Sustainability

Student Services Department

Departmental Contribution to Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Introduction

The University’s Strategic Plan has, as one of the priorities for the next planning period, the University’s development as a sustainable organisation. It identifies action in support of this priority which includes the development and adoption of realistic environmentally responsible policies in relation to estate development, travel, transport, energy and waste. In contributing to this priority, the University has already established a Sustainable Development Working Group (Chaired by Professor Peter Vujakovic).

In addition, the Student Services department recognises that there are simple measures, at departmental and individual staff level, that can make a difference to the sustainability of the University and help in the exercise of environmental responsibility.

Departmental Action

In taking these matters forward at departmental level, each service manager will, in discussion with staff in their areas, identify practices and procedures which are wasteful and not compatible with environmental sustainability. Each service area is asked to draw up a service ‘action plan’ which identifies best practice and sets out steps to be taken to address waste and other concerns. For example, departmental records could be stored electronically instead of on paper, and the action plan could set out how this is to be achieved.

Service staff meetings are to be used to reinforce the targets set in the action plan and ensure that all staff are ‘on-board’ in respect to addressing the key issues. Spending against departmental budgets (eg for paper) can be used to monitor progress in meeting waste reduction targets, for example.

Individual Action

It is recognised that there are things that individual members of staff can do which will impact on the effective management of waste and in helping to reduce energy consumption, for example. In order to make any impact in tackling these matters, it is important for there to be a consensus across the department that we all share in this responsibility. There must be a common ownership of the problem and a commitment from staff that each of us will act to make an impact.

Consequently, all members of staff within the department are asked to commit to the following simple actions that can have immediate impact.

  • Re-use paper that has only been used on one side. Keep a paper recycling box by each desk and re-use paper for drafting letter, memos etc.
  • Send all fully-used paper for recycling, using the available green sacks.
  • Re-use envelopes for internal mail. (NB stamps can also be saved and sent in bulk to Oxfam, for example)
  • Contact students, staff and outside agencies by email, rather than letter or telephone, whenever practicable. Send communications as Word or other attachments where this is appropriate. This help to reduce both the telephone and the stationery bills.
  • Reduce the volume of paper file entries you store. For example, make more use of electronic back-up copies on a shared-drive in preference to paper records.
  • Move furniture away from heating sources (e.g. radiators) and adjust the thermostats, where fitted, to improve heat transfer, and avoid ‘cold spots’ and unnecessary over-heating of offices.
  • Always turn off your lights when not needed. Do not leave lights on when your office is empty and use lights only when necessary. Make the effort to turn off lights in rooms that you see are empty (e.g. classrooms with the lights on but with no-one in them).
  • Turn off electrical equipment when you are not using it, to save power and reduce electricity bills. This includes your PC monitor, the photocopier and any other equipment. Do not leave equipment on over night unless this is necessary (e.g. your PC unit for systems upgrading etc).
  • Avoid using plastic cups (e.g. at the water dispenser, in meetings where refreshments are provided) by using your own mug or cup.