1. Tipping Points: managing environmental strategies in Universities and Colleges
Janet Trotter

2. Tipping Point: Malcolm Gladwell
“The magic moment when ideas, trends, fashions and social behaviour cross a threshold, tip and spread like wild fire.”
These may be some of the reasons you have come here today; we hope to offer you something of value in these areas
[NB: we need to refer back to these with the examples presented later]

3. Characteristics of classic Tipping Points
Behaviours spread like viruses – contagious
Little causes have big effects
Change happens not gradually but with dramatic effect
These may be some of the reasons you have come here today; we hope to offer you something of value in these areas
[NB: we need to refer back to these with the examples presented later]

4. Application of tipping point theory to University
Formed by merger
Incorporated ‘green’ subjects
Values debate – environment/ sustainability part of mission
Environment/Sustainability Committee
Policy development (procurement including buildings)
Academic involvement (all students have access)
These may be some of the reasons you have come here today; we hope to offer you something of value in these areas
[NB: we need to refer back to these with the examples presented later]

5. Achievements Sustainability Award - 2003 Annual Report – 2004
ISO – 2005
CETL
Greater alignment of rhetoric and reality

6. What was the tipping point in our journey?
Series of initiatives:
e.g.
use of 100% recycled paper
100% green electricity
PCs purchased with power saving devices
intersite transport
electric vehicles
sorting waste
fair trade and local food sourcing
BUT
Tipping point was development of new campus

7. Procurement of buildings
[examples to be added]
over to Jim Simpson . . .

8. Procurement of buildings
[examples to be added]
over to Jim Simpson . . .

9. New context energy costs – bottom line Power/water outages
greater consciousness of sustainability issues
legislation
business benefits being established
[examples to be added]
over to Jim Simpson . . .

10. Possible Business Benefits of Sustainable Development
Area
Benefits
Eco efficiency
Reduced costs
Costs avoided
Quality Management
Optimal investment strategies
Better risk management
Greater responsiveness to volatile markets
Staff motivation/commitment
Enhanced intellectual capital
Licence to operate
Reduced costs of compliance
Enhanced reputation with stakeholders
Market Advantage
Stronger brand
Customer preference/loyalty
Attract talent
Sustainable profits
Increased market share
Enhanced stakeholder value
[examples to be added]
over to Jim Simpson . . .
([Prince of Wales Business and Environment Programme)

11. Conclusion/Issues
Business case not strong in all areas currently – live in a world of trade offs
Need better metrics
HEFCE/LSC will need to change their approach
HE/FC institutions should be leaders – mainly followers currently
Tipping points for change in future is likely to be public pressure, cost and legislation
[examples to be added]
over to Jim Simpson . . .