Environmental Sustainability Strategy Committee: Terms of Reference

The Environmental Sustainability Strategy Committee (ESSC) Terms of Reference are to:

  • provide strategic oversight of the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability embodied in its Environmental Sustainability Policy and Strategy
  • recommend for approval strategies, policies, procedures, guidance notes and action plans in connection with environmental sustainability
  • review and recommend the strategies, policies, procedures, guidance notes and action plans of other committees in connection with environmental sustainability where appropriate
  • make recommendations to the Planning and Resources Committee in relation to resource requirements for the implementation of the policy
  • monitor progress against the implementation of policy and produce an annual environmental sustainability report that will be made publicly available
  • take forward strategic decisions relating to agreed policies within the area of environmental sustainability
  • require that Schools/Institutions produce and implement environmental sustainability management plans that identify actions to improve performance and allocate appropriate resources
  • review and comment on these plans, with authority to refer a matter to the appropriate School/Institution with a recommendation for action
  • oversee the delivery of supporting policies and plans including, but not limited to, the Carbon Management Plan, Travel Plan and Sustainable Procurement Policy
  • direct the implementation of the Energy and Carbon Reduction Project and authorise the use of ECRP funding
  • act as ambassadors for Environmental Sustainability matters at the University

Membership composition

The membership of the ESSC is constituted as follows:

  • (a) The Vice-Chancellor or a duly appointed deputy, as Chair
  • (b) Three members nominated by the University Council, of whom one shall be a member of the Council
  • (c) Three members appointed by the General Board, after consultation with the Heads of School
  • (d) Two student members appointed by the Committee, one on the nomination of the CUSU Executive and one on the nomination of the Graduate Union Executive Committee
  • (e) The Chair of the Bursar’s Environment and Planning Sub-Committee or his or her deputy appointed from amongst the Bursars serving on the Sub-Committee; and
  • (f) Up to four further members co-opted by the Committee for their expertise, of which two may be external members

The Director of Estates acts as Secretary to the Committee and the Head of Environmental Sustainability acts as Assistant Secretary.

Officers in attendance

The following officers, or their nominated deputy, may also attend meetings:

  • Director of Finance
  • Director of Information Services
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Head of Procurement
  • Head of Research