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum – Very difficult ✦ International benchmarking ✦ Governance structure (Stockholm Environment Institute) Accreditation

Participating institutions The University of Edinburgh University of Leicester The University of Northampton The University of Nottingham University of Westminster Walsall Adult and Community College Plymouth University Keele University Holmesglen TAFE Banff and Buchan College Durham University Kingston University Macquarie University University of Gloucestershire Nottingham Trent University Oxford Brookes University Plymouth University St Andrews University

16 Your next steps – making the most of your EAUC Membership… 1. Sign up to LiFE at – EAUC Members receive a significant discountwww.thelifeindex.org.uk 2. LiFE support package - to help you get the most value from participation, this includes regular events, an online community forum and direct support from the LiFE team Want to see more – book onto a LiFE webinar for a live demonstration 3. Want recognition – enter the 2012 Green Gown Awards Continuous Improvement category. Entries open in summer 2012 Membership matters at

Questions?