Partnering for a sustainable future
As part of the University Sustainability Strategy, colleagues have been exploring how organisations we partner with can contribute to community value and provide benefits beyond their core services.
Senior Procurement Officer Sarah Cutler recognised that many of our contractors are eager to support the University’s sustainability goals while making a positive impact on both the community and the environment.
“The opportunities these partners can provide—whether through volunteering staff time, offering in-kind donations like technology, or other contributions—are crucial in helping us achieve our sustainability targets. These efforts can create lasting, positive impacts,” Sarah said.
This has led to a close collaboration with Lesley Caldwell, Head of Community Engagement and Social Responsibility, to look at methods of matching support requested by recipients of funding from the University Community Fund and other local charities with social engagement actions offered by suppliers. “The initiative is in its pilot phase,” explained Lesley, “and while there is no guarantee of a match, it presents a unique opportunity for the University to extend its support beyond financial resources to our community.
“We are in the process of compiling a list of requests, which should be non-financial but could include additional resources such as volunteering, sponsorship, donations of materials, exchange of expertise, and anything else in-kind,” she added.
Sarah recently worked with DP&L Travel Management to connect them with the University’s tree planting initiative, which aims to create woodland habitats in and around St Andrews.
“This was an opportunity to highlight the tangible benefits of engaging with external partners – fostering positive environmental impacts while bringing employees and the community together,” Sarah said.
Caroline Runciman, manager at DP&L, shared: “We have recently been accredited as a Sustainable Company by EcoSmart, and participating in tree planting projects is a key part of our commitment to giving back. It perfectly aligns with our values as a business and our focus on sustainability.”
“This time, Kerry and Shabaana from our team rolled up their sleeves and joined in, but we’re excited to have the whole team get involved for upcoming planting dates. It’s such a rewarding experience to contribute to a cause that not only makes a real difference for the environment but also positively impacts the community,” she added.
Sarah also worked with DP&L to explore more sustainable travel options, leveraging air mile credits accrued throughout the year.
“These air mile credits were accumulated through our business account, which we encourage colleagues to use when booking travel,” Sarah said. “Not only does using the DP&L travel management system help us track carbon emissions from travel, but it also allows us to earn air miles that can be redirected to sustainable solutions, such as purchasing sustainable aviation fuel.”