SMALEI

SMALEI Matrix Areas (2)

What are the Environmental Sustainability of the institution, and why do they matter for the sustainability of ALE institutions?

Adult education providers initiate or join partnerships to have a relevant societal impact for a green transition – reaching new target groups and opening up new possibilities and collaborations.

How can you assess your performance in this area of sustainability?

What you see below are six sub-areas related to areas of ‘Environmental Sustainability of the Institution’.  Have a look at them briefly – does your institution have policies or practices in these sub-areas? If you’re interested in finding out how your organisation performs in this overall area of sustainability, you can take the self-assessment test that corresponds to the entire matrix. 

Take the self-assessment test HERE to see how your institution performs in this area!

Leadership and management

Developing a leadership and management mission thatenhances the environmental sustainability of the institution in allaspects of its work and ecosystem.
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Sustainability policies and strategies

Developing policies and/or strategies that guide the institutionto behave environmentally sustainable in its work practices.These can include a series of principles, responsibilities andcommitments for the institution to follow.
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Green office and classroom

Assessing the day-to-day practices of the institution andimproving sustainability in its offices and classrooms. 

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Mobility

Promoting, prioritising and/or incentivising mobility options forstaff and learners that reduce harm to the environment.
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Events

Conducting events in an environmentally and sociallyresponsible manner.
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Buildings and learning spaces

Enhancing the environmental sustainability of the buildings andoutdoor premises of the adult learning institution.

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Explore the different elements of Environmental Sustainability of the Institution by clicking on the '+' symbol.

Leadership and management

Developing a leadership and management mission that enhances the environmental sustainability of the institution in all aspects of its work and ecosystem. The following could be included under this:

 

ATTITUDE:
Ensure that leaders and managers develop their capacity as role models and ambassadors of sustainability.
INVOLVEMENT:
Invite the staff to participate in building sustainability strategies and use their potential.
ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE:
Develop a trusting and sharing environment for staff to nurture sustainability practices.
COMMITMENT:
Make sure that all organisation levels and staff are made aware of the sustainability mission and work of the institution.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS:
Communicate the institutions’ green strategy among shareholders,partners and stakeholders.
RECOGNITION:
Promote the institution locally, nationally and internationally for its workregarding environmental sustainability and the green transformation.

Sustainability policies and strategies

Developing policies and/or strategies that guide the institution to behave environmentally sustainable in its work practices. These can include a series of principles, responsibilities and commitments for the institution to follow. The following can be included under this:

GREEN MISSION:
Include environmental sustainability in institutions’ mission statements andvision.
ASSESSMENT:
Analyse the environmental impact of the institution as a basis for itssustainability strategy.
GOALS:
Describe the institutions’ ambition, principles and measurable sustainability targets.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE:
Define roles and responsibilities related to environmentalsustainability.
STRATEGY PAPER:
Design a strategy for green development that is closely linked to theinstitution’s general strategy.
STRATEGY GROUPS:
Establish groups involving representatives of different levels of theinstitution to tackle different sustainability areas.
INTERNAL GUIDELINES:
Describe measures to implement green policies and strategies.

Green office and classroom

Assessing the day-to-day practices of the institution and improving sustainability in its offices and classrooms. The following could be included under this:

GREEN PROCUREMENT:
Define environmental standards for products and opt for the most environmentally sustainable purchase.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
Assess the use of energy to reduce consumption.
WASTE:
Reduce, reuse, upcycle and recycle waste.
WATER CONSERVATION:
Analyse water usage, and reduce the consumption and the use of polluting products.
PAPER:
Avoid excessive use of paper in offices and classrooms.
OFFICE SUPPLIES AND FURNITURE:
Use environmentally sustainable materials, furniture and tools.
FOOD:
Provide environmentally sustainable food in canteens, kiosks and food dispensers.

Mobility

Promoting, prioritising and/or incentivising mobility options for staff and learners that reduce harm to the environment. The following can be included under this:

ECOSYSTEMS:
Join or initiate networks to promote sustainability in local and regional communities.
COMMUNICATION:
Use media and publication channels to promote sustainability events and initiatives taking place in the community.
PREMISES:
Open up the adult institutions’ spaces and resources for green discussions, meetings and events implemented in the local community.
COLLABORATION:
Organise joint activities and/or projects with sustainability movements.
LEARNING OFFERS:
Develop tailored trainings for members of local sustainability groups.
INVOLVEMENT:
Invite members of local sustainability movements to adult learning and education initiatives and campaigns.

Events

Conducting events in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The following could be included under this:

CATERING:
Supply food and drink options that prioritise the use of local products, promote sustainability and limit waste.
PR MATERIALS:
Assess the need for promotional material.
VENUE:
Select event premises that apply and/or respect sustainability principles.
PROCUREMENT:
Prioritise providers that comply with sustainability principles.
ENERGY:
Organise and execute an event in an energy-efficient way.

Buildings and learning spaces

Enhancing the environmental sustainability of the buildings and outdoor premises of the adult learning institution. The following could be included under this:

ARCHITECTURE:
Transform and/or design buildings and learning spaces following high environmental standards.
SUSTAINABLE SITE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT:
Use environmentally friendlymaterials, resources and processes.
CIRCULARITY: Enable and improve the circular use of construction materials in theinstitution’s buildings.
ENERGY PRODUCTION:
Procure renewable energy and/or install fossil-free energy sourcesto produce energy.
GEOGRAPHIC ACCESSIBILITY:
Make sure that learning spaces can be easily reached by environmentally friendly means of transport.

Self Assessment Quiz: Environmental Sustainability of the Institution

Create your own user feedback survey