25 September 2012 - University of Exeter

7.0 Discovering the Sustainable Academic: A case study amongst staff from
the University of Exeter (MSc Dissertation)
Guest speaker Carolina Garcia Whiting presented the findings of her MSc
research. The presentation will be appended to the meeting notes.
A discussion of her presentation and findings followed, where the importance of
including sustainability in job descriptions was highlighted. Additionally the scope
of new staff inductions to include more environment and sustainability
awareness was discussed.
8.0 Students Guild: Sustainability Priorities
SC outlined the environmental and sustainability projects and initiatives that the
Students Guild would like to see implemented this academic year. These
inlcude:
• Behaviour change campaign in Halls of Residence such as NUS’s
Student Switch Off and Snap it Off projects (GW to review)
• Battery and printer ink recycling scheme in residences
• Improved student engagement with sustainability events
• Food waste prevention scheme e.g. workshop on how to use leftover
food
• Increased use of local produce and supplies
• Promotion of re-usable drinks containers used across campus
• Address areas across campus where there are limited recycling facilities
e.g. sports centre
• Increased cohesion between societies and campus facilities to combine
passion and knowledge to bring about more changes
GH reported on the potential for a breakdown of hall fees to show energy
expenditure to raise awareness of energy consumption. GH reported on her
development of Welfare Week in November, where there will be the opportunity
to promote sustainability practices.
The potential for a collaborative Students Guild and Sustainability Newsletter
was discussed. GH, SC, KG and LK to discuss.
9.0 Reusable Coffee Cups
GH outlined the potential for re-usable coffee cups to be sold in the Students
Guild and University outlets at a cost of approximately £5, with a reduction off
drink costs when the cups are re-used. The details of this scheme are being
developed. The group were supportive of the proposals.
10.0 Tap Water
JS raised concerns that tap water was not widely available in catering outlets on
campus and if water was provided it was in plastic disposable cups. JS cited La
Touche as a specific example. PRJ noted that the provision of glassware for
water requires large amount of stock to be available and they have to be
collected and washed after use.
HSJ informed the group about a student water security project, ‘Give Me Tap’,
which uses profits from selling re-usable water bottles to fund water projects in
Africa.
KG
GW
GH, SC, KG
& LK
GH