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We believe that we have a moral and social responsibility to put sustainability at the heart of what we do here at Brookes Union.
We believe that we have a moral and social responsibility to put sustainability at the heart of what we do here at Brookes Union.
Who is responsible for sustainability at Brookes Union?
Who is responsible for sustainability at Brookes Union?
Everyone! Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. That’s why you’ll find it written into your job description. We expect all staff to adhere to our policies, and think sustainably when planning events, campaigns and activities.
There are a number of people within the Union with specific remits:
Environmental Officer - this elected role is a student who campaigns on student-focused sustainability issues. They are elected by the student body.
Green Team - a student network, led by a chair, who focus on student priorities, activities and campaigns.
Jacob, Union President - has a keen interest in sustainability, and is working on several manifesto points around sustainability. Jacob is also a key contact for Green Impact.
Becca - key staff lead for sustainability and key contact for Green Impact.
Current initiatives you should be aware of
Current initiatives you should be aware of
Green Impact Students’ Unions:
Green Impact Students’ Unions:
The Union is currently taking part in the Green Impact Students’ Union accreditation scheme. This is a national recognition scheme run by SOS-UK (Students Organising for Sustainability UK).
Recycling:
Recycling:
When you’re planning an event or buying something, firstly you should check that we don’t already own something that would suit your requirements. We have a lot of random things! The University has an internal Environmental Forum to reuse furniture and office equipment. To join this and advertise for an object via forum, please email sustainability@brookes.ac.uk.
Take a look at our sustainable events guide here. [coming soon!]
You’ll find mixed recycling bin, food waste bin and last resort bin in the kitchen in the Union office, as well as at our Union reception.
Battery recycling is located outside the Union reception. You’ll find other bins around campus as well, including by the main JHB reception desk.
There are textile recycling bins on campus - located in the car parks (the closest one is in the main Clerici car park.)
If you’re needing to recycle something else, take a look at the University’s A-Z guide on recycling.
Travel:
Travel:
If you’re travelling between campuses, we have several intersite passes that you can sign out from our reception. They’ll give you free travel on the BROOKESbuses.
If you need to travel further afield, please speak to Srishti who will assist you with booking train travel.
We recently added cycling expenses to our expenses policy, so if you use your bicycle for travelling between sites you can claim back the costs.
Energy:
Energy:
Most of the lights in our offices are automatic. However, if you are leaving a room please make sure you have turned off any computers and switched off the lights.
Switch your computer off every day before you go home.
EDI policies:
EDI policies:
You can find the Union’s EDI policies in our policies handbook.
The Union has a generous volunteering policy. You can find local volunteering opportunities online at:
Do-it.org
Working in partnership with the University
Working in partnership with the University
Oxford Brookes University has an active sustainability team who are working on a range of projects, and work in close collaboration with the Union. You can find more information about what the team is working on on the University’s webpages.
The Union officers regularly meet with members of the University to work on projects. Some of these groups are listed below:
Sustainable food action plan group - focuses on making sure that the University’s caterers are upholding their sustainable food commitments
Sustainability Steering Group - a VCG (Vice-Chancellor Group) led group that focuses on the strategic implications of sustainability across Brookes
University-Union campaigns:
British Heart Foundation - recycling campaign
Earth Day
Current initiatives in your local area
Current initiatives in your local area
Learn more:
Learn more:
Calculate your carbon footprint and get tips on how to reduce it
Take a free short course on “Make a positive contribution to society as you learn how to overcome sustainability challenges whilst maintaining your wellbeing.” - check with your line manager, but you should be able to complete this during work time.
Check out the University’s sustainability information
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