We lead a forum of members from Sussex Estates Facilities (SEF) in England on 2 November 2015 to discover how to best diversify student and faculty interests on campus development. SEF is a University of Sussex & Interserve LLP-owned company created to improve the estates and facilities services at the University. It is a very new and unique business model, which is still in its infancy. Balfour Beatty Investments, my former employer, is working with SEF and the university to provide new student accommodations that leverage smart tech, big data and the Internet of Things–assuring sustainable development and use of the facilities.
This forum was initiated to assist in bridging gaps between SEF, University staff and students on campus. We covered topics as chosen by attendees, such as:
- American studies – a talk or lecture on the cultural differences between the US and Europe and how it affects sustainability issues
- Economics – the economics of sustainability
- Geography – climate change and human engagement