Case study: Working with your local SU Emma Bartlet & Sam Johnson University of Central Lancashire Students’ Union NUS Sustainability Programmes Roundtable 2015

Our Story Up to 2012 – some joint initiatives between the SU and the University but limited – University and Union wrote a joint bid for NUS Green Fund. FM Green Team helped write the bid. Oct 2013 – Green Ladder Project created. FM Green Team sit on the Steering Group to 2015 – Student Green Fund Project.

Union supports University Union helped with the recruitment of Green Impact Student Auditors and Assistants. Creation of a new student staff role – working with UCLan and Wigan & Leigh College. Green Week Student Bursary – allowed students to lead on their own sustainability projects, which The Uni has Micro allotments used as an incentive for staff to get involved in Green Impact.

University support the Union Green Week 2015 was the most successful ever because of the collaboration Secret Garden – University staff supported it 32 Micro-Allotments - for students and staff Input into the Campus Master Plan collectively Currently trying to influence the long-term University’s Strategy

What the University says: “I think that this true collaboration came about because the Students’ Union and the University’s Facilities Management Green Team worked together right from the inception of Green Ladder, with a shared sense of what UCLan’s particular needs were, through to bid submission to the NUS Green Fund, recruitment and on-going involvement.” – Clair Challen UCLan Environment & Sustainability Manager

Collaborations on reducing CO2 Food Drive – collecting food for local food bank, Xmas & summer BHF Clothes Drive – collecting old clothes and equipment for the British Heart Foundation Do-Nation Pledge – 440 behavior change pledges were made = 11,798kgCO2 saved

Why are collaborations good? NUS Sustainability Programmes Roundtable 2015

For the University The SU has expertise in engaging students Tap into effective SU communications such as social media Gives easier access for students to lead on sustainability projects Allows the university to connect with the democratic process of the Students’ Unio n

For the Union Facilities Management & University can make things happen on the ground. The University has better access to resources (financial and staff expertise). Access to departments, e.g. Accommodation, Grounds Team, and academics. Allows joined up working.

The Activity: Think of something you want to make happen at your institute around sustainability. (e.g. Reduce the use of bottled water) In small groups reflect on the potential barriers. Then think of how: A)The Unions’ involvement could help solve them B) The Universities involvement could solve them C) End up with a mini action plan of how you intend to make the thing happen 10 minutes

What is our Advice? NUS Sustainability Programmes Roundtable 2015

What is our Advice? NUS Sustainability Programmes Roundtable 2015

Its Good to Talk! Know key players within the University or Union & work at a strategic level with them Support & listen to each other, not just one way conversation Realise that University & Union systems, language, and structure will be different (learn each others language) Involve the SU Officers – they are our leaders Try and see stuff from the others perspective

Be Adaptive – Things Change Plans change, both for the Union and University. Be flexible and pragmatic. Be prepared to take risks. Resources fluctuate for the SU and University so a relationship matters – communicate effectively and share resources, where you can. Change can also mean new opportunities. Be ready to pounce!

Who are you doing it for? Its about the students! Let Officers and Council lead on projects and events, and really take on students views. If students don’t really want it then consider is it the best course of action. Celebrate success both for the University and the Union e.g. press release, social media, union media, awards.

Q & A NUS Sustainability Programmes Roundtable 2015

Contact details Emma Bartlet & Sam Johnson NUS Sustainability Programmes Roundtable 2015