The global climate conference COP30 begins on Monday 10 November. Here, world leaders will come together to negotiate global climate goals, share plans, and report on progress to tackle the climate and nature crisis. The message from the United Nations is clear: We must act now, and act together.

What this means for the university, and for you

We’re committed to our university being truly sustainable. We want to slash our carbon emissions by more than half by 2030, and we need everyone’s help to get there. Even the smallest actions add up to big impacts. Whether that be taking responsibility to reduce energy, or choosing to travel to the university in a more sustainable way. Every change we make takes us closer to our collective goal.

Save energy

Energy is one of our largest sources of carbon emissions and financial pressure, both as a university and individually. Therefore, between November and January we are running a university-wide energy saving campaign - go! Switch Off – to help everyone save energy wherever you live, work or study.

On campus, the university is continually taking action taken behind the scenes to manage energy usage and waste through projects and improvements. But everyone has a responsibility to act sustainably to reduce our environmental impact and help meet our carbon reduction goals. 

Steps you can take:

• If you are the last person to leave a room, turn off the lights
• Keep doors and windows closed when the heating is on
• Make sure that equipment is fully off when not in use. Devices on standby still draw power
• Take the four minute shower challenge
• If you are living in university halls, report faults or leaks to your hall manager.

Green Rewards

Log all the sustainable actions you take via the Green Rewards app and you could earn prizes every month. Plus, complete more than two activities in the new Energy Spotlight section before Saturday 31 January for a chance to win one of four £20 vouchers.

Throughout November you’ll also be able to find out more about COP26 and make your own sustainable pledge. Sign up now.

Go! Greener Halls Competition

If you live in university catered halls you will be competing with other halls to be the most sustainable and win a prize in the go! Greener Halls Competition.

Term 1 is all about saving energy. Last year, Rutland Hall were crowned winners. All halls together saved 6,948kg of CO2 and over 33,500 kWh of electricity during the competition. This is enough to power an average UK home for 12 years!