The University of Cambridge has an Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy setting out the University’s commitment to achieving outstanding environmental sustainability performance. Every member of the University, staff and student, is asked to play their role in helping to achieve this vision. The following tips give some suggestions for how you can help.
The Department is part of the LEAF Initiative. Any comments with regards to energy saving, recycling etc, can be reported to the LEAF reps: Khushboo Matwani, Adam Spruce, Theo Redfern-Nichols and Timothy Neal, who can report back to the LEAF team
- Waste and recycling – please adhere to the four coloured bins in various locations around the department. We also have battery bins and broken glass bins in each corridor. Polystyrene boxes can be recycled by placing them into the small teaching lab, where facilities will arrange collection. Electrical waste (WEEE) can be disposed of via the facilities team.
- Travel – walk, cycle, or take the University-subsidised Universal bus to get around the city.
- Food and drink – we suggest using a reusable cup where possible and recycle waste as above.
- Energy – dress appropriately for the season and switch off lights and equipment when not in use. switch off equipment when not in use, close doors and windows where possible and dress according to the season
- Water – do not leave taps running unattended, report and leaks or dripping taps
- Get more involved – become a sustainability leader and help take things to the next level.
- The University spends £16 million on energy each year.
- The University has adopted a Science Based Target to reduce its energy-related (scope 1 and 2) carbon emissions to absolute zero by 2048.
- We can all contribute to meeting this target through some simple steps – such as switching off lights and equipment when they are not being used. A single light left on overnight over a year accounts for as much greenhouse gas as a car driving from Cambridge to Paris.
- Always dress appropriately for the season to reduce the need for additional heat or cooling.
- Where possible, use the stairs rather than the lift.
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Please try and use a reusable cup where possible.
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University cafés have a range of sustainable options (why not try the vegan option? Did you know the biggest impact individuals can make around food is reducing meat and dairy intake).
- All of the University cafés’ disposable packaging (Vegware), as well as any food waste, can be recycled in food waste bins.
- The University spends £0.7 million per year on water.
- The University is committed to a 20% reduction in water use by 2020.
- Cambridge is in one of the driest areas of the country so saving water is particularly important here.
- Help save water by not leaving taps running.
- If you see a leak or a drip, report it to Facilities.
- Email environment@admin.cam.ac.uk with any questions or to find out more about any particular opportunity.
- Contact your Faculties and Safety Manager Nadine Law (facilitiesmanager@phar.cam.ac.uk) to find out what opportunities there are to get involved in the Department, and to pass on your ideas for how the Department could be more sustainable.
- Opportunities include paid internships, support running your own environmental project, and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) accredited auditor training and experience through Green Impact.