1. An introduction to the LiFE Index
Sustainability and Social Responsibility Index

2. What is the LiFE Index? The tool has three elements
Performance Improvement System - which enables institutional self-assessment, management and improvement.
Performance Accreditation Programme - which allows institutions to submit to independent assessment, verification and accreditation of their progress
Support package for participants, workshops and online support

3. Some general context
Excellent work has been undertaken by many institutions on sustainability but progress is mixed
Focus has often been on facilities related activity
Whole institution engagement is still a challenge
Metrics systems that exist are not sector focused or holistic
There is a need and opportunities for increased dialogue / partnership nationally and internationally

4. Guiding principles
Want to reward process and practice – help bridge the implementation gap
Provide guidance and support without being overly prescriptive – recognise / reward difference
Recognise that institutional journeys are non-linear and reward this
Provide a tool to help institutions, manage and evidence sustainability activity
Stimulate cross institutional dialogue and a whole institution engagement

5. What is Sustainability?
“Sustainability is about how institutions do what they do, its a focus on core activity and about taking responsibility for the total impact of their activity. A socially responsible and sustainable institution is one that is not only profitable but takes account of all the positive and negative environmental, social and economic effects it has on society, both now and into the future”
Jimmy Brannigan, ESD Consulting Ltd

6. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Reduce the negative
impacts and increase
the positive impacts
of your activity
Environmental
Social
Economic
Short
Term
Long
Term

7. Learning, Teaching and Research
Negative Impacts
Positive
Contribution
Social Cohesion
Business Engagement
Community Engagement
Regional objectives
Graduate Attributes
Employability
Learning, Teaching and Research
Student Engagement
Social Impact
(Community Impact)
Use of resources
We need to recognise and enhance the positives!

8. Leadership and Governance Partnership and Engagement
Learning and Teaching
Research
Student Engagement
Energy
Water
Resource Efficiency and Waste
Sustainable ICT
Sustainable Construction and Renovation
Biodiversity
Transport
Community and Public Engagement
Business and Industry Interface
Procurement and Supplier Engagement
Staff Engagement
Leadership
Human Capital
Leadership and Governance
Partnership and Engagement
Learning, Teaching and Research
Facilities and Operations

9. Stakeholder Engagement Links to the Curriculum
Policy and Strategy
Action Planning
Stakeholder Engagement
Measurement
Commitments are in place to sustainability in this area of activity
Action plans are in place (SMART) and commitments made
Relevant stakeholders are involved in the activity.
Institutions are looking at measuring the impact and benefit of the activity not just the activity itself
Communication
Training and Support
Implementation
Links to the Curriculum
Activity is being communicated and there is clear support
People are being trained and supported
Embedded into the way things are done, systems and processes
Links between campus, curriculum and community
WHAT DOES LIFE LOOK WHAT IS LIFE?
What is LiFE?