We are now able to recycle any metal products in the cans recycling. So that means any metal object that is clean can go in the grey can drawer/container including foil, cake/pie tins, sweet/chocolate tins, staples, old keys etc etc.

Any clean metal object- that can fit in the drawer container!

These changes have come about due to a change in the way our contractor processes their metal materials.

Dan

Newcastle University has just been given a bronze award as part of accreditation in an Environmental Management System (EMS) called ‘Eco-Campus’.

All of the services and activities on campus have an environmental impact.

For example, energy use on campus is associated with carbon emissions and climate change. We also have environmental impacts associated with waste production, travel, purchasing and pollution.

Eco Campus provides a framework for managing our environmental impacts.

We are now working towards our Silver accreditation then Gold and Platinum Awards in successive years.

We will be externally audited at each stage as we progress towards increased environmental sustainability.

These awards will help to distinguish Newcastle University as an institution who is serious and ambitious about reducing environmental impact from our activities.

More information about Eco Campus can be found at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/estates/environment/projects/ecocampus.htm and http://www.ecocampus.co.uk/

We featured in newslink this week as a result of staff and students’ recycling efforts-

Good work everyone! and I really meant it when i said “It is a real pleasure to work with people who are so enthusiastic and proactive about diverting as much waste as possible from landfill.”!

Dan

Hannah Munro has started as Sustainability Support Officer in the team this week.

Hannah will be assisting in all energy and waste activities, as well as administering the Environmental Co ordinator network. Hannah will also be helping with all communication projects such as the website and the forthcoming campaign “Switch off 2010”, which you will hear more about soon.

If you are thinking “I’ve seen that face before”, since graduating from Newcastle University in Environmental Science in 2007 Hannah has worked in the SAgE faculty. Hannah says “I was sorry to leave SAgE behind but is looking forward to getting into the new role and getting involved in new projects and challenges”

Hannah settling into her new role ather desk

Dan

….to a new academic year and a new sustainability team blog!

This blog is about the activities of the Newcastle University sustainability team.

The overall aim is to help raise awareness about sustainability issues and stimulate action on campus.

The blog is another tool that we use to inform people about facilities on campus and the initiatives we are developing to reduce environmental impact.

Although the subject matter is serious, often dry and always emotive we hope this blog will be useful but also be entertaining at times and maybe even funny!

Check out this piccie of the team- engaging content indeed! From left to right you have:

George Chambers: Assistant Energy Manager
Matt Dunlop; Energy Manager
Cara Tabaku; Assistant Energy Manager
Daniel O’Connor; Waste Manager

Ponteland High School
Today I’m hosting a visit from a class of A-Level students from Ponteland High School. I’m dead chuffed because they became interested in what we’re doing by browsing our website. So it is fitting that they are the subject of the first entry on our newest feature – this blog.

I’ll let you know how the visit goes – I’m particularly looking forward to lots of challenging questions!

Matt