Energy and Water Archives - Sustainability

Energy Advice Service

Helping Students Save Money and Live Sustainably Reading Student Union (RSU) operates an Energy Advice Service, supported by the University’s sustainability team, as part of RSU’s wider advice provision. The service is designed to help students living in private rented accommodation use energy more efficiently. By doing so, students can reduce energy costs and minimise energy waste, contributing to more sustainable living. The service provides advice on both no-cost and low-cost measures to save energy. In addition, it handles specific energy-related enquiries from students, offering tailored guidance based on the property and the particular question. To make an enquiry, please complete…

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

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

Why Flushing Wet Wipes Can Cost Us All – And How You Can Help

By jackiesimpsonJan 22, 20250 Comments

We recently discovered an overflowing manhole cover near to Whiteknights Lake. Our Maintenance team soon discovered the cause of the problem – it was blocked because of items that should not be flushed down the toilet like wet wipes, rags and other things. Although our team were quick to resolve the issue the cost of this incident alone was just over £5,000 and the impact it has on the environment is something we can’t ignore. While this doesn’t happen often here at the University, it’s a nationwide problem. According to Water Uk, every year around 11 billion wet wipes are…

Behaviour Change, Energy and Water

Take a break this Christmas and let your electronics rest too

By jackiesimpsonDec 19, 20240 Comments

The holidays are a time for us all to switch off, unwind and recharge. But while you are taking a much-needed break, don’t forget to give your electronics some downtime too. Shutting down unused devices over the festive period can help you save energy, reduce carbon emissions and save money. With the extended closure from 21 December to January 06, we have a great opportunity to prevent energy waste around the campus and accommodation. Did you know that turning off 1,200 computer monitors for the entire 16 days, rather than leaving them on standby, could save around £2,000? This is…

Energy and Water

Henley Business School leading the way in Sustainability with top 1 smallest carbon footprint in the UK

By jackiesimpsonDec 18, 20240 Comments

Henley Business School at the University of Reading has earned a remarkable recognition in 2024 by the FT master’s in finance ranking. It’s officially the UK’s business school with the smallest carbon footprint. The prestigious title is a testament to the schools ongoing commitment to sustainability and its role as a leader in shaping a greener future for business education. Our Business School has secured a place in the category for top 10 best business schools in the UK, coming in at number 6. Henley Business School is now 33rd in the world and 28th in Europe. A commitment to…

Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water

University of Reading decarbonisation plan: winning the Energy Management Award (EMA) for its Business Travel Carbon Budgets

By jackiesimpsonDec 18, 20240 Comments

We’re delighted to announce that the University of Reading has been recognised for its ambitious business travel carbon budgets project that aimed to encourage schools and directorates cut their carbon emissions. The University has long made sustainability a central priority. As part of its strategic plan 2020-2026, the University of Reading is committed to ambitious environmental targets, including achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030. One of the key components of this plan was to address the carbon emissions resulting from business travel. The University acknowledged that the business travel is an area often overlooked despite the significant impact on…

Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water, Travel and Transport

Reading students live at COP29

By jackiesimpsonNov 27, 20240 Comments

The Walker Institute has facilitated University of Reading students attending international climate negotiations for many years and this year we were lucky enough to hold a special event during Green Festival lives from the COP (Conference of Parties) 29. This event had insightful inputs from: students that attended the first week of the COP29 conference, students live in the COP (Conference of Parties) Climate Action Studio in Agriculture and with students actually at the conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. The chance to experience international climate conference is a unique experience for them, which they all agreed was incredibly valuable to see…

Energy and Water

The first aspiring energy conscious University!

By jackiesimpsonOct 23, 20240 Comments

University of Reading Becomes the First EnCO Aspiring University and Finalist for edie Net Zero Awards The University of Reading has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability by becoming the first EnCO aspiring university. The Vice-Chancellor has proudly signed the EnCO pledge, reaffirming the institution's dedication to reducing energy consumption and promoting energy efficiency across all areas of campus life. In addition to this achievement, the University has also been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious edie Net Zero Award under the Behaviour Change category, for its 'Our Future First' programme. This recognition highlights the…

Energy and Water

Green move out

By jackiesimpsonMay 22, 20240 Comments

Many of you will soon be leaving your halls or student accommodation to go home for the summer and you may have items that you wish to get rid of. We have put together some Green Move Out tips to help you: Use it again and again. Think about whether you can use the item again, do you really need to get rid of it or can you use it for something else? Repair and Mend. If the item is broken, can it be repaired or mended to give it a new lease of life? Rehome, share or donate. Can…

Energy and Water