Amplifying your voice
This autumn, we launched the Students’ Sustainability Forum, our student-led forum which acts as a sounding board on the issues that matter to you. The forum has reviewed the action being taken by the University to address the climate and ecological crisis and is asking that it continue developing ambitious environmental commitments.
We’re requesting the University divest its remaining investments from fossil fuels and is more transparent about the number of domestic and international flights being taken by staff, given the institution’s own carbon reduction targets.
The forum gets together for an hour once a month, in a hybrid meeting. If you’re passionate about the environment and want to get involved, please drop us a line at go-green@soton.ac.uk
Fossil free forever
In October SUSU signed the National Council of Voluntary Organisations’ (NCVO) Fossil Free Future commitment pledging to never invest in fossil fuels. This makes us the 31st charity nationally to sign up and ensures we’re in a strong position to talk the University about its own investments on your behalf.
Cutting disposable cup use
The SUSU Green Sleeve initiative is now in full swing and designed to tackle the 30,000 disposable cups used each year in the Shop! The price of hot drinks hasn’t changed, just bring a reusable cup – any cup – ensure you’ve grabbed one of our FREE green sleeves, and scan the barcode at the till to get your drink at the regular price.
Protecting the environment
In July, SUSU was awarded the EcoCampus Platinum award for our work to protect the environment, prevent pollution and improve environmental performance. This followed an external audit of all our operations and spaces. In doing so we’ve joined the University’s Environmental Management System and gained the ISO14001 international certification.
Wildlife watching
Members of the Wildlife Society took part in the Autumn Bioblitz in October and recorded the species they saw on campus and across the halls of residence’s grounds. Species spotted included Grey Wagtails, Starlings an array of fungi species.
Pollinator-friendly planting
In November, students from the halls of residences and the Conservation Volunteers Society turned out in force to plant up the new roadside planter on Glen Eyre Road, in partnership with Southampton City Council. In new planter features a range of pollen and nectar rich drought-tolerant plants that will be brilliant for bees and other insects.
What’s coming up in the New Year:
- Sowing our campus wildflower meadows
- Planting up veg and herb planters in Below Deck
- Building Swift nest boxes to install at Avenue campus and on university houses behind Highfield campus.
- Green Week 22 – 28 April. Activities, talks and events across campus and the halls of residences.
More details in the coming weeks.
Get in touch: go-green@soton.ac.uk
Looking for top tips for sustainable Christmas?
Check out the WWF’s eco-friendly festive hints and tips: https://www.wwf.org.uk/top-tips-sustainable-christmas