Sustainable university living

By danfernbankSep 19, 20190 Comments
I’ve escaped from my desk to come and sit in Park Eat café/bar to write this article. Immediately I arrive, I’m confronted with an environmental dilemma. I’ve brought my Sustain It mug (of course!) for a cup of tea, but realise I can’t get any milk out of the machine because my cup isn’t chipped. The catering staff offer to put some milk in a paper cup. I insist I don’t want a paper cup and they insist it’s no bother. How should I respond? Back down politely and take the cup, or stick to my green guns and insist…
Behaviour Change, Energy and Water, Travel and Transport, Waste and Recycling, , ,
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Going green in 2019

By danfernbankJan 02, 20190 Comments
As 2019 begins, we take a look at our plans for delivering environmental sustainability at the University this coming year. Where we are 2018 was our most successful year yet sustainability-wise, with major reductions in waste production and water consumption and increases in sustainable travel levels. For an interactive look back, view our Annual Sustainability Report. Where we’re going Continuous improvement is a key part of strong environmental management, and 2019 promises to be no exception. Energy hack We are developing plans for our first ever ‘Energy Hack’, building on the success of previous Blackout events to reduce energy consumption in…
Energy and Water, Policy, Travel and Transport, Waste and Recycling
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Setting up a telephone conference using Skype for Business

By danfernbankJun 25, 20180 Comments
All staff can download and install Skype for Business, but did you know, you can also use Skype to set up a telephone conference, even if your contacts aren't on Skype? Here's how: In your Outlook Calendar, select "New Skype Meeting" from the Home tab (if you can't see this button, this article may help, or contact the IT Helpdesk).   This automatically creates a Conference ID that is unique to your conference call, detailed in the meeting invite:                 It's as simple as that! For more tips on how to use Skype…
Energy and Water
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Renewables come of age at University

By danfernbankApr 17, 20180 Comments
We’re proud to consider ourselves a leader in cutting our carbon footprint, and have always taken an ‘efficiency first’ approach to reducing energy wastage in priority to investing in renewable energy, ensuring that we achieve maximum carbon reductions with the funds available.  Renewable energy technologies have never been far from our minds, but with a few exceptions, have seen a series of setbacks and disappointments.  That situation is now changing and by this summer, we expect to have installed over 300 kW of renewables in just 12 months. Early success Back in 2007, we installed one of the first commercial-scale…
Energy and Water
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Are we focusing on the right environmental issues?

By danfernbankFeb 27, 20180 Comments
Opinion: Dan Fernbank, Energy & Sustainability Manager Paper cups, plastic bottles, plastic straws - it seems everyone's talking about them.  High profile coverage from the likes of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's 'War on Waste!' and David Attenborough's 'Blue Planet 2' have done wonders to highlight their environmental impacts, and to encourage practical environmental action on a large scale. But are these really today's big environmental issues? The University has set ambitious targets for continual environmental improvement throughout its operations, aiming by 2021 to cut its carbon emissions by 45%, water consumption by 35%, boost recycling to 60% and continuously improve sustainable travel…
Waste and Recycling
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Green Gown shortlisting for smashing our 35% carbon target!

By danfernbankOct 04, 20170 Comments
Our achievements in meeting our 35% carbon reduction target have been recognised with a shortlisting in the Carbon Reduction category of the EAUC's Green Gown Awards, which recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK. Since 2011, we have reduced our annual carbon emissions from 44,000 tCO2 to just over 28,500 tCO2, making us the leader amongst research-intensive universities for delivering sustained reductions in our emissions.*  Our wide-ranging programme has delivered over £17 million of financial savings for the University, whilst delivering more efficiency buildings, improving building comfort and upgrading science laboratory facilities. Sir…
Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water
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University leads the way in reducing carbon emissions

By danfernbankSep 28, 20170 Comments
The University of Reading has been ranked as one of the best universities in the country for reducing its environmental impacts.  In Brite Green’s lastest University Carbon Reduction Report, the University ranks: 5th for overall carbon emissions reductions 2nd for annual carbon reductions 2nd greatest reduction in carbon emissions per £ income We are proud of our achievements in reducing our carbon footprint; being the best research-intensive university in the country for delivering absolute reductions.  Brite Green’s report underlines our success as a sector leader, and we are particularly pleased to have made the 2nd best annual reductions (from 2014/15…
Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water
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