Why is environmental sustainability important to the University? There are a number of environmental, social, and economic factors. We are a world-leading institution. We carry out research on environmental issues – ‘practice what we preach!’ Seeking to minimise our impact on the environment. Developing the student experience through environmental projects and voluntary opportunities. The cost of utilities – more than £16m is spent every year on energy and water. Explain that environmental sustainability is an important issue for the University, and that everything which is done to achieve this end is done to make the University’s core activities more sustainable, rather than to place limits or barriers on them.

What is the University’s environmental vision? Vision: the University is committed to making a positive impact through outstanding environmental sustainability performance. 34% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020. No non-hazardous waste going to landfill by 2020. 20% reduction in water use by 2020. Recycle at least 95% of total waste produced at the University by 2016. These selected targets have been included as they are ones which require the support of students to be achieved. The Vision, Policy and Strategy has set a number of targets. They will be picked up again later in the presentation with a focus on what can be done to help achieve them. Reference that there is a Vision, Policy and Strategy for Environmental Sustainability, and that this covers the role played by students. Explain how and where the Vision can be found if they are interested in reading it fully. This would also be an appropriate point to reference any Department-specific plans, policies or strategies.

What can be recycled? It is not just about recycling – reducing and reusing come first. You can recycle all of these items in mixed recycling bins. Look out for posters on or near the bins. Ask…if you are ever unsure. There are also separate bins for glass, and for food waste. Batteries can also be recycled. There is a recycling point… Explain that we are not trying to encourage just recycling alone, but that we should reduce consumption of resources and reuse items wherever possible. That way, the amount of waste requiring recycling will reduce. Some relevant tips here: -Printing double sided (and if this is the default). Who can students ask if they require help with this? -Keep Cup scheme in University cafes rather than using disposable cups. Also mention if there are reusable mugs available for hot drinks, if there are places where water bottles can be refilled to avoid needing to use disposable cups. -Mention any relevant equipment sharing projects that would minimise the need for buying new equipment. -Mention any envelope re-use scheme which students can access -Mention that some Colleges participate in the British Heart Foundation ‘Pack for Good’ campaign – where students can donate unwanted items to BHF Explain briefly what the poster shows – paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, plastic containers, cartons, plastic wrapping, cans and tins can all be recycled in the same bin. Reference that there are posters showing this and where students will be able to find them – on bins, near bins etc. Explain that there are separate collections for glass and for food waste. There should only be a limited need for the general waste bins. Reference that there are also posters for these bins so that students know what should and should not be placed in them. Explain who can advise if unsure on what to put in which bin. If applicable, explain that there are battery recycling points and where they can be found. If your Department does not have the most up to date versions of the waste and recycling posters, you can request them via environment@admin.cam.ac.uk

Summary - what is your role in creating a more sustainable Cambridge? Waste – most of the waste produced in the University can be recycled. Look out for the posters on the bins. Travel – walk, cycle or take the University-subsidised Universal bus to get around the city. Food and drink – get a Keep Cup and try the sustainable options in University cafes. Energy – dress appropriately for the season and switch off lights and equipment when not in use. Water – don’t leave taps running, and report any dripping taps Get more involved – become a sustainability leader and help take things to the next level. Visit http://www.environment.admin.cam.ac.uk/ A summary of the tips which will be applicable in many Departmental contexts. This could be expanded with more specific tips depending on the Departmental context – e.g. shut the sash, use of freezers, use of stairs rather than lift if possible. Explain the meaning of the switch off sticker, and that there are other stickers which they may find on other lights and equipment showing what can safely be switched off when not in use. Point students towards the main E&E website, and reference any Department-specific resources/websites which they should be made aware of. If you haven’t got a Green Impact team or an Environment and Energy Coordinator (EEC) in your Department, you can get more information about both of these by emailing environment@admin.cam.ac.uk If you require more of the ‘Switch Off’ stickers (as shown on this slide), they can be requested from environment@admin.cam.ac.uk