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16/06/2010 - Chief Exec outlines UPP’s role in universities’ efforts to cut CO2 emissions
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, today outlined the role of private sector investment in enabling universities to achieve their target of reducing CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050. He announced that UPP, the leading provider of campus infrastructure, student accommodation and asset management services, has now invested almost a third of a billion pounds in sustainable university developments during academic year 2009/10.
The event, entitled ‘How are universities driving environmental progress?’ was organised by the 1994 Group of the leading research-intensive universities, in partnership with UPP. The event took place in association with ‘Universities Week: What’s the big idea?’, an initiative to celebrate the UK’s higher education achievements.
The event was chaired by John O’Leary, Editor of the Times Good University Guide and Editor of Policy Review Magazine. Sean O’Shea appeared on a panel alongside Professor Paul Wellings, Chair, 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor, Lancaster University and Professor Nigel Arnell, Director, Walker Institute for Climate System Research, University of Reading.
Speaking at the debate, Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said:
“Universities are at the forefront of the climate change debate but, to achieve their carbon emissions target, a significant amount of capital expenditure is required. It is of fundamental importance that universities are adequately funded in order to be able to achieve the target. The benefits are not only to the sector but to the UK as a whole in terms of moulding sustainable behaviour for the future. This academic year, we have invested almost a third of a billion pounds into university Eco Residence developments, which reduce the carbon footprint of the build by 30%. We look forward to continuing to play our part in delivering private funding for the sector, along with sustainable development.”
Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications at the 1994 Group, said:
“One of the most valuable contributions that our universities make to society is the central role they play in driving forward environmental progress. World-leading researchers at 1994 Group universities are finding solutions to local, national and global environmental challenges. Our universities are developing greener campuses and buildings, reducing their carbon emissions and using renewable energy sources. Universities are working with students and local communities to build environmental awareness. Our leading academics are contributing to national and international environmental policy-making. We look forward to continuing to find opportunities to lead national and global environmental progress.”
The Higher Education Funding Council for England, in its Grant letter from 2008, suggested that there will be a clear linkage in the allocation of capital funding against a Carbon Reduction Plan. HEFCE, Universities UK and GuildHE have also set out sector-level targets to reduce carbon emissions by at least 34% by 2020, as well as by 80% by 2050 (against a 1990 baseline).
The event was attended by 25 senior representatives across the environmental, business, policy, architecture and higher education sectors.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Martha Dalton, Fran O’Leary, David Reilly, Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
Notes to Editors
1. UPP
University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of UPP Group Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation and campus infrastructure schemes as well as delivering asset management services. It has invested almost £1 billion in the Higher Education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
www.upp-ltd.com
2. UPP’s Eco Residences
As part of UPP’s commitment to the environment, the company has developed a pioneering Eco Residence model that is now being used by a number of universities around the country to provide sustainable student accommodation. The groundbreaking design was developed in collaboration with Dr Avi Friedman, Professor of Architecture at McGill University in Montreal and marks a giant step forward in sustainable development within the HE sector. UPP has developed Eco Residences in partnership with the following institutions: University of Kent; Lancaster University; Leeds Metropolitan University ; University of Exeter (in development). The Eco Residence model now sets the standard for sustainable campus infrastructure. By using environmentally-friendly products and off-site construction methods, the UPP Eco Residence approach can reduce the carbon footprint of the build by 30%. UPP constantly strives to drive new innovation and industry best practice through Eco Residence construction projects, making use of the latest techniques and sustainability measures.
3. The 1994 Group
The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching. 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey) 1994 Group members include 12 of the top 20 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published in May 2010. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York. For further information on the 1994 Group, please contact Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications, 1994 Group - Tel: 07779 232731 - Email:
4. ‘Universities Week: What’s the big idea?’
To find out more about this initiative, please see: www.universitiesweek.org.uk
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