Final Assignment 2 Mr. David FINAL.edited

Report on Sustainability Integration at Robert Gordon University Campus Instruction Student’s Input Student’s full name - I.D. No. - Course Title - E-mail address - Supervisor - i

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... ii Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... iii Abbreviation List ................................................................................................................ iv Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1 1. RGU and the United Nations SDG's .............................................................................. 1 2. Sustainability and the Built Environment ....................................................................... 1 2.1 Understanding Sustainable Development ................................................................ 1 2.2 Climate Change and Sustainability .......................................................................... 1 3. Regulations and Pressures Driving Sustainability ......................................................... 2 3.1 Legal and Regulatory Framework ............................................................................ 2 3.2 Leadership and Stakeholder Engagements ............................................................. 2 4. Energy-Efficient Buildings and Renewable Technology Integration .............................. 3 4.1 Building Design and Efficiency ................................................................................. 3 4.2 Renewable Technology Integration .......................................................................... 3 4.3 Benefits of Energy-Efficient Buildings and Renewable Technology Integration ...... 4 5. Examples and Case Studies of Sustainable Practices ................................................. 4 5.1 Application of Sustainability Beyond Buildings ......................................................... 4 5.2 Community Engagement: sustaining people, place, and the planet ........................ 5 6. Waste Reduction and Recycling .................................................................................... 6 7. Green Spaces and Biodiversity Conservation: .............................................................. 7 Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 8 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 9 References ....................................................................................................................... 11 ii

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Abbreviation List RGU – Robert Gordon University SDG – Sustainable Development Goals NESA – National Energy Skills Accelerator NSC – National Subsea Centre LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design BREAM – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method CRBUG – Carbon Reduction Building User Group U.N. – United Nations ESD – Education for Sustainable Development v

1. RGU and the United Nations SDG’s According to Robert Gordon University's (RGU) website, the University has gained recognition for its commitment to sustainability, debuting in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact rankings and securing a position in the 401-600 global banding for 2023. The rankings assess universities' efforts toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to create a more sustainable future. RGU focuses on specific SDGs, including Good Health and Wellbeing, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Partnership for the Goals. Notable achievements include high rankings in SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The University's overall score is 67 out of 100, determined by the combined scores of the top three SDGs and the compulsory SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). RGU emphasises initiatives such as promoting health through sports, expanding smart meters for water conservation, implementing energy-efficient standards in construction, contributing to economic growth, engaging in sustainable community development, and fostering collaboration across sectors for SDG achievement. 2. Sustainability and the Built Environment 2.1 Understanding Sustainable Development Sustainable development involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Sachs 2022). At RGU, sustainable development encompasses environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. 2.2 Climate Change and Sustainability RGU recognises the urgent need to address climate change and is committed to reducing the existing carbon footprint. This commitment extends beyond academic discourse to practical initiatives that impact the campus and surroundings. 3. Regulations and Pressures Driving Sustainability 3.1 Legal and Regulatory Framework RGU complies with national and international sustainability standards and regulations. This includes adherence to building codes prioritising energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly construction materials. 3.2 Leadership and Stakeholder Engagements Increased awareness and demands from students, staff, and the local community have driven RGU to incorporate sustainability into strategic planning. The University acknowledges the importance of aligning the practices with stakeholders' values. The 2

University's experts have been pivotal in the energy transition discourse, contributing to regional, national, and international discussions. RGU's involvement in initiatives like the National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA) and the opening of the National Subsea Centre (NSC) further demonstrate commitment to shaping the future of the energy industry. The NSC focuses on research and technology development in subsea operations, with core programs addressing Transparent Ocean, Integrated Energy, and Net Zero Operations. These reflect a dedication to innovative solutions for industry challenges. Fig 1. SDG 17 - Partnership for the goals (Source: RGU Website) 4. Energy-Efficient Buildings and Renewable Technology Integration 4.1 Building Design and Efficiency RGU focuses on constructing energy-efficient buildings that utilise sustainable design principles. This includes optimising natural light, efficient insulation, and intelligent building systems to reduce energy consumption. The University has invested in energy- efficient buildings, incorporating green design principles, which includes Green Building Certification; RGU has green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Every RGU campus building has a Carbon Reduction Building User Group (CRBUG); these departments have a representative tasked with attending the Carbon Reduction 3

4.3 Benefits of Energy-Efficient Buildings and Renewable Technology Integration Integrating energy-efficient building practices and renewable technologies is critical for addressing environmental challenges, enhancing energy security, realising economic benefits, improving public health, and contributing to global sustainability efforts (Ouf et al. 2023). 5. Examples and Case Studies of Sustainable Practices 5.1 Application of Sustainability Beyond Buildings Robert Gordon University (RGU) is incorporating sustainable development into the urban landscape and the larger community to extend its dedication to sustainability beyond specific structures. As stated in its Investment Policy, one noteworthy step is RGU's determination to remove itself from oil and gas firms. By December 31, 2025, the institution wants to remove itself from fossil fuel extraction corporations actively. RGU's direct holdings in oil and gas firms were down to less than 0.01% as of May 2023. This divestment plan is essential for enhancing sustainability, supporting ecologically friendly behaviour, and harmonising with international efforts to combat climate change. Divestment supports the University's efforts to promote climate goals and limit global temperature increases by lowering its carbon footprint and switching to cleaner energy sources (Braungardt et al. 2019). The shift in financial resources away from fossil fuels and toward clean technologies and renewable energy is essential for developing sustainable alternatives (Amorós Molina et al. 2023). Additionally, the choice to divest positively impacts the environment by halting ecological degradation, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing risk management in line with long-term sustainability objectives (Braungardt et al. 2019). As the globe moves toward greener energy sources, fossil fuel investments are seen to be at risk of becoming stranded assets. Investments can be more strategically and effectively aligned with environmental and ethical ideals through divesting, reducing exposure to financial risks associated with possibly devalued assets. RGU's divestment program demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and helps with more significant international initiatives to fight climate change and move toward a more resilient and sustainable economy(Sterling et al. 2014). 5.2 Community Engagement: sustaining people, place, and the planet RGU actively engages with the local community, promoting sustainable practices and participating in collaborative projects that enhance the overall sustainability of the built environment. 5

Fig 3. SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities (source: RGU website) According to RGU's website, through sustainability efforts, RGU seeks to ensure: a. Commitment to Sustainability: The University is dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable future through economic growth, addressing environmental challenges, and promoting inclusivity. b. Alignment with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The University's strategic commitment is based on the United Nations' SDGs, focusing on protecting the planet, ending poverty, and ensuring peace and prosperity. c. Incorporation of SDGs across Activities: The University has integrated the SDGs into teaching, research, partnerships, and services, contributing to economic, social, and cultural development and aiming for organisational net zero emissions by 2040 (Tarafder & Shahid 2023). d. Evolution of Curriculum: The University, known for graduate employability, adapts the curriculum to meet changing learner and workforce needs, emphasising expertise, ethical understanding, and agency for graduates to become socially responsible global citizens. e. Innovation and Interdisciplinary Solutions: The University applies collaborative interdisciplinary expertise to address society's complex problems, focusing strategically on energy, health, and social care. f. Leadership in Energy Transition: Situated in Aberdeen, a hub for the oil and gas industry, the University works regionally and nationally to sustain the region's status as a global energy leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy. g. International Engagement: Recognising diverse interpretations of sustainability, the University emphasises the importance of dialogue, discourse, and collaborative learning for creating a fair, just, and sustainable future globally. 6

Fig 4. Waterside Farm on the opposite side of the River Dee from RGU (Source: RGU website) The campus actively preserves habitat by managing wooded areas, conserving ancient trees, promoting rewilding, and creating garden spaces. In collaboration with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the campus supports red squirrels and preserves the natural state of the riverbank. Efforts over the past few years have increased rewilding, converting 10% of grassed areas to improve habitat and reduce fossil fuel use. The campus is open to the community, providing green spaces and river access. The University's proactive approach has led to the return of diverse wildlife, including deer, red squirrels, rabbits, foxes, bats, and various bird and insect species. For several reasons, green spaces and biodiversity conservation play a crucial role in sustainability. Firstly, this contributes to environmental health by preserving natural habitats, fostering biodiversity, supporting ecosystems, and ensuring resilience against environmental changes while providing essential services such as pollination, water purification, and pest control (Jayasundara et al. 2019). Also, green spaces enhance the quality of life for both human and non-human inhabitants by providing recreational areas, promoting mental wellbeing, and offering spaces for community engagement. In contrast, urban green spaces can improve air and water quality, reduce noise pollution, and mitigate the urban heat island effect (Jayasundara et al. 2019). Finally, these initiatives contribute to climate change mitigation. Forests and other green spaces act as carbon sinks, helping absorb and store carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas, and are more resilient to climate variations, contributing to overall climate adaptation efforts (Amorós Molina et al. 2023). 8

Recommendations Despite the numerous steps taken by RGU towards sustainable growth and complying with the U.N. SDGs, there is still room for improvement. RGU can still enhance sustainability. There is room for improvement even with RGU's efforts to achieve sustainable growth and align with the SDGs of the United Nations. Promoting environmentally friendly modes of transportation among employees and students can create a sustainable transportation culture consistent with the University's sustainability vision. Additionally, getting a variety of viewpoints on sustainability initiatives requires enhancing collaboration with faculty, staff, and the local community. Energy savings can be enhanced by investing in high-efficiency HVAC systems, investigating passive design techniques, and expanding the integration of renewable energy across the campus. Even with initiatives to incorporate sustainable practices into the curriculum, graduates will contribute to a sustainable future if disciplines continue to be integrated. RGU should investigate cutting-edge and environmentally friendly building methods to minimise environmental effects, focusing on sustainable design principles throughout all faculties. In line with international efforts to combat climate change, green building certifications are actively promoted, and fossil fuel investments are sold off. Ongoing waste reduction, recycling programs, and collaborations for circular waste management improve waste practices. Its implementation of sustainable procurement practices for goods and services and its funding of sustainable solution-focused research further demonstrate RGU's commitment to sustainability. The development of the waterside farm into a nature reserve demonstrates RGU's commitment to preserving nature, fostering well-being, and conserving green spaces. Establishing clear reporting procedures ensures regular communication on sustainability progress, enabling prompt interventions to keep the University on course. Conclusion This report highlights Robert Gordon University's efforts towards sustainability, particularly in aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and integrating environmentally responsible practices across various aspects of operations. The University's achievements in SDGs, green building certifications, renewable technology integration, community engagement, and biodiversity conservation are commendable. However, recognising the progressive journey towards sustainability, the report suggests several areas for improvement. These include further promoting sustainable transportation, strengthening stakeholder engagement, expanding renewable energy initiatives, further integrating sustainability into the curriculum, emphasising sustainable construction practices, promoting green building certification, enhancing waste management, exploring sustainable procurement, investing in research, and transparently reporting progress. Hence, by addressing these recommendations, Robert Gordon University can enhance a commitment to 9

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SACHS, J., 2022. Sustainable Development Report 2022: From crisis to sustainable development: The SDGs as a roadmap to 2030 and beyond . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. STERLING, S.R., MAXEY, L. and LUNA, H., 2014. The Sustainable University: Progress and Prospects . London: Routledge. Sustainability at RGU: RGU , 2023. [online]. Robert Gordon University. Available from: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/about/sustainability-at-rgu [Accessed October 27 2023]. TARAFDER, T. and SHAHID, S., 2023. Is the U.N.'s quality education goal for the tertiary level (SDG-4.3) at stake due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Innovation, Leadership and Governance in Higher Education , pp. 45–59 . 12