Corporate and Social Responsibility at Newman University

Newman University is committed to improving its environmental performance and to ethical stewardship of natural resources. As a responsible Catholic organisation, our objective is to grow and develop in a sustainable manner. 

The University recognises that our activities impact on the environment and is committed to minimising such impact and to developing more sustainable approaches to the use of resources. Here are just some of our achievements to date:

Recycling Our Waste

Since 2011 we have continued to recycle. Back in 2011 we had 2 skips which were being emptied on a daily basis by Birmingham City Council. Over this period as a result of recycling paper, cardboard, plastics and bottles we now have one skip which is emptied once a week. This is a reduction of 90% which is an incredible result. Newman University was entered into the National Recycling Awards in 2014 and Newman was in the top 10.

Fairtrade University

Newman is committed to promoting the broader understanding and awareness of Fairtrade, poverty and the developing world. Achieving Fairtrade status reflects Newman’s mission which is based on respect for others, social justice and equity. Newman’s Sanctuary Cafe sells a range of Fairtrade coffee, tea and chocolate and it is standard procedure for Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar to be served in meetings across campus.

EcoCampus

Newman University is delighted to have been awarded a Gold Award from EcoCampus in September 2014. EcoCampus is an Environmental Management System and award scheme for the higher education sector. The scheme allows universities to be recognised for addressing key issues of environmental sustainability. Newman is now working towards achieving the Platinum Award during 2015.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Newman secured a £150,000 grant from the Revolving Green Fund and has used this to fund intelligent lighting and upgrading the boilers. Our intention is to use the savings from the Revolving Green Fund (estimated to be £35,000 per year) on more sustainable projects. We approved a Carbon Management Plan in March 2011, and we committed to reduce our carbon footprint by 30% by 2015 and by 43% by 2020. We have just reached our target for 2015 and will continue being energy efficient to reach our 2020 target. To reduce consumption further, we plan to use spaces more efficiently, particularly at evenings and weekends.

Environmentally Friendly Publications

Our prospectus is produced using paper which contains post-consumer waste, pre-consumer waste and product from well-managed forests.

Greener Travel

Newman has introduced 18 reserved staff car parking spaces for car sharers and 18 parking spaces on the student car park for car sharers. If anyone wishes to join a car sharing group, please visit www.liftshare.com for more information. We encourage all staff and students to use alternative modes of transport (through the Travelwise scheme) and will continue to work with Birmingham City Council to achieve this through the development of our Travel Plan.

A Giving Campus

Unwanted goods such as clothing, kitchenware and bric-a-brac from our Halls of Residence are donated to a local charity for homeless people or the PDSA. Used blankets are donated to Birmingham Dogs Home.