go! December newsletter: Your sustainable choices matter

View this email in your browser

December 2023

Hi,

What a busy month and year! Ending with fantastic news for UoN in sustainability rankings and research awards.

Whilst it's been the hottest year in human history resulting in extreme weather events globally, there are reasons to be positive. The climate conference COP28 has ended with a significant deal to transition away from fossil fuels. Whilst it could be stronger, it's a historic agreement, and that it was made in an oil producing country is remarkable.

Have a wonderful winter break and remember to go! switch off before you leave.

News and announcements

How to save energy this winter

Over the Christmas holiday period, the university spends around £320,000 on electricity despite being closed. On Christmas Day itself, we still manage to use 65% of our average annual daily energy consumption! This isn’t environmentally or financially sustainable.

Take action to save energy

Talk to us about how to save energy in your area or department

Research partnership results in groundbreaking industry tech

Researchers from UoN and UK tech company have produced a highly advanced power converter to drive an electric motor that could revolutionise the manufacturing and renewable energy industries.

Funding injection brings net zero a step closer to reality

UoN, in collaboration with Loughborough University, has received a funding boost from East Midlands Freeport to accelerate the translation of zero-carbon research into high-impact commercial and policy solutions.

Full story

Environmental education at UoN

Tillie and Alex are the newest members of the sustainability team. They are developing resources to embed environmental education and training for staff and students at UoN.

Find out more

Know how to dispose of your vapes

Vaping devices are on of the fastest growing waste streams in the UK. Devices usually contain batteries, which can pose a threat to humans and the environment if discarded incorrectly. Therefore it's crucial to understand responsible disposal.

Read the blog

University honey for sale

University honey is back on sale in campus outlets, just in time for Christmas! It's now stocked in three new locations including the newly reopened SUstainable shop. Profits are reinvested into UoN environmental projects.

Where to buy

Things you can do now

The environment and me: sustainability survey

We're developing an environmental eLearning module for staff. To ensure it's useful, we invite staff from all roles to help inform the training package. Participate in a short survey to win a £25 EcoVibe voucher.

Complete the survey

Edible campus survey

A Edible Campus project is looking to offer outdoor opportunities and fresh food access for staff, students, and the local community. Share your input on its development in a quick survey.

Complete the survey

Student Sustainability Challenge

There's still time to enter the student Sustainability Challenge. Develop sustainability solutions, build employability skills, and win a paid internship.

Find out more and sign up

Read Tina Darlami's experience of the Sustainability Challenge and how it led to her role as Graduate Environmental Officer in the sustainability team

Time to celebrate!

Sustainability ranking places UoN among world’s greenest universities

The University of Nottingham’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised by an international league table, which has ranked it among the top 40 of the world’s ‘greenest’ universities. Nottingham jumped a remarkable 85 places in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024, up to 33rd out of 1,403 global institutions.

Full article

12th

placed university in the UK

17th

placed university in Europe

Upcoming events

Dr Bike on campus

One Dr. Bike session is scheduled in December, with two in January when term begins again.

Book your place now

Sustainability on socials

Follow us on social media to find out about and stay up to date with sustainable news and events across UoN.

Instagram: @uonsustainability
Facebook:
@uonsustainability
X (Twitter):
@uonsustain

View our Instagram Reels to see what grounds, the wellbeing team with the Conservation Society, and the careers team are up to.

Hi,