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June 2021

Hi,

Term is ending but there are still opportunities get involved in sustainability initiatives during the summer. Find out about becoming a staff Environmental Champion.

Thursday 17 June was Clean Air Day, and as the University begins developing low-carbon energy storage, John Atherton, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, considers the importance of this day.

Plus learn how UoN Sport are reducing energy and which hall won the Student Switch Off competition

So let’s get going!

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Harnessing waste heat for zero carbon heating

Nottingham is developing a novel, low-carbon energy storage system to supply cheap heat for people living and working in UK neighbourhoods.

It will help to decarbonise the buildings sector, whilst addressing issues of fuel poverty and pollution.

Read the full story

Saving energy at the pool

The David Ross Sports Village swimming pool is one of the University’s most energy demanding buildings. But improvements have been made that will reduce the environmental impact of its operations.

Find out more

GUEST COLUMN

Clean Air Day is a moment to support action on air pollution

Air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK every year.  The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that it is the largest environmental health risk we face today.

Since March 2020, the University saw a decrease in carbon emissions as we shifted from campus to homeworking during the pandemic. Alongside this, pollution levels across Nottingham dropped to their lowest ever level in April 2020. Since then, as restrictions have lifted, commuting and traffic is returning, along with the pollution.

But it doesn't need to be this way. As we begin to work and study in a more agile way, there is the opportunity to lock in some of the positive behaviours that have developed during the last year.

In the coming months the University will be looking at both business and commuter travel and how we can support the reduction of unnecessary and unsustainable travel. Keep an eye out for more information and ways to get involved soon.

In the meantime, if you want to know more about our environmental priorities, read the recently published Environmental Strategic Delivery Plan. Plus, sign up to Green Rewards for ideas of how to reduce your emissions now.

John Atherton, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, and University Sustainability Committee Chair

TIME TO CELEBRATE!

Student Switch Off winners

The results are in and the winners of the 2020-21 Student Switch Off campaign are Lenton & Wortley! This hall saved the most energy and recycled the most over the year.

More information

Collectively, 3.3 t CO2 was saved through electricity reduction in halls during Student Switch Off

THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW

Become a Staff Environmental Champion

Help us raise awareness about sustainability by joining our champions network and engage your department to act as sustainably as possible in all aspects of university life.

Find out more

Talk to us about becoming a champion

Pack for Good

Moving out of halls this weekend? Just having a clear out? Don’t forget to donate unwanted items at the British Heart Foundation donation points.

See where to donate

£1million

raised for BHF since 2012

10.3 elephants

worth of waste diverted from landfill in 2020

UPCOMING EVENTS

21-25 June

Nottingham Environment Conference 2021

Join environmental experts from Notts Wildlife Trust and the University of Nottingham to discuss a range of sustainability topics. Free and open to all.

1 July

New Dr. Bike drop in

Drop by the cycle stands at the David Ross Sports Village on the first Thursday of every month for a free bike service. 10am-1pm, no booking required.

More dates available

Hi,