Sustainable Essex Green Living at the University of Essex 2009-10 - Sustainability Exchange
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Sustainable Essex
Green Living at the
University of Essex
2009-10
Contents Welcome from the
Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor 3
Vice-Chancellor
Recycling in residences and offices 4
Sustainability is a core principle of all the In 2008, I asked Professor Jules Pretty to
Biodiversity and habitats 5 research, teaching and business activities at establish and chair a Green Task Force
the University of Essex. Through these (GTF) for the University. This is an internal
Local and fairtrade food 6 activities, we seek a future for Essex as an body of staff and students of the University
educational model for healthy and of Essex that coordinates and implements
Energy management 8 sustainable living. The University aspires to the University’s sustainability policy. The
be one of the greenest in the country, and to GTF’s primary aim is to provide a vision and
Sustainable transport 10
act as an exemplar both to other institutions road map to move the whole University
of higher education and to regional bodies. towards sustainability.
Water management 12
The need for more sustainable patterns of The GTF is seeking to improve waste, energy,
Buying green 13
living sets enormous challenges for transport and catering management by
institutions and individuals. Sustainable working with existing human resources and
Carbon footprint 14
development is not easy. Graduates of every enthusiasms. In all its activities, the University
Interdisciplinary Centre for discipline will have to address the has a considerable carbon footprint, but we
sustainability agenda in one way or another, are targeting considerable reductions in net
Environment and Society (iCES) 14
and we wish to equip those from the emissions of carbon in the coming years.
University with the best skills and leadership Although much has been achieved, there is
The iDorm 14
capacities to effect change in the future. much still to be done by all of us. I hope you
Further enquiries 15 find this leaflet both interesting and useful.
Professor Colin Riordan
Vice-Chancellor
2 3
Recycling in Biodiversity and habitats
residences and offices Why is this important?
The University maintains managed grounds
Pleasure Gardens, Campus Farm and Pond,
Kingfisher Lake, Bluebell Wood, Benton’s
and natural habitats, including farms, Top Heath and Hay Meadows, Rookery
Why is this important? What can I do? Wood and Lower Heath and Woods.
parkland, grazing marsh, woodland, old
In 2006 in the UK, around 78 million tonnes In University accommodation, we rely on hedgerows and acid grassland. Biodiversity
of waste from households, commerce, students to sort their waste and carry it Rare nightingales are regular visitors in spring.
plays an important role in the life of staff and
industry, and construction and demolition down from their flats to the recycling centres. There are also Black and Carolina poplars,
students. The Colchester Campus is set in a
were sent to landfill sites. This was a Bags for this purpose are available from the 400 year old oaks, and redwoods, eastern-
former deer park by the River Colne. It was
decrease of 16 per cent from 1998, when 93 Accommodation Office and these can be white pines, cedars and Wellingtonias. The
painted in 1816 by John Constable, who
million tonnes went to landfill. But between used for sorting waste in the kitchens and grazing-marsh retains many rare species and
described it as ‘a beautiful wood and piece
2000 and 2007 household waste per person removing it to the recycling centres. ditches support stands of reed. Spotted
of water’. The newer campuses at Southend
increased by 2.4 per cent, with each person flycatchers nest on campus, and the many
and Loughton are in urban settings but close
generating, on average, half a tonne per year. In offices and computer labs we will be butterfly species include the Essex skipper
to important coastal and inland habitats.
Nonetheless the proportion of waste recycled trialling a new binless office scheme in 2009- and purple hairstreak. The acid grassland is
or composted has been increasing and 10. Individual waste bins will be replaced dominated by red fescue, sheep’s sorrel and
with central waste and recycling bins on each Tell me more field wood-rush, with rare parsley-piert and
accounted for 31 per cent of household
corridor. These schemes have been found to The grounds of the Colchester Campus blinks in damp seepage areas. A map
waste in 2007 (sadly still low compared with
increase recycling rates dramatically even retain acidic grassland, now a scarce habitat. showing the habitats can be found on the
many other countries in the EU). The
though, to begin with, many people object to Together with taller grassland, scrub and Sustainable Essex web pages.
University produces both domestic waste
losing their personal bin. The Students’ Union lakes, these form a complex mosaic of
from residences and commercial and
was the first in the University to remove bins habitats with an extremely rich invertebrate What can I do?
industrial waste from offices and laboratories.
from all its 26 offices. fauna. The campus also contains coastal
Take time out to notice the natural
grazing marsh and notable specimen trees.
Tell me more environment. Take regular walks around the
Looking ahead Bird and bat boxes have been installed.
There are now 14 recycling centres located campus and discover many secret places. A
by Colchester Campus student residences The University is planning to roll out the There are 18 major habitats on campus. half-hour lunchtime walk will both reduce
and four in Squares 2, 3, 4 and 5. Recycled recycling in residences scheme to University These are Poplar Row, Nightingale Wood, stress hormone levels and improve mood.
materials are collected daily, and recycled Quays and to student accommodation in Skipper’s Meadows, Grazing Marsh, Green
waste is baled and compacted on site, and Southend, once this opens in 2010. Lane, South Courts Grassland, Cherry Row, Looking ahead
then sold. Kidney Wood, Hance Meadows, Oak The University will soon produce guidance
Parkland and the two lower lakes, the Ha-Ha on nature trails and a leaflet for students,
and House Pleasure Gardens, Ice-House staff and visitors.
4 5
Local and fairtrade food What can I do?
■ Eat five portions of fruit and vegetable a
Looking ahead
At the Colchester Campus, a herb garden
day, and buy local produce if you can. has been located in the northern
amphitheatre, below Food on Three, and will
Why is this important? A considerable success has come from the ■ Refill your water bottles rather than buy
supply Catering Services with a wide range
Food links people from the farm to the fork. recent launch of insulated University of Essex new ones.
of herbs. Interpretation boards will be put in
mugs. These save on the purchase and
We eat every day, so have regular impact on ■ Purchase fairtrade products. Purchase catering outlets to indicate that herbs are
whole food chains from agricultural to disposal of cardboard cups (a higher price
Resource water and reduce carbon locally grown.
transport systems. Local and fairtrade food now has to be paid for drinks using a
emissions.
can reduce food miles, improve the positive cardboard cup). By early 2009, 2,600 The University plans to establish a campus
side-effects of agriculture on the insulated mugs had been sold, with an ■ Buy an insulated coffee mug. farm and allotments. These will be east of
environment, and contribute to the social estimated 1,500 in circulation. A total of ■ Get involved in the new Colchester Wivenhoe House Hotel and the Pleasure
sustainability of farmers and their families. 30,000 discounted coffees are sold per year Campus farm and allotments when they Gardens. This will require the development
from University outlets, thus saving on the are established. of an old pond to irrigate the
purchase of 30,000 cups (and their farm/allotments. Rabbit fencing will be
Tell me more
disposal). ■ Ask suppliers where their food comes bought and the farm laid out, with an
Fairtrade status has been confirmed for the from. institutional mechanism identified for
whole University. All University outlets at the All waste oil from the kitchens is now
Colchester Campus now offer fairtrade ■ Buy food from one of the many local staff/student co-management. Food grown
recycled at a local farm into biodiesel.
farmers’ markets in the region. on campus will be eaten on campus.
beverages and a range of fairtrade fruit
and snacks. Suppliers have been sourced to ensure,
Opportunities for composting food waste will
where possible, fruit, vegetables and meat
also be assessed.
Water jugs are now available to all hospitality products are from local farms and growers.
customers from Catering Services, and can The Students’ Union has arranged a fruit and
be requested rather than bottled water for vegetable market every Friday in Square 3 of
any event or meeting. Fresh water is offered the Colchester Campus.
in all outlets to minimize the number of
plastic bottles on campus. Bottled water at The use of plastic carrier bags from food
all outlets includes Resource, a local water outlets has ceased. Biodegradeable bags
supplied from Cambridge, with the added are now offered to reduce the amount sent
incentive of off-setting its carbon emissions to landfill. All takeaway consumables are now
by buying one acre of rainforest for each biodegradable, including boxes and cutlery.
pallet delivered, in conjunction with the Cool
Earth Foundation.
6 7
Energy management
Why is this important? Tell me more What can I do? Looking ahead
Energy consumption contributes The University is developing ways to reduce If you are out of a room for more than 15 The heat generated by a new air
substantially to emissions that produce energy consumption and gradually increase minutes you can help to reduce energy conditioning system for the Lakeside
climate change. A more sustainable energy its own energy production from renewable consumption, and save the University money, Theatre will be recycled to heat the water in
sector is one in which less energy is used sources. Automatic lighting controls have by switching off the lights. the Library. The air conditioning for one of
(because of the conserving actions of end- been fitted in many corridors, seminar rooms the computer laboratories will also generate
users), and more energy is generated from and student kitchens to reduce energy Do not leave doors open in winter – heat for the office area known as the old
renewable resources or sources that consumption. corridors are not heated to the same extent physics building.
produce no carbon dioxide. Electricity as offices and teaching rooms. Close the
generated from renewable sources has been A 6 kW wind turbine was installed on the blinds in summer to keep cool. More thermal imaging will be used on the
increasing steadily since 1996. roof of the new building for the School of Library, academic buildings, and student
Health and Human Sciences. In the same Do not overheat your room – put on a jumper accommodation at the Colchester Campus.
In 2007, five per cent of the total electricity building, all kettles were removed and before you turn up the heating. A reduction
generated in the UK was from renewable replaced with energy efficient tea points, and of 1°C can reduce emissions by 10 per cent. The University will develop plans for the next
sources, up half a per cent from 2006. automatic low water use toilet facilities, generation wind turbine, which will be twice
Do not leave TVs, DVD players and stereos the size of the first one.
There was a 25 per cent increase in the washbasins and flush systems were
on standby. Some appliances still use a
amount of energy generated from wind and installed. The new Centre for Brain Science
quarter of their normal power when in Dyson Airblades (for hand-drying) have
wave sources making it the largest has ground-source heat pumps, solar
standby mode. already been successfully used in the
renewable source. Previously, hydro power collectors and a rain water collection system.
Students’ Union, so will be fitted in the
had been the source generating the most Unplug chargers and power supplies
Thermal imaging has been used to identify Library toilets for further assessment and
renewable electricity. In buildings, between (eg mobile phones, laptops and printers)
the heat leakage profiles for a number of later rolled out across the University.
25-60 per cent of the energy used is when not in use. They still use energy when
generally on lighting. work and accommodation buildings. The
plugged in, even when not in charging mode.
University has been accredited by the
Energy Institute under the Energy Efficiency If your home does not suffer with damp, do
Accreditation Scheme. not let your bath water out until it has cooled
down: that heat energy is better used in the
house than lost down the sewer.
8 9Sustainable transport As part of the Colchester 2020 Travel Plan
Club, the University is engaged in measures
to promote public transport usage, cycling
one from Re-cycle. If you are staff, join the
‘Cycle to Work’ scheme at:
www2.essex.ac.uk/estates/Pages/Cycleto
and walking, as well as car sharing. WorkScheme.htm. Join BUG at:
Why is this important? Tell me more www.essex.ac.uk/bug and be part of efforts
The University has invested in storage to enjoy and improve cycling. Staff who cycle
Between 1990 and 2006, total carbon The University has been working to introduce facilities for cyclists and motorcyclists, bus
dioxide (CO2) emissions fell by 6 per cent in a range of options to make alternative forms to meetings can claim business mileage.
shelters, and pedestrian and cycle routes.
the UK. Much of this decline has come from of greener transport more accessible to Efforts to promote cycling and manage car Carshare and save money; find a match at:
a reduction in emissions attributable to students and staff. parking are made in consultation with the www.colchester2020traveltogether.com
business (14 per cent decline). Emissions University’s Bicycle User Group and Car and/or join the University’s car share scheme.
from residential users have declined by 5 per Cycle town funding was gained by both
Colchester and Southend in 2008. This will User Group.
cent since 1990, but those from transport Use video conferencing and other audio-
rose by 12 per cent. Transport makes a lead to improvements in local cycling routes At the Southend Campus, with its town visual means where possible to save on
significant contribution to climate change, as and promote cycling and bike-rail travel for centre location, proximity to Central and travel to meetings, please see:
well as resulting in both health costs (air both campuses. A cycle route from upper Victoria railway stations and local bus routes, www.essex.ac.uk/avms/AVS/default.htm.
pollution) and local environmental costs. Car Wivenhoe to the Colchester Campus has no University-owned car parking is provided
ownership in the UK is now at more than 20 been approved for funding by Essex County and staff, students and visitors are Looking ahead
million vehicles. CO2 emissions from private Council and, in the University’s cycle-to encouraged to use public transport. The
work-scheme, staff can acquire a new bike at A wide range of measures are planned for
cars increased by 4 per cent between 1990 Loughton Campus is well-served by public
a discount of 30-40 per cent. 2009-10 including a car sharing scheme
and 2006. Over the same period road traffic transport.
with designated bays and having a carshare
volume (measured as total car-kilometres
Dr Bike sessions offer free cycle checks and car at the Colchester Campus. This will be
travelled) increased by 20 per cent. What can I do?
repair services every Friday during term at the managed by the Wombat Car Club.
Getting people out of private motorised Colchester Campus. Re-cycle, Colchester’s Walk more – walking is good for personal,
bike charity, sells refurbished bikes on mental and physical health. Each person The results of the first Southend Campus
transport and into public transport, as well as
campus at the beginning of each term. The should try to walk 10,000 steps a day travel survey will inform the development of
encouraging more cycling and walking, can
University’s Bicycle User Group (BUG), with (roughly four miles). the Southend Travel Plan.
be hard as many people do not have
immediate choices. representatives at Colchester and Southend,
Use public transport when possible – take Measures to improve pedestrian access at
also organises social rides/events and
advantage of the ‘Unicard’ and other bus the Colchester Campus will include the
However, some 58 per cent of car trips are meetings, see: www.essex.ac.uk/bug.
ticket offers available from the University launch of a walking map, improved signage
less than five miles, and 25 per cent less
Staff and students can use the ‘Unicard’ Post Office at the Colchester Campus. and safer, all-season access from Wivenhoe
than two miles. Many of these trips can be
annual bus pass that discounts travel on First with the construction of the wide cycle route
substituted by walking, cycling or
buses in Colchester. First’s No 62 bus from Cycle more – get your bike checked for free alongside the Colchester road.
public transport.
the main Colchester Station to the campus is by Dr Bike and use it regularly. If you are
University-branded. looking for a bike, buy a cheap refurbished
10 11Water management Buying green
Why is this important? What can I do? Why is this important? items will be explored: departments may pool
Some 1.5 billion people in the world have no Always put the plug in your sink when having Everything we buy and use has an impact on resources, lease instead of buy and refurbish
access to drinking water. In Europe, daily per a wash or shave. Leaving hot water running the environment somewhere. We shop every current items instead of replacing with new.
capita water consumption is some 150-200 is throwing money down the drain. day but only vote every four to five years. Our
The University has been awarded fairtrade
litres (in the UK it is 148 litres per person buying votes for certain types of production,
Do not leave the tap running when brushing status. All drinks at the Colchester Campus
per day). In the USA it increases to 400 transport and resource systems. Added up
your teeth – this can save ten litres of water are now fairtrade, as are many products in
litres per day and in Las Vegas it amounts to this can make a large difference to the wider
per day. the shops. Bottled water is sourced from a
1,600 litres per day. In Essex, average daily environment.
local company that contributes to rainforest
consumption is 159 litres per day.
Taking showers rather than baths saves The University itself is a major contributor to protection in the Amazon.
Today, clean water is assumed to always be enough water each week for 1,000 cups of the local economy and, through responsible
available, yet consumption patterns by users coffee or tea. spending, hopes to increase the likelihood of What can I do?
can make a difference to both costs and suppliers acting responsibly, not only to meet As students and staff, you can contribute by
Washing clothes at 40°C rather than 60°C
environmental impacts. Household water environmental legislation but actively to choosing greener options when you
means you use 30 per cent less electricity.
consumption accounts for around two-thirds reduce the environmental impact of their purchase goods and services both at the
Reduce the wash to 30°C and save even
of water in the public supply (excluding leaks). products and services. University and off-site.
more. Always wait until you have a full load
before using your washing machine. You will
Tell me more Tell me more Consider items that are made from recycled
save energy, water and washing powder too.
or low-impact materials, that have a low
The University is developing ways to reduce The University has a new sustainable
environmental impact in operation and, where
water consumption. It is also developing Looking ahead procurement policy to move all purchasing
possible, are locally produced. And, when you
ways of making use of grey water. towards greener options. This policy
A trial of low water use urinals has been no longer need an item, consider ways of
encourages staff to consider the lifetime
On the Colchester Campus, an aerator (that conducted and there are plans to roll out to passing it to others such as through Freecycle
impacts of the products they buy, including
works like a fountain) was recently located six new areas. This could save 1,600 m3 or the University small-ads, hence reducing
resources needed to create, operate and
in the lakes to improve oxygen levels and water per year. the amount of material going to landfill.
eventually dispose of them. Staff may need to
water quality. spend more upfront to achieve a lower lifetime
The University will investigate green roofs,
cost and environmental impact. For example, Looking ahead
rainwater harvesting, willows for filter beds
and harnessing energy from the weirs on the careful procurement can reduce the amount As part of an increased central overview of
campus lakes. Low water use toilets and of packaging and the number of deliveries. University procurement, training will be
automatic taps have been fitted in many offered to all appropriate staff on
In the future, alternatives to procuring new environmental procurement.
buildings.
12 13Carbon footprint Further enquiries
The Green Task Force (GTF) is an internal Contacts
Why is this important? different activities. Do your own carbon audit
body of staff and students that coordinate Communications Office
All institutions should take responsibility for by filling in a carbon calculator to see if you
and implements the University’s sustainability University of Essex
the carbon they directly and indirectly emit to can reduce your carbon emissions over time.
policy. The GTF reports to the University Wivenhoe Park
the atmosphere. Reductions in emissions are Strategy Group chaired by the Vice- Colchester CO4 3SQ
essential if the impacts of climate change are Looking ahead Chancellor. Members are drawn from the Telephone: 01206 872807
to be mitigated or even reversed. The University will monitor its carbon student body, academic staff and E-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk
footprint and set targets for reduction that administrative staff. The GTF membership in
Tell me more will drive further social and technological 2008-09 was: Professor Jules Pretty, e-mail:
A carbon audit for the University was first innovation. jpretty@essex.ac.uk
Professor Jules Pretty OBE (Chair, iCES
completed in 2009. This indicates that the and Department of Biological Sciences) Richard Frost, e-mail: rfrost@essex.ac.uk
University’s carbon footprint is approximately The Interdisciplinary Centre for Mark Ager (Estate Management Section,
25,000 tonnes per year or 3.3 tonnes per Environment and Society (iCES) EMS) Sources of information
student FTE. This represents a 5 per cent The iCES is an interdisciplinary centre Neil Barnard (Member of Council, and The University of Essex Guide to a Green
decrease per FTE since 2005. designed to increase collaboration between Department of Biological Sciences) Planet (2002, editor J Pretty).
disciplines and departments. A regular film Professor Ted Benton (Department of Copies are available from the
This compares with a range of 19,000 to Sociology) Communications Office, e-mail:
and seminar series is held each term. The
43,000 tonnes emitted by other universities Daisy Blench (Students’ Union, SU) comms@essex.ac.uk
Masters in Environmental Governance is a
of similar size (eg Royal Holloway, Surrey, Dr Steffen Böhm (Essex Business School)
scheme run across a range of departments.
Hertfordshire, St Andrews, Exeter, University Professor Ian Colbeck (Department of Defra. 2008 The Environment in Your
College London and King’s College London). The iDorm Biological Sciences) Pocket. London. Available as pdf at:
The Intelligent Dormitory (iSpace) is a Richard Frost (EMS) www.defra.gov.uk/ENVIRONMENT/
What can I do? student study bedroom built using the same Rachel Hine (iCES) statistics/eiyp/.
All daily activities contribute to carbon design, furniture and fittings as those in halls Dr Maria Iacovou (ISER)
footprints. However, acting sustainably does of residence but fitted with intelligent Vivien Insull (Accommodation Office) Defra. 2008. Sustainable Development
not just reduce harm; it can also contribute gadgets that can detect and learn the Jo Leyland (EMS) Indicators in Your Pocket. London
to well-being, health and a good quality occupant’s behaviour, with the aim of Richard Moger (SU) Available as pdf at:
environment. providing services that could improve the Tim Morris (Catering Services) www.defra.gov.uk/sustainable/government/
quality of their lives by generating an Andrew Nightingale (EMS) progress/data-resources/sdiyp.htm.
Become a carbon expert. Educate yourself environment that suits their needs. George Papaioannou (SU, from 2009)
(and your friends) about the carbon cost of John Pavey (SU)
Dan Satterthwaite (EMS)
14 15Please pass this leaflet on or recycle it at a campus recycle point. www.essex.ac.uk/sustainability www.essex.ac.uk/gtf © University of Essex 2009 Produced from 50% recycled Designed and printed by University of Essex Printing Services and 50% sustainable sources
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