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University of Reading

Get involved with Go Green Week: 10-14 February

Wednesday, 05 February 2014

Go Green Week 2014

This week is Go Green Week! This year the University has moved Green Week to the spring term to coincide with the People & Planet Go Green Week, and more events have been added to the line-up to encourage students and staff to get involved.

See the highlights below, or view the full schedule.

In 2011, the University made a commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 35% by 2015/16 and the Carbon Management Plan, written in collaboration with the Carbon Trust, outlines how this will be achieved.

In the past year, new fume cupboards have been installed, more efficient lights and intelligent sensors have been introduced to reduce consumption and energy costs, and work on the Whiteknights Utilities Project (which will contribute almost 10% of the carbon savings needed to hit our 35% target) is well underway.

Whilst the total savings over the last three years have reached £6,118,508, 2012-13 saw a dip in annual savings, indicating that there is still much more that needs to be done.

How you can do your bit:

  1. Turn off lights and other equipment when not in use
  2. Ensure you have recycling facilities in your office or work area
  3. Make sure all toners and cartridges are recycled - email waste@reading.ac.uk
  4. Let new staff know we are committed to lowering environmental impacts by including advice in their induction.

Go Green Week event highlights

  • Tuesday 11 February - 'Battle of the Bins': Come and cheer on the Vice-Chancellor and RUSU President as they battle to divert waste from landfill. Last year the V-C won. Can RUSU prove they are best at recycling? Once the battle is over, why not stay and visit the Sustainability Fayre, also in the Palmer foyer.
  • Thursday 13 February - Harris Garden walk: Meet Trudi and the Friends of the Harris Garden volunteers to find out about their work in the beautiful Garden.
  • Dr Bike will be available outside Eat at London Road on Monday between 12.00-14.00 and again outside Palmer on Wednesday between 12.00-14.00 to service your bike.
  • Friday 14 February - ‘Love your campus' litter pick on Valentine's Day. Everyone who takes part will be offered a free hot drink to help get that extra bag of litter.

To see details of all Go Green Week events please visit www.rdg.ac.uk/cleanandgreen/greenweek

Go Green Week is People & Planet's annual national week of action on climate change in schools, colleges and universities. Students run a week of activities to raise awareness and demand stronger action to tackle the climate crisis.