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Jim Whelan says plans are afoot to help ensure ÖйúAƬ is a leader in environmental management.

One initiative,led by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals and the Association of University Directors of Estates, seeks to updateuniversity planning systems. The funding councils have requested the development of a set of "sustainability indicators" in relation to property.

The indicators developed so far fall into three groups: consumption, disposal and management. Combined with green transport plans, such measures will help institutions save money, overcome planning hurdles and make better strategic decisions.

r Partners tried but not tested Camille Lane writes that, despite complicated initial phases, some impressive ÖйúAƬ projects have come to fruition through the private finance initiative (PFI).

The Sussex Innovation Centre opened in May 1996 after an initial private/public sector investment of Pounds 2 million, to provide support for the creation and growth of technology and knowledge-based companies in Sussex. The centre is now a thriving business environment for nearly 30 high growth companies.

More large-scale PFI proposals are in the pipeline. One of the most ambitious his the University of Hertfordshire's Millennium Campus. This will be a sister campus to the town centre facility and will house outlying campuses based at Hertford and Watford. Once vacated, these will be sold.