This week the Sustainability Team headed to Tynemouth Longsands Beach and Cullercoats for a beach litter pick in support of the Great British Beach Clean 2025.
Every September, thousands of people across the UK head to the coast to take part in this nationwide event, organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). Last year volunteers across the UK removed over 764,000 litter items from our beaches, weighing more than 16,800kg. This year’s Great British Beach Clean is running from Friday 19th to Sunday 28th September, and we were proud to play our part in helping protect our local coastline.
Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and clipboards, we spent the afternoon collecting waste along the shoreline, aiming to improve the environment for people and wildlife.
We used the MCS litter survey forms to record the types and amounts of waste we found. These forms are an essential part of the Beach Clean, allowing the MCS to track pollution trends and build evidence to campaign for cleaner seas and stronger environmental policies.
Some of the most commonly found items included:
Small pieces of plastic
Bottle tops and lids
Cigarette butts
Fishing line and small netting fragments
The data we collected will now feed directly into the MCS’s national database, helping researchers and policymakers better understand the scale and sources of beach litter.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part! And we are happy to report there wasn’t an awful lot of litter at the beach, thanks to the local community who regularly litter pick.
Want to get involved? The Great British Beach Clean is running until Sunday 28th September, and there are events happening all over the UK. Visit the Marine Conservation Society website to find out how you can take part and help protect our beaches.
Monday 22nd September is World Car Free Day and Newcastle University is taking a city-wide approach with local institutions including Newcastle City Council, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Nexus.
We are asking those who can, to take the Newcastle Car Free Day pledge and commute to campus using a car free mode of transport such as cycling, walking or wheeling, metro or bus.
We know trying a new mode of transport to commute can be daunting, so we have asked colleagues what advice they would give to people trying their preferred modes for the first time. You can read the testimonials below – make notes of the helpful tips they provide!
Public Transport
Charlotte Robson commutes via the metro
Why is this your preferred mode of transport?I commute via the metro as it is a quick and sustainable mode of transport. I like to use the commuting time to find some calm (at the start and/ or the end of your day), I often do this by reading a book or listening to a podcast.
Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute?The Nexus Pop app is a great way to keep track of what’s happening on the metro network, you can check train times so you can minimise your wait on the platform. Always pack an umbrella in case it is raining when you get off the train (the weather in Newcastle can be a tad unpredictable). If you become a regular user of public transport during the week and on the weekends, look at the University public transport page as an annual travel ticket for one of the local providers may work out cheaper for you.
Cycling
Amy Johnson commutes via cycling on a hybrid bike
Why is this your preferred mode of transport?Cycling is much cheaper than the bus (£5 per day) and quicker! I have a car but driving into the city centre during rush hour and having to pay for parking doesn’t appeal to me. It’s also nice to get some fresh air on the way to and from work.
Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute?Investigate your options first, see if your workplace has a cycle to work scheme. Can you secure your bike securely at home and at work? Does your work have lockers? It can be a bit of money to begin with – for example getting a bike, helmet, lock, high vis jacket etc but once you’ve got it all its much cheaper than other modes of transport. Cycling can be intimidating to start with for example getting used to traffic etc, but once you get the hang of it and become more confident its much easier. The more of us that can cycle to work, the better – it increases safety in numbers, will make drivers more aware of cyclists and lead to shifts in behaviour (think about cycling somewhere like Amsterdam!)
Jane Robinson uses a bike to commute to campus
Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I cycle along the river from Wylam – it’s a beautiful, safe (and flat!) route – it gives me time to think and prepare for the day and unwind on the way home and I fit in my exercise as part of the day.
Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute?Make the most of Cycle to Work scheme. Wear bright colours and always use your lights. Most importantly, enjoy the ride!
Carys Watts commutes via cycling
What form of sustainable transport do you use to commute?I cycle to work from Gateshead to Newcastle, half of my route is off-road, the rest is shared use or cycle lanes. Previously to help with timings for the school-run, I drove partway with my bike in the car, then cycled the rest.
Why is this your preferred mode of transport?My commute time is reliable and I feel alert, relaxed and healthy, plus there is no daily cost.
Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute?Starting out cycling I would invest in a helmet, a bright (neon) waterproof jacket and decent bike lights for visibility. Get a strong bike lock and ask friends/co-workers their advice on their recommended routes, bike parking and servicing.
Walking
Hannah Owens walks to work
Why is this your preferred mode of transport?I enjoy being out in the fresh air and getting some exercise through my commute. It’s roughly a 35-minute walk so it’s a good amount of time to prepare for the day ahead on the way in and unwind on the way home. It’s also great for enjoying nature and green spaces- I love that in the summer months I get to experience fields of cows on my city centre commute!
Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute?Layered clothing and comfortable/sturdy footwear, and it’s a great way to enjoy podcasts.
If you would like some additional information, you can find more advice and helpful information on the Sustainable Campus Travel pages.
September is a big month for environmental awareness, conscious consumerism, and collective action. Whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your impact, here’s what’s coming up next month and how you can get involved!
Organic September
Led by the Soil Association, Organic September celebrates organic food and farming. It’s a chance to learn about the benefits of choosing organic for our health and the planet. This Organic Septembers focus is the connection between healthy soil and healthy food. Try swapping one or two regular shopping items for organic alternatives and support farmers who are working with nature.
Fashion is famously one of the most polluting industries, with millions of clothes ending up in landfill every year. Hosted by Oxfam, Second-hand September encourages people to say no to new clothes for 30 days and take a stance against fast fashion.
Challenge yourself to find an outfit from a thrift shop or host a clothes swap with friends.
Tip: Read our blog for tips on tackling fast fashion.
Photo: Oxfam
World Car Free Day: 22nd September
Join cities around the world in ditching your car for the day. Whether you walk, wheel, take public transport, reducing car use is great for the environment and your health.Map out a car-free route to work/ university and give it a go! Keep an eye on our World Car Free Day events page to find out how Newcastle University are getting involved.
Tip: Cycle in and use our Dr Bike services at Bike Week for free minor repairs!
Recycle Week: 22nd – 28th September
Run by Recycle Now, this national campaign reminds us all to keep recycling correctly. It’s a great time to brush up on what can and can’t go in your recycling bin, and to explore local recycling services.
Tip: Check out our waste A-Z to see what can be recycled on campus.
Great British Beach Clean: 19th – 28th September
Organised by the Marine Conservation Society, the Great British Beach Clean is more than just a litter picking event. Volunteers record the types of litter they find to help push for policy change. There data has helped to make positive change, including the introduction of the plastic bag charge, banning microplastics in personal care products, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items.
Each year, Newcastle University undergoes an external audit to ensure that our Environmental Management System (EMS) and Energy Management System (EnMS) meet the requirements of the ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards. These audits are rooted in our list of compliance obligations (COs). In this blog, we will explore what compliance obligations are, some examples, and how they affect the wider University community.
What are compliance obligations?
Compliance obligations are described by ISO as:
“Legal requirements that an organization has to comply with and any other requirements that an organization has to or chooses to comply with”
The University has a register of environmental and energy commitments it must adhere to, like those required by the law and others which are voluntary. We work with Barbour EHS, a consultancy that provides compliance and information services, to help us keep our obligations register up-to-date, especially when new legislation comes into place.
During the external audit, auditors review the list of compliance obligations and assess how these requirements are being met. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the University losing its ISO accreditation.
What are some examples of compliance obligations?
The concept may sound rather abstract, so here are some examples of obligations on our register.
As you can see, many of the obligations link back to our key themes, looking at carbon, water, waste and biodiversity. This highlights how compliance obligations serve not just as checkboxes, but as practical drivers of environmental action across departments.
Nature Positive Universities is just one of many voluntary obligations we’ve committed to, alongside our Net Zero targets, membership to the EAUC, participation in the People & Planet University League, the Race to Zero campaign, the SDG Accord, and the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice.
How do we integrate compliance obligations into our work?
Compliance obligations guide how we plan, implement, and monitor environmental and energy practices across campus. The process usually begins with changes in legislation or voluntary initiatives, which are then translated into internal actions. These updates are reviewed during both internal and external audits, helping us track progress and identify areas for improvement.
For example, when the Simpler Recycling legislation came into play in March 2025, we responded by reviewing how waste was being managed in all areas of campus, especially student accommodation. This led to collaboration with our waste contractor, Biffa, to introduce food waste bins and expand glass recycling across key locations. These operational changes directly support compliance obligations related to waste segregation and management. Auditors can assess these during their visits and may even offer feedback in the form of an OFI (Opportunity for Improvement), which helps us refine our systems further.
How are students and colleagues involved?
From the table above, you can see that COs extend the scope of the Sustainability Team’s work – we work closely with colleagues across the University to meet them. Everybody at the University plays a role in meeting environmental responsibilities. From Estates designing efficient building systems and maintaining green spaces, to individuals recycling correctly and using energy efficiently in their workspaces, everyone plays a key role in our EMS and EnMS.
COs are all over, even when you may not notice. For instance, most University buildings have an environmental noticeboard near their entrances, displaying Display Energy Certificates, required under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.
Students are also a key part of this process. Under the Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice, waste producers (including students in accommodations) are responsible for sorting their waste correctly. Additionally, by completing travel surveys, both students and colleagues are contributing to voluntary efforts aligned with the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 and the Transport Act 2000.
From waste and water to biodiversity and transport, compliance obligations influence many day-to-day decisions at the University. They help ensure we’re not only meeting legislation but actively working toward a more sustainable campus.
If you’d like to find out more about our environmental and energy management systems, read our blog, or check out our webpage. For any sustainability queries, please email us at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk
Are you passionate about the environment and climate change? Sign up to become a climate ambassador!
Funded by a £2 million investment from the Department for Education, the Climate Ambassador programme is delivered in partnership with the University of Reading, EAUC (the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education), and supported by STEM Learning.
The programme exists to support nurseries, schools, colleges, and universities in England to develop and implement Climate Action Plans (CAPs) – enabling all education settings to have a CAP in place by the end of 2025.
What is a Climate Ambassador?
A Climate Ambassador is a volunteer from any background who is passionate about taking action against climate change and making a positive difference in their local schools, communities, and to the planet! You don’t need to be a climate expert to be an ambassador – training and ongoing support are provided. Ambassadors help raise awareness, inspire others, and lead by example, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
As a Climate Ambassador you will have flexibility as to what support you give and how much time you contribute but this includes the opportunity to:
Promote climate action and sustainability across education through collaboration, leadership, and engagement.
Co-develop and implement effective Climate Action Plans (CAPs) with schools and local communities.
Lead eco-initiatives and educational campaigns that inspire participation and long-term behaviour change.
Share insights, experiences and best practices within the network.
The Northeast Hub
To support the programme, regional hubs in each of England’s education regions have been set up so that volunteer ambassadors can be matched with education settings in their area. The Northeast Hub is hosted by Newcastle University and led by Dr Stephen Blenkinsop and Professor Hayley Fowler.
“The Northeast Climate Ambassadors Hub hosted by Newcastle University is excited to be able to draw on the expertise and passion people across our region have for addressing the challenges of climate change. Volunteer ambassadors as well as nurseries, schools and colleges interested in getting support can find out more about all the help the scheme provides from the regional hub at climateambassadors.ne@newcastle.ac.uk.”
Dr Stephen Blenkinsop
Sign up now!
If you are interested in getting involved with the Climate Ambassadors scheme, you can find out more here or sign up here! Volunteers will be provided with free training and support, and be matched to a local nursery, school or college that needs help creating a climate action plan.
We’ve all been there – the sun’s shining, you’ve got your cycling clothes on, water bottle filled, ready to hit the road…only to discover an issue with your bike. Whether it’s a flat tyre, faulty brakes, or grinding gears, we’ve teamed up with our friends at WATBike to share some simple maintenance tips that’ll keep your bike in a roadworthy condition.
1. Bike storage
Where you store your bike matters. Storing your bike in a safe place is not only important for security reasons, but it can also help keep your bike in good condition. Leaving a bike outside for extended periods (such as in a garden/backyard over winter) will expose your bike to the elements which, over time, will cause the parts to corrode and eventually lead to failure of the gears, brakes etc.
Tips for smart storage:
Keep it in a secure, dry place — sheds, garages, or covered bike shelters are ideal.
Avoid long-term exposure to rain, frost, and direct sunlight.
Your tyres are a critical component of your bike’s performance and safety. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure and regularly checking their condition is vital!
Tyre care tips:
Check tyre pressure regularly, ensuring the PSI is at the required level (these can be found on the tyre wall). Ensuring the correct pressure helps to prevent punctures.
Keep a small hand pump with you to ensure you can always pump your tyres. Or you can use the University cycle repair stand near Hatton Gallery (location shown in our map). This stand is equipped with allen keys, screwdrivers, spanners, adjustable fit bike pump and a tyre iron.
Inspect your tyres for cracks or holes – replace tyres if they’re showing serious wear.
3. Bike Cleaning
Regular bike cleaning will prevent rust and corrosion, helping your bike parts last longer and be more effective.
Cleaning checklist:
Use a hose (light pressure!) to rinse off loose dirt.
Scrub with bike-friendly brushes, especially around the chain and cassette (gears). It is also important to keep the braking surface of your wheels clean and dry.
One of the easiest and most effective maintenance tasks: lubricating your chain. It ensures a smoother ride with less clunking when changing gears and extends your bike chains lifespan. There are two main types of chain lubricant; wet and dry, and it depends on the type of riding you do and the time of year as to which lubricant you should use.
Choosing the right chain lube:
Dry lube: Best for people who mainly ride on roads. It’s thinner and won’t pick up as much dust in the summer.
Wet lube: Designed for wet, muddy conditions. It is thicker than dry lube, which helps it repel water and keep your chain lubricated.
If you’re not sure which to use, ask at a local bike shop, or at our regular Dr Bike sessions.
5. Loose parts
If something on your bike feels loose (especially pedals) – don’t ride it! Bring it to a Dr Bike session or bike repair shop straight away. A quick tweak when a problem first arises can save big mechanical issues in the future if you leave it unresolved.
Maintenance at Dr Bike
If you require more help with bike maintenance, our regular Dr Bike sessions on campus are a great place to start. Whether it’s a quick fix or a maintenance question, expert advice is always on hand. WATBike are here every two weeks throughout the year and are happy to help.
We’re also excited to announce Bike Week, taking place at The Boiler House from Monday 12th to Wednesday 14th May, in partnership with WATBike and supported by Cycling UK.
During Bike Week, Bike technicians will be available on campus from 10:00-14:00 each day to provide more detailed support on how to maintain your bike, with guidance and advice from the team at WATBike. There will also be a sale of lovingly refurbished bikes across a range of styles and sizes across the event. Buying second hand is not only great for your wallet, but also for the planet!
As a world-leading institution, Newcastle University has always recognised its responsibility to protect the natural environment – whether through large-scale sustainability initiatives like the Climate Action Plan, or through trailblazing research on marine biomes, extreme weather, and more…
The Sustainability Team at Newcastle University was launched in 2006, and the team’s remit has grown ever since! There are now eight key themes that their work focuses on, including waste, travel, biodiversity and carbon. Their work ranges from large-scale infrastructure projects, to engaging colleagues and students through events and certifications.
Read on to find out about some of the major developments facilitating decarbonisation on campus, ran by the Sustainability Team in collaboration with colleagues in Estates & Facilities and across the University.
Declaring a Climate Emergency
Newcastle University declared a climate emergency in 2019, becoming the second UK university to do so. This declaration was influenced by increasing public discourse on climate change, spurred by activist movements such as Fridays for Future and the work of Greta Thunberg.
By 2021, in response to mounting scientific research and national policy developments – such as the UK government’s legally binding net-zero target for 2050 – the University accelerated its own carbon reduction target from 2040 to 2030. A key step towards this commitment also included full divestment of endowment funds from fossil fuel industries.
Image: Drone shot of the Urban Sciences Building, one of many buildings with solar panels and a green roof over its Atrium. Source: Matt Horne.
Climate Action Plan and Net-Zero Target
The University’s net-zero target includes both our direct emissions from on-campus sources like gas boilers and fleet vehicles (known as Scope 1 emissions) and indirect emissions from purchased energy such as electricity and steam (Scope 2 emissions).
Scope 3 emissions, which encompass travel and procurement, are currently excluded from the 2030 target because of less robust methodologies and reporting. Nevertheless, efforts to address Scope 3 are ongoing, including engaging with supply chains and conducting travel surveys.
The Climate Action Plan outlines key strategies, including reducing energy consumption, increasing renewable energy generation and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Solar Photovoltaics on Campus
In 2023, Phase 1 of the University Solar Photovoltaics (PV) project began. As a city-centre campus, we have limited space for solar panels. Rooftop installations provide an ideal solution, maximizing sunlight exposure without taking up valuable ground space.
Phase 1 concluded in 2024, with the installation of panels on the Cochrane Park Sports Pavilion, the fourteenth building to support solar PV. Other buildings covered by Phase 1 included:
Frederick Douglas Centre
Urban Sciences Building
The Catalyst
Park View Student Village (6 buildings)
Sports Centre (2 buildings)
Philip Robinson Library
Henry Daysh Building
Over a period of less than two years, the panels have generated 71.5 MWh of electricity and have saved 147,000 Kg of carbon from being emitted. This is equivalent to charging an electric vehicle for nearly 4.7 million miles and avoiding the emissions of approximately 147 transatlantic flights.
Our largest and most productive array is at the Sports Centre which at its peak of 150kW, can generate the entire electrical requirement of the building.
Phase 2 is now underway, seeing installations already finished on the Bedson and Stephenson buildings, and many more to come.
Image: Graph displaying the Sports Centre’s power consumption over a week (24/03–30/03). The orange dataset represents the total power consumed by the building, while the blue dataset indicates the portion generated by solar panels.
At the heart of Merz Court’s heating system is its energy centre, a powerful and efficient plant room tucked away in the building’s basement. Recognising its impressive potential, the University saw an opportunity to divert excess energy to the Stephenson Building. This meant that Stephenson would not require its own energy centre, thereby reducing unnecessary emissions from both construction activity and excess energy production.
The heating plant is designed to provide very-low carbon energy to a growing network of buildings via an underground pipe system including:
Henry Daysh Building
Stephenson Building
King Edward VII Building
Percy Building
Old Library Building
The CHP is projected to provide approximately 25% of the University’s electricity base load. The approach links back to the Climate Action Plan, investing in district heating and reducing emissions through centralised renewable energy sources.
Future Sustainability Projects Exciting developments are on the horizon as Newcastle University prepares to launch the next phase of its net-zero strategy, focusing on a more tailored building-by-building approach. This includes working closely with external consultants to refine business cases for various projects.
Engaging the University Community Alongside larger infrastructure projects, achieving net-zero also relies on the involvement of the wider University community:
If you are a colleague, you can participate in sustainability programmes like the LEAF lab accreditation for wet labs, or the Green Impact award for staff teams. Students can attend free Dr Bike repair events, join the Sustainability Network, or become Green Impact auditors. If you are interested in joining any of these programmes, please see the Sustainable Campus website or contact: sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk
For a better breakdown of the projects the Sustainability Team do across campus, check out our brand-new Sustainability Campus Map.
A big thank you to the Sustainability Team – Matt, Hannah, Luke, and Jordan – for their help in writing and compiling information for this article. I’d also like to thank Tony from the Capital Developments team for providing data and figures, as well as Peter and Sam for their involvement in the Solar PV video.
Last week, on Monday the 10th of March, the inaugural Women in Sustainability Careers Exploration Workshop took place, in partnership with the official Women in Sustainability Network. Over 35 students were able to reflect, learn and be inspired to explore careers in sustainability-related roles, coached by experts in the field.
At Newcastle University, we support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – seeking peace and prosperity for all people and the planet now and in the future. The UN SDG group recognise that without the full participation and leadership of women and girls, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals will be an impossible task (UNSDG website, 2025).
“Women and girls deserve a seat at every table, a voice in every decision, and an equal chance to shape what lies ahead.”
– Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group
Read on to explore the valuable advice shared by our panellists and to learn about the students’ thoughts and reflections on the event.
The Event
The event was opened by Charlotte and Cristina – two placement students from the Sustainability Team, before handing over to Jenny Davidson. Jenny is a Visiting Fellow at Newcastle University having previously been a Senior Lecturer in the Business School, Climate Change Fellow in School X and Chair of the University’s Sustainability Committee. Jenny chaired the panel session with four inspiring sustainability experts from a variety of fields.
The Panel:
The panellists discussed their passions, career backgrounds, and current topics they deemed most relevant in their roles. Here are some key takeaways from the panel session:
There is not one route into sustainability, and each of our experts studied a variety of subjects at university including languages, geology and environmental management. Working towards a more sustainable world is a group task, and people from all work fields need to get involved. Each panellist had a different interest within sustainability, from teaching and research to consulting.
Experience and perseverance are key! Hannah from AECOM shared that after graduating she had a variety of jobs before landing her graduate sustainability consultant job. Sometimes it’s easy to compare yourself to others, but everyone’s journey is different!
You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do at the start of your career. You can find your passions as you gain more experience in the field and find your speciality.
After the panel session, our experts each joined a breakout table of students, where conversation menus guided the discussions. This format created a relaxed and safe space for students to ask questions, share ideas and reflect on their own aspirations and attributes.
Hannah, a Sustainability Consultant at AECOM, shared valuable advice with the students: “Utilise all the additional (most of the time – free!) services that the university provides to you throughout your studies e.g. dissertation/essay writing services, and these often offer the opportunity for you to work on your thesis with an extra professional who may be a specialist in academic writing – I found this really useful when completing my master’s dissertation”.
Reflecting on the event, Meryl Batchelder, TeachSDGs Ambassador and United Nations-accredited Climate Change Teacher, said, ““It really was a fantastic gathering of young students. I loved talking with them about their hopes (and fears) for the future alongside sharing my lived experience.”
The students were also given a handy “earnings and action plan” sheet where they could record learnings, and tick off actions, such as ‘make one new LinkedIn connection’. The back of the sheet listed a variety of helpful websites and networks to search after the workshop.
The feedback from students has been glowing, highlighting the value of bringing experts from industry into students’ learning.
“I learnt much more than I anticipated. I learnt about so many different backgrounds and different career opportunities. It was amazing to hear such strong, smart women describing their experiences and careers and how they utilised their own failures and got where they are today. I came away feeling brave and strong being a female scientist.”
“I really enjoyed the whole event, and the environment was really friendly and open to discussion. [I learnt] there is no set route into the sustainability industry, but it is important to show your enthusiasm for the subject and follow a career that you feel rewarded in.”
“There’s no right or wrong route to working in sustainability. Say yes to as many opportunities as possible and don’t be afraid to stick to your principles.”
Thank you to Meryl Batchelder, Olivia Partington, Hannah Shepherd and Hayley Fowler for inspiring and talking to our students. A big thank you to Toby Price for putting the event together, and Jenny Davidson for chairing.
Cristina and Charlotte have been our Sustainability Communications Placements this year and have just hit the six-month mark of their time with us. Over the past few months, they’ve contributed to various projects and learned a great deal along the way. We sat down with them to reflect on their experiences in the role so far, to hear about the skills they’ve developed, and to find out what they’ve enjoyed most about working with the team.
So, tell me a bit about your journey that led you to apply to this role?
Charlotte Epton (CE): I came to Newcastle University to study Environmental Science and then stayed to finish my masters in Clean Technology. Whilst my degree was sustainability focused, I didn’t have much work experience outside the lab and wanted to get some more practical experience in the sector. I also loved Newcastle as a city and my time at university, so this placement seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to learn more about sustainability in a large organisation.
Cristina Latuff (CL): Ihad just finished my first two years of undergraduate Geography at Loughborough University and was in search of a placement that combined my passion for sustainability, with my long-standing hobby of media production. This job is just that! I previously worked in content creation and social media management, so I have some experience in designing eye-catching graphics and creating student-facing videos.
Since joining the team, has there been any aspects have you enjoyed the most?
CE: I really enjoy how much variety the role has, we have worked on projects relating to energy, water, waste, and biodiversity, so no two days are the same! I also have particularly enjoyed developing promotional materials for the teams’ events and initiatives, from posters, to videos, and web editing. This is not something I had much experience in before, so it has been a challenge to get a bit more creative. I have also really enjoyed learning about the renewable energy projects on campus and going up on the roofs to see the solar panels was a highlight.
CL: One of my favourite aspects of the job so far has been learning about the energy management side of the University. It has been fascinating to get an overview of how the building management system works, seeing how each building has its own complex network of heating and ventilation units. I also loved the opportunity to plan and produce the Estates and Facilities contractor induction video and the promotional videos we made for Internal Communications – the perfect excuse to use Adobe Premiere Pro and jump in front of a camera!
Have you been able to hone any new skills this year? And do you feel like this role has introduced you to the sustainability sector?
CE: Absolutely! I feel like I have learnt a lot since joining the team. We have received specialist training in a variety of skills, one example being web page editing which we have used to re-design the University’s Travel pages, making them more accessible and engaging. We have also received training in energy management and BMS, skills we utilise to complete the monthly recharges and room heating extensions. Additionally, I believe working in the team has improved my overall confidence and my ability to collaborate with others, which has been useful in advertising content across the university.
CL: One of the main skills Charlotte and I have homed in on is networking with the University community. We are constantly interacting with students at career fairs, like Planet Connect, getting an insight on their interesting research projects and opinions on sustainability topics. We’ve also worked with an array of colleague teams including Capital, Staff Wellbeing, Internal Communications, Central Social Media, ResLife, Catering and the Student Union. It’s great to see so many colleagues are keen on promoting our work, and collaborating, e.g. the Staff Wellbeing Team giving us our own Sustainability spotlight on the monthly newsletter.
How have you found working for the University, and in Estates and Facilities especially?
CE: Everyone in the office is so friendly, and the open plan office means we can chat and get to know colleagues across Estates and Facilities. The sustainability team are very welcoming and It’s great to work with like-minded people who are passionate about sustainability.
CL: Working in Estates has been a great environment, especially for my first office job ever. The rotating seating plan has been a great way to chat to different people and learn some Geordie slang. Everyone is so friendly and is quick to give me restaurant recommendations, and weekend plan ideas. Estates were also very supportive of our bake sale to raise money for the National Hedgehog Preservation Society. Many people brought delicious bakes and helped us raise over £200 for the cause!
What are you looking forward to doing in the role in the upcoming few months?
CE: I’m excited about the opportunity to shadow different colleagues during the auditing season in April. It will be a great chance to learn more about the internal audit process and develop new skills. I’m also looking forward to creating content around green spaces on campus and across Newcastle, especially with the weather getting nicer and the sun starting to come out more!
CL: I’m really looking forward to the month of May, with events like National Hedgehog Awareness Week and World Bee Day. Seeing campus flourish with wildflowers and wildlife will be great for promoting biodiversity initiatives. We’re planning on making some exciting nature video content so watch this space!
What do you hope the future holds for you both?
CE: I would love to stay in the sustainability and environmental sector, as I’ve really enjoyed working with people who are just as passionate as me. In my spare time, I’m working with some academics within the University on publishing my thesis research on carbon capture, so hopefully that project will be finished this year!
CL: Well, I have to go finish University first of course! I’m currently planning my dissertation for final year, looking at redesigning sportswear to fit a circular economy model. I’ve always been interested in garment construction, having been sewing since the age of four. Although it may sound niche, I would love to pursue a career in sustainable textile manufacturing and am looking at the possibility of doing a Masters in London around this.
Thank you to everyone in the Sustainability Team who have made these last six months so enjoyable and educational for us both! We’re excited for what’s still to come and can’t wait to continue working with the team as we help drive sustainability initiatives forward. Thanks for following along, and we look forward to sharing more with you soon! If you have any questions about the work we do, email us at sustainable-campus@ncl.ac.uk.
Simpler Recycling is a new policy introduced in 2023 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It aims to “make bin day easier” by standardising and reducing the number of recycling containers used across the UK. With new legislation coming into effect on 31st March 2025, here is your guide to understanding what it means for you…
What is Simpler Recycling?
Under the new requirement, households and workplaces across England will only use four containers for waste:
General waste (non-recyclable materials)
Food waste (collected separately or mixed with garden waste where appropriate)
All other dry recyclable materials (including plastic, metal, and paper)
Glass
This move is designed to simplify waste collection and increase recycling efficiency.
Source: Biffa, 2024.
Who is affected?
The policy will apply to businesses, households, and relevant non-domestic premises (such as universities). Councils and waste collectors will still have flexibility to adjust to local needs.
Additionally, Simpler Recycling will eliminate the “’postcode lottery” of recycling collection in England, where different councils have historically collected different materials. This change is expected to boost recycling rates, which have flatlined at around 44% – 45% since 2015 (Gov UK, 2024).
What are the benefits?
Saves valuable resources from going to waste and supports the circular economy.
Increases recycling rates, helping England move beyond its recycling plateau.
Simplifies waste collection, making recycling easier for households and businesses.
Standardises recycling practices across the nation, making people recycle correctly no matter where they are in England.
Simpler Recycling Timeline
31st March 2025: Businesses with >10 employees and non-domestic premises (such as Newcastle University) in England must arrange for the collection of core recyclable waste streams (glass, metal, plastic, paper, card, and food waste, except for garden waste).
31st March 2026: Local authorities must collect core recyclable waste streams from all households in England, including weekly food waste collections for most homes.
31st March 2027: Micro-businesses (fewer than 10 full-time employees) must arrange for the recycling of core waste streams.
31st March 2027: Introduction of kerbside plastic film collections for households, businesses, and non-domestic premises.
Source: GOV UK, 2024.
Simpler Recycling is a significant step toward a more efficient and consistent waste management system across England. We hope that the initiative will reduce waste, conserve resources and support a more sustainable future!
If you would like more information on the Simpler Recycling legislation, click here. If you want to know what Newcastle University is doing to manage waste, check out our Waste and Recycling page. Finally, if you do not have access to the main four waste streams on campus, reach out to us at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk
