Recycling a glass bottle at one of Harper Adams's recycle points

Sustainability at Harper Adams

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Environmental Sustainability and the Rural Economy

Recognising the need for development and adoption of sustainable energy technology and to fully achieve its mission, "Higher education for the delivery of a sustainable food chain and rural economy", Harper Adams University College set up the Sustainable Technologies Network in October 2004. This network has already led to a number of technology showcases on the college site as well as providing a strong networking partnership within the West Midlands. Harper Adams has produced a five year Environmental Sustainable Strategy to 2013 which fully outlines the College's aims for all areas of its operations, and which provides over 30 key sustainability indicators.

Specific measures have been put into place to support the diversity and viability of rural and urban economies. Five areas of expertise are the subject of particular focus:

  • Sustainable Technologies on the College campus
    e.g. by the installation of the world's first indirectly fired micro-air turbine Biomass Combined Heat and Power Generator (BG100), a photovoltaic solar array on college buildings, sustainable building design in the Bamford Library, electric vehicles to assist with recycling.
  • Working with rural businesses
    to present diversification opportunities, develop skills and expertise and disseminate knowledge e.g. co-establishment of the Bioenergy West Midlands Initiative, and lead organisation for the National Rural Knowledge Exchange (NRKE). In addition the college works with a number of rural small businesses through consultancy projects and the provision of short courses.
  • The training and education of students
    in environmental sustainability is reflected in our course content such as 'Renewable Energy Technologies' and 'Alternative Crops'. The importance of recycling college resources and the involvement of staff and students in all aspects of sustainability is encouraged through awareness events, poster campaigns and networking groups.
  • Natural resource conservation and management
    e.g. research programmes to investigate the impact of agriculture on farmland birds and the use of digestate as a mechanism for nutrient recycling.
  • Developing a Sustainable Food Chain in College's Catering Department
    has been achieved through local food sourcing, provision of food products from the College farm and fair trade items. Local suppliers are continuously being sought as well as increasing 'grown' or 'reared' on site.

Harper Adams University College is firmly committed to the renewable agenda in all areas of its operations as well as in helping to increase public awareness of sustainable technologies and provide learning opportunities through open days, seminars and conferences. Through the Sustainable Technologies Network collaborative commercial research is undertaken with other universities and support, advice and guidance is provided to groups/individuals wishing to adopt sustainable technologies.