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Annual Report 2008/09

SAWG Annual Report 2009/10

The Sustainable Aston Working Group have published their first Annual Report, summarising their achievements during 2008/09.

The report details some of the work the group has been involved in to improve the sustainability of the campus, as well as outlining some priorities and goals for the year ahead.

 The report is available to download as a PDF. For a brief summary of the report and our sustainability-related activities, see below.

Environment and Sustainability Team

Policies and commitments

  • Aston published a Sustainability Policy, underpinned by an Environmental Policy, Ethical Investment Policy and Fairtrade Policy.
  • Sustainable Procurement and Biodiversity Policies, as well as a 5-year Biodiversity Action Plan are being developed.
  • A Carbon Management Plan was published with an overall target of a 16% reduction in emissions.
  • Aston signed up to the 10:10 commitment.

Energy consumption

  • The organisation is monitoring its heating and lighting usage which is demonstrated by the live carbon monitors in our Main Reception.
  • Aston successfully ran the Student Switch Off for the second year, with average savings of around 11%.
  • Our Combined Heat and Power Plant is up and running at full capacity, saving around 4,500 tonnes of CO2 each year.
  • Aston received £250,000 of funding from the Salix Revolving Green Fund which will be used on energy saving projects across campus over the next 3 years.

Transport

  • Aston’s Bicycle Users Group (over 150 members) held regular bike sales throughout the year 2008/09.
  • Staff can benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme and discounted public transport tickets.
  • Aston signed up to a car share scheme and City Car Club.

Waste

  • Recycling facilities were installed for paper, glass, cans, cardboard, plastic bottles, batteries, textiles and mobile phones.
  • Plans are being place to purchase an in-vessel composter for all food and green waste.

Office activities

  • All paper purchased by Aston is 100% recycled.
  • Our long term strategy is to replace individual printers with large volume shared machines.

Catering

  • Fairtrade products are used for all hospitality and are available in our catering outlets.
  • Aston has launched our own “Mug for life” which has reduced the need for paper cups.
  • Conference Aston are working on an on-site plant to bottle their own water.