Environmental Sustainability
LSHTM commitment
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is committed to the responsible use of energy, water and other resources with the aim of minimizing a) effects on the environment and b) energy and water consumption, whilst maintaining operational goals and an acceptable working/living environment for staff and students.
LSHTM is committed to achieving best practice benchmark standards in energy efficiency for higher education establishments wherever practicable.
LSHTM's target is to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide relating to its activities by 50% by 2020 and by 90% by 2050 compared with 2006.
Complementary to this overall objective, LSHTM is also participating in the 10:10 campaign by seeking to reduce its carbon emissions during 2010 by 10% in targeted areas, and is applying for Fairtrade status.
Key challenges and achievements
LSHTM faces specific challenges in trying to meet its carbon reduction targets, in particular the restrictions associated with listed buildings and conservation areas in a central London location. Efforts have been made when developing the main Keppel Street building over recent years to incorporate state-of-the-art energy efficient features, notably within the new South Courtyard building. The building, which was shortlisted for a 2009 Carbon Trust Innovation Award, is an excellent example of how low and zero-carbon technologies can be incorporated into an urban setting (see Innovation awards Carbon Trust finalist 2009 Guardian article (PDF 3.53 MB) ). The building has the potential to generate up to 60% of its own energy, and includes chilled beams which use cooled water from geothermal boreholes, natural ventilation, a mini wind turbine and photo-voltaic cells incorporated into the glass roof design which act as a solar screen in areas where heat gain and glare could arise. Refurbishment of the newly acquired Tavistock Place building has included many energy saving approaches. Tavistock Place energy saving proposals (PDF 0.05 MB)
Sustainability Group
LSHTM has established a Sustainability Group, which is responsible for advising the Senior Management Team and Council (LSHTM's governing body) on improving the sustainability of LSHTM's activities. See Sustainability Group terms of reference and membership (DOC 0.05 MB)
Policies and implementation
The Sustainability Group has developed a Sustainability Policy (PDF 0.02 MB) for LSHTM, which has been endorsed by Council. The Sustainability Policy is supported by more detailed sub-policies:
- Energy and Water Policy (PDF 0.02 MB)
- Travel Policy (PDF 0.02 MB)
- Procurement Policy (PDF 0.23 MB)
- Waste and Recycling Policy (PDF 0.19 MB)
The Carbon Manangement Plan (PDF 0.35 MB) sets out how LSHTM will work towards achieving the objectives set out in the policies. Further detail on projects for 2009-10 is set out in the summary of agreed energy reduction projects. Energy reduction projects 2009-10 (DOC 0.02 MB)
Performance monitoring
As part of a comprehensive sustainability policy and strategy for LSHTM, it is important to set realistic and achievable energy consumption targets and to monitor the use of energy.
The Sustainability Group regularly monitors the use of energy by LSHTM in order to set targets and review progress towards meeting targets.
See monitoring data.
