Annual Report 2009/10

 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

• Aston has a dedicated Environment and Sustainability Team.
• The team are supported by the Sustainable Aston Working Group, Sustainable Procurement Working Group, Fairtrade Steering group and Bicycle Users Group.

Policies and commitments

• Aston University published a Sustainability Policy which is underpinned by a number of more detailed area-specific policies and action plans.
• A Sustainable Procurement Policy, a Waste Management Policy and a Biodiversity Policy were all also approved in 2009/10.
• A revised Carbon Management Plan was published, in line with HEFCE guidance.  
• Aston was awarded Silver EcoCampus status for our Environmental Management System.

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 campaign for the third year.
• Our Combined Heat and Power Plant is now running at full capacity, saving around 4,500 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
• Aston has been making good use of £250,000 of funding received from the Salix Revolving Green Fund.

Transport

• Showering and changing facilities were opened for the use of Aston Bicycle Users Group members.
• Staff can benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme and discounted public transport tickets.

Waste

• Recycling facilities for paper, glass, cans, cardboard and plastic bottles have been extended around campus and across halls of residence.
• We purchased an in-vessel composter for our food waste.

Biodiversity

• The Aston Campus Wildlife Group was launched in 2009 and have been involved in a number of activities on campus, such as monitoring the Aston Kestrels, installing bird boxes and planting a wildflower meadow.