20 | Keele University
Principle 4
Research
We will engage in conceptual and empirical research that advances our understanding about the role , dynamics , and impact of corporations in the creation of sustainable social , environmental , and economic value .
Keele University Sustainability Benchmark Award
KBS has obtained the ‘ 3 leaves ’ award from its 2022 submission to the University ’ s Benchmark Awards , demonstrating progress from its 2021 submission , which achieved the ‘ 1 leaf ’ award .
The sustainability benchmark encourages Schools across the University to demonstrate their commitment to embedding sustainability into their operations and activities .
Each year , teams led by Staff Sustainability Representatives demonstrate how the criteria relating to key sustainability themes are being met and embedded into operations and activities , from energy and resource efficiency to wellbeing , leadership , education , and student engagement . A team of student auditors are trained by the University ’ s Environmental Manager to assess evidence and conduct interviews with Staff Representatives , producing a report of their findings in conjunction with the Sustainability Team . These reports then make recommendations that student auditors feel could help increase the effectiveness , impact , and reach of sustainability activities with Schools and Directorates .
The 2022 student auditor for KBS had the following comment :
‘… the work that has managed to be completed is amazing . The School includes sustainability within its activities and practice and notably also within the curriculum . There are good communications and engagement throughout the School , and they have also reached out to other parts of the University to collaborate ’.