Yasmin, Author at Sustainability

New Free Thames Valley Park & Ride for University Staff and Students

By YasminOct 09, 20250 Comments

Following the success of the Mereoak Park and Ride scheme, University of Reading staff and students can now also use the Thames Valley Park (TVP) Park and Ride site free of charge when travelling to campus. This new offer is possible thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) and Reading Buses, who run the 300 Park & Ride service. How it works Staff and students can park at Thames Valley Park and take the Reading Buses 300 Park & Ride to reach the University’s Reading campuses. Parking and bus travel are both free - the University…

Travel and Transport

Introducing the Energy Advice Service: Save Money, Save Energy, Live Sustainably

By YasminSep 17, 20250 Comments

A New Service for Students in Private Rented Homes On 23rd September, Reading Student Union (RSU) is launching a new Student Energy Advice Service, and is supported by the University’s sustainability team. The service is designed to help students in private rented homes cut energy waste. As a result, you can save money and live more sustainably. Practical Tips: From Everyday Habits to Long-Term Savings The service offers practical advice for all budgets. For example, you can learn simple everyday habits to save energy when using washing machines, tumble dryers, and cooking equipment. In addition, you will discover low-cost options…

Energy and Water

Gumdrop Bins: Small Change, Big Impact!

By YasminJul 25, 20250 Comments

You may have spotted something bright and new around Palmer Quad - pink Gumdrop bins have been installed across Whiteknights campus. They are part of a new initiative to keep our campus clean, save money, and help the environment. Why Do We Need These Gum Bins? Did you know that cleaning chewing gum off the pavements in Palmer Quad costs the university £6,000 every time? Gum is tough, therefore it requires specialist equipment and is time-consuming work. Additionally, gum contains plastic, which makes it non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment, as well as an unpleasant eyesore. What’s Special About the…

Behaviour Change

The Flavour Garden: 2025 and still alive at the University of Reading

By YasminJul 17, 20250 Comments

Summer is approaching, the air is warm and the leaves have turned green. Our Flavour Garden is no different. Over the past year we have made some exciting additions to our garden to continue to make this fluorescent space, a living and breathing space to source our ingredients. New Additions: We have planted a glorious Olive Tree in the centre of the garden, which will be utilised to source fresh and delicious Olives from, which we will be able to use across our fragrant dishes from our ‘Nicoise Salads’ to our ‘Spaghetti alla Puttanesca’. Being able to source these Olives…

Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure

Electric Vehicle Charging Upgrades Across Our Campuses

By YasminJun 23, 20250 Comments

As part of the University’s Five-Year Travel Plan – our roadmap for promoting more sustainable, low-carbon travel options – we’re making significant improvements to electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across all campuses. You can read more about the Travel Plan here. What’s New? We’ve recently upgraded the public EV chargers at Whiteknights Campus SportsPark and Greenlands Campus. Additionally, we’ve installed four brand-new EV chargers at London Road Campus. These upgrades support our wider five-year Travel Plan and help to make low-emission travel easier and more accessible for everyone. New Charging Provider – Amp EV We’ve switched…

Travel and Transport

A Guide To Moving Out Sustainably

By YasminMay 28, 20250 Comments

Are you moving out of your accommodation at the end of this semester? It is that time of year again where thousands of UOR students will either be moving out of their accommodation to return back home for the summer, or moving into new accommodation. Therefore, we have put this helpful guide together to signpost you in the right direction so you can move out as sustainably as possible! How to pack sustainably: Pack sustainably - use suitcases, duffle bags, and reusable containers when possible, instead of cardboard boxes Use second-hand boxes - you can ask local supermarkets and shops…

Behaviour Change

Opportunity to become a Youth Sustainability Champion

By YasminMay 14, 20250 Comments

The Department for Education (DfE) has opened applications for its Youth Sustainability Champion positions, a national sustainability leadership opportunity which University of Reading students can apply for. About the Youth Sustainability Champions scheme Are you 18-23 and passionate about sustainability and education? The Department for Education are recruiting for the next cohort of Youth Sustainability Champions (formerly Youth Focal Points) – three young people who will help shape education policy and provide a youth voice mechanism in heart of policy making. This is an incredible two-year opportunity to get involved in national decision making alongside civil servants and government ministers,…

Behaviour Change

Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet

By YasminApr 14, 20250 Comments

Earth Day 2025 This year is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a global annual event on April 22nd which focusses on supporting environmental protection. This year’s theme, 'Our Power, Our Planet' focusses on renewable and clean energy. Earth Day first began in 1970, and it gives a chance for people to focus on the challenges our planet faces whilst also giving an opportunity to appreciate everything our planet has to offer. Today Earth Day comprises of a wide range of events coordinated globally through earthday.org and involves over 1 billion people across 192 countries getting involved! Our Power, Our…

Behaviour Change, Energy and Water

One Easter Egg at a Time

By YasminMar 17, 20250 Comments

Did you know that in the UK alone, approximately 80 million Easter eggs are sold each year! With the Easter break fast approaching, and everyone enjoying the abundance of chocolate at this time of year, it can be very wasteful and impactful on our planet. Therefore, we wanted to share with you some easy, cracking tips on how to have both an egg-citing and sustainable Easter this year. Buy Fairtrade chocolate – guarantees fair pay for workers and is sourced as ethically as possible Avoid wasteful packaging – choose plastic free or compostable packaging Recycle where possible – if you…

Behaviour Change, Fairtrade

RED Sustainable Action Award – What is it, and how can you get involved?

By YasminMar 03, 20250 Comments

Why should you join? Do you want to gain awareness of sustainable issues and opportunities whilst developing your employability skills? Then you should sign up to the Reading Experience and Development (RED) Sustainable Action Award. In doing so you will gain an award that will demonstrate your sustainability awareness and understanding to future employers, evidencing some of the skills that many companies are actively seeking, whilst committing to making the world a better place for all. How do you complete it? To successfully achieve the Award you will need to complete 40 hours of activity across two components (Acquire and Act), with…

Awards and Achievements