WE'RE MAKING A SOUND IMPACT
In February 2009, the Students' Union gained Bronze accreditation in the Sound Environmental Impact Awards - a national accreditation scheme aimed at encouraging and rewarding best environmental practice in Students' Unions.
The Students' Union is now working to further reduce our negative environmental impact and 'green' our operations at every level.
HOW YOUR STUDENTS UNION IS GREEN
Currently, at least 95% of our lighting is energy efficient
* Paper recycling bins are located throughout the Students’ Union.
* The glass from our venues is recycled.
* We have introduced recycling stations for plastic, paper and alumiium cans at each Union reception point.
* Whilst the College Road Students' Union has a lift, we recommend that visitors do not use this unless it is necessary due to mobility issues.
* Soon, all the urinals within our venues will have water saving devices fitted to reduce waste.
* We send our used printer cartridges to a re-use scheme and encourage students to donate their used cartridges too – just bring them into the Union.
* The Students’ Union uses 100% recycled paper in our offices.
* The Students’ Union is committed to reducing our energy consumption.
* We are Fairtrade accredited and sell a range of Fairtrade products and merchandise in our shops.
GREEN TIPS
Switch the Lights.
Turn off the lights when you plan on leaving a room or office for more than a few minutes.
Turn Off the Computer.
There is a common misconception that screen savers reduce energy use by monitors; they do not. Automatic switching to sleep mode or manually turning monitors off is always a better energy-saving strategy.
Recycle Everything.
Look for paper recycle bins on campus to recycle newspapers, lecture notes and other printouts.
Carry a Water Bottle.
So many bottles of water get consumed on campus every day. Save waste and money by carrying a refillable bottle.
E-mail.
Use e-mail and phone communication instead of paper communication when possible.
Unplug Chargers.
Unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use.
Ditch Your Junk Mail.
Get off the mailing lists of companies you don't support and sign up for paperless billing when available.
GREEN LINKS
Union Ethical & Environmental Operating Policy
http://peopleandplanet.org/
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
http://www.nus.org.uk/Sound
http://www.greenawards.co.uk