Sound Impact Awards - eauc.org.uk · Sound Impact Awards Showcase Booklet 2007/08 Sharing best...

Sound Impact AwardsShowcase Booklet 2007/08

Sharing best practice

Office Depot is delighted

to sponsor the Sound

Impact Awards and aims to

deliver a carbon neutral

relationship.

Since launching in August 2006,the Office Depot UK’s CarbonNeutral Initiative has achieved greatsuccess. Rewarding the individualshops and Unions who make a positivechange in their trading relationship, in orderto reduce the levels of carbon produced inthe transaction process, it focuses on fourkey areas:

• Utilising Office Depot online to placeorders, reducing use of natural resourcesand improving order and delivery accuracy

• Consolidating orders to reduce the use ofenergy in their Distribution Centre network

• Scheduling delivery days to reduce levelsof carbon emitted by delivery vehicles

• Consolidating suppliers by taking up theone stop option to reduce number ofcompanies used and different vehiclesmaking deliveries

Office Depot will match all reductions in thecarbon footprint, with carbon off-settingthrough both a ‘plant a tree’ scheme andcarbon credits, using Pure, the clean planettrust. Utilising Office Depot’s carboncalculator, they will monitor and measure allreductions and target reductions for eachUnion. By the end of 2008, the aim is tohave delivered a carbon neutral relationshipbetween NUS Service Ltd and Office DepotUK Ltd.

To further encourage your Union to worktowards this aim, Office Depot have offereda generous reward mechanism, wherebyyour Union can earn up to 4% of your spendwith Office Depot by way of a rebatecheque, simply by working in partnership

with Office Depot to achieve yourcarbon targets.

On launching the initiativeDavid Murphy, Office Depot

Strategic Business DevelopmentManager, stated “The Sound Impact

Awards, was my first experience ofworking with NUS Services Limited. I was

astounded and motivated by the levels ofenthusiasm and passion on display, fromnot only the winning Unions, but all those atthe event. This lead to us developing anddelivering the new carbon neutral initiative,which we are delighted to launch to NUSServices. We believe and hope that thisdemonstrates our commitment to work inpartnership with you, to deliver a betterfuture.”

To find out more information regarding

the carbon neutral initiative,

please contact Office Depot at

[email protected]

03

Welcome


This booklet highlights the collectiveachievements of Students’ Unions across theUK who have signed up to the Sound ImpactAwards and demonstrated their commitmentto making a less negative impact on theenvironment.

The scheme prompts Unions to takeimmediate steps towards reducing theircarbon emissions, but the real incentivecomes from within Unions – where many arebeing pushed by their staff and officers totake action to combat climate change.

Reducing the amount of utilities used, savingmoney for the Union and/or institution, andmaking it a more attractive place to be forenvironmentally-conscious staff and studentsare just three reasons that encourage ourmember Unions to sign up.

80% of our member Unions are not meteredfor utilities, an obstacle to measuringcontinual improvement. The Sound ImpactAwards provides a means of year on yearbench marking and a bespoke action plan forimprovements.

After 50 Unions registered for the Sound Impact Awards 2006/07, we weredelighted to see this number increase to 67 Unions for 2007/08. We hope that thisshowcase will encourage further membersto get on board with this fantastic schemeas well as sharing the best environmentalpractice and novel greening initiatives foundin our member Unions within and beyondthe Students’ Union movement.

Welcome to the official

showcase for the Sound

Impact Awards 2007/08.

Now in its second year,

this accreditation scheme

continues to encourage,

reward and celebrate

environmental best-

practice in Students'

Unions through an

independent

benchmarking process

with an awards element.

Stephen Dowson

Student Chair, Ethical & Environmental CommitteeNUS [email protected]

Inspirational & Innovative

Designed by Materialise/ManchesterPrinted by Seacourt/Oxford

Printed on recycled paper using vegetableinks through waterless offset process bySeacourt, winners of The Queen’s Awardfor Enterprise – Sustainable Development2007. We have attempted to mitigate thisimpact of our travel for this scheme byplanting a tree through the LoughboroughUniversity carbon offsetting scheme.

NUS Services, Snape RoadMacclesfield, SK10 2NZTel: 01625 413222Fax: 01625 413444Web: nussl.co.ukNUS Services Limited is registered in England.Registration No. 1639519Registered Office: Snape Road, Macclesfield, CheshireSK10 2NZ

04

The Sound Impact Awards scheme is based ona self-assessment digital workbook; Unionssimply mark which of the 21 essential criteriaand 154 bonus criteria they do or do not meet.

Each criterion relates to a specific practicalaction and is worth a score of between 1 and 5,depending on how important the action is.Bigger issues are broken down into manageablechunks, and the process of self-completionallows each Union to identify what they shouldbe doing.

The Sound Impact Awards focus not only onbest practice in resource management, but alsocover virtually every environmental issuerelevant to Students’ Unions. Unlike many otheraccreditation schemes, our criteria relate tospecific practical actions – actually changing lightbulbs, installing recycling bins, selling Fairtrade.This delivers an action plan for becoming agreener organisation.

Once Unions completed their workbooks, ourEthical and Environmental Coordinator beganthe process of validating them and performingsite audits – including all of the top ten scorers.An independent adjudicator also verified thebonus section scores, and we then providedfinal marks and constructive feedback to allparticipating Unions.

Benchmarking and Feedback


The process for assessmentand validation

Twenty-one essential criteriaThe 21 essentials are what we would expect tofind as standard practice and procedure in anenvironmentally sound Union no matter whattheir size; incorporating campaigning andawareness schemes that Unions do so well.

Environmental impactsC.001 An environmental audit in the last

three years

C.002 Identified and prioritised mostsignificant environmental aspects and impacts

Baselines, monitoring and resultsC.013 Monthly monitoring numbers of

photocopies

Environmental legislation and duty of careC.017 Segregated disposal of hazardous

wastes and used catering oils

Reusing refuseC.034 Collecting used printer and toner

cartridges internally and from students

Recycling refuseC.042 Scheme in place/working towards

recycling glass bottles from bars

C.045 Scheme in place for recycling mixed paper

Electricity – AwarenessC.054 Awareness raising stickers by all

light switches in communal areas

C.056 Labelling banks of 6+ light switches toidentify functions

Electricity - Switching offC.059 Written plan showing responsibility for

switching off lighting and equipment

Electricity - Lighting equipmentC.067 Scheme in place/working towards

reducing tungsten filament bulbs

WaterC.104 Scheme in place/working towards

water saving devises on urinals

Raising awarenessC.122 Induct all new staff on relevant

environmental issues within role

C.123 Actively lobbying university onenvironmental issues

C.124 Completed at least one ofThe Ecologist community challenges

C.129 Environmental information and adviceon the Union’s website

Policy, commitment and planC.133 Active environmental policy and

commitment to improvement ofperformance

C.142 Commitment to environmental best-practice from senior management

C.145 Environmental issues referenced inlong-term operating plan

ProcurementC.152 All tea and coffee served is Fairtrade

C.155 All white copier paper bought is madefrom 100% recycled paper or fromcertified sustainable sources

The Sound Impact Awards 2007/08culminated with a presentation at our AnnualDinner in March 2008, where this year’swinners were announced in front of over 200delegates from Students’ Unions.

Joint founders of Coolaworld, Richard Kilgariffand Julian Knight did a fantastic job of hostingthe Awards dinner. Coolaworld is a planetsaving shopping portal and carbon coachingservices.

Three new special achievement awards were introduced this year: The EcologistCommunity Challenge Award, The Office Depot Innovation Award, and The Co-operative Bank Most Improved UnionAward. These Awards were added to thescheme to recognise continuousimprovement and exceptional achievements.

The top three scoring Unions were thenpresented with the Gold Award, the highestscoring was named overall winner of the2007/08 scheme. The next six highestscoring Unions received the Silver Award.

All other Unions that met all 21 essentialcriteria were awarded the Bronze Standard,with those who did not meet all 21 essentialcriteria collecting a certificate for ‘WorkingTowards’ Accreditation.

While Unions are aware that their final scorewill be tallied against those of otherparticipants, the scheme isn’t all aboutwinning. Unions that are just starting to thinkabout the environment can benefit most bytaking part in the scheme. The workbookprovides a ready made framework forimprovement.

Celebrating and sharing best environmentalpractice is fundamental to this scheme’s success.This showcase provides examples of how Unionsmeet the criteria, giving you a flavour of what theSound Impact Awards are all about, and inspiringyou to take action within your own organisation.Visit www.soundimpact.org.uk to find out more.

Following a 33% increase in sign ups to the2007/08 scheme, we are looking forward toanother surge of interest from member Unionswhen we launch the 2008/09 scheme. Sign upwill open in Summer 2008.

Each year we increase our list of essential criteriaby one, and we will continue to raise thestandards to ensure Students’ Unions areencouraged to keep up the momentum of strivingto make improvements.

About the Awards


The awards element Sound Impact Awards 2008/09

05Co-operative Bank Most Improved Union Award

The Ecologist Community Challenge Award The Office Depot Innovation Award

06

he Sound Impact Awardswere beautifully made from

recycled window glass by artistAdele Billinghay. “I use recycled window glass within my work,both for environmental and aesthetic reasons.Although bottles and jars are now regularlyrecycled, plate glass is still difficult to processand often dumped into landfill sites.”

“However, whilst it is time consuming to re-use and temperamental to work with, I stillfeel it is worth the effort and it brings me theoriginal and surprising results I enjoy.Whether I am creating a bowl, award,sculpture or wall art, the nature of handcrafting recycled materials ensures each itemis as unique as its origins.”

Special thanks go to Anna Heywood, founderof the Sound Impact Awards. Anna washeavily involved with campaigning atuniversity, and then sat on the NUS NationalExecutive Committee. When she returned tostudy, Anna noticed her environmental bestpractice campaigns were long forgotten andcame up with a practical scheme toincentivise Unions. She presented her idea toNUS and NUS Services and the Sound Impactscheme was born.

Anna was short-listed for the ObserverEthical Awards 2007 Campaigner of theYear for her efforts with Sound Impact,and has re-entered this year on behalf ofthe scheme. Winning would give SoundImpact national coverage and help usshare what we have collectively achieved.

2007/08 Rankings


Co-operative Bank MostImproved Award

The Ecologist CommunityChallenge Award

Office Depot Innovation Award

T Gold Award

Loughborough Students’ Union (Overall Winner)Edinburgh UniversityStudents’ Association Leeds University Union

University of Central LancashireStudents' UnionSheffield Hallam UniversityUnion of StudentsNorthumbria Students’ UnionUniversity of Sheffield Union of StudentsKent UnionYork St John Students’ Union

Silver Award

Cardiff University Students’ Union

University of Bradford Students’ Union

The University of Manchester Students' Union (UMSU)

Gold Award Silver Award

07

2007/08 Rankings


Anglia Ruskin Students’ UnionBucks Students’ UnionCardiff University Students’ UnionDurham Students’ Union Goldsmiths Students’ UnionKeele University Students’ UnionKingston University Students’ UnionLiverpool Guild of StudentsLondon School of Economics &Political Science Students’ UnionNational Union of Students

Newcastle University Union SocietyNottingham Trent Students UnionOxford Brookes Students’ UnionQueen Mary Students' Union,University of LondonReading University Students' UnionThe University of ManchesterStudents' Union Union of UEA StudentsUniversities at MedwayStudents’ AssociationUniversity of Bath Students’ UnionUniversity of Birmingham Guild of Students

University of Bradford Students’ UnionUniversity of Leicester Students’ Union University of London UnionUniversity of Sussex Students’ Union University of Wales, AberystwythGuild of StudentsUniversity of Westminster Students’ UnionUniversity of York Students’ UnionWinchester Students' Union

Bronze Standard

City College Norwich Students’ Union De Montfort UniversityStudents' Union Derby College Students’ UnionHeriot-Watt UniversityStudents’ AssociationHull University Union Lancaster University Students’ UnionLeeds Metropolitan UniversityStudents’ UnionLiverpool Students’ Union (LJMU)Manchester Metropolitan Students’ UnionSchool of Oriental and AfricanStudies Students' Union (SOAS)

Students’ Union Royal Holloway,University of LondonTrinity College Students’ Union,CarmarthenUniversity College London Students' UnionUniversity of Abertay DundeeStudents AssociationUniversity of Bristol UnionUniversity of Derby Students’ UnionUniversity of Essex Students’ UnionUniversity of Exeter Students’ GuildUniversity of GloucestershireStudents’ UnionUniversity of Hertfordshire Students’ UnionUniversity of Nottingham Students’ Union

University of Plymouth Students’ Union University of Portsmouth Students’ UnionUniversity of Salford Students’ UnionUniversity of Teesside Students’ UnionUniversity of the Arts London University of Wales, LampeterStudents’ UnionUniversity of Wales, NewportStudents’ Union University of Wales, SwanseaStudents’ UnionUniversity of West of EnglandStudents’ Union

Working Towards Accreditation

08

92.5%have lobbied their institution on one ormore environmental issue within thelast 12 months

90% monitor photocopies monthly88% have a Raising and Giving society and

raised over £300 for a charitable causein the last academic year

82% have an active environmental policy81% have less than 5% tungsten filament

bulbs throughout the Union or astrategy to replace bulbs

79% buy only copier paper made from100% recycled paper or from certifiedsustainable sources

75% have an active student environmentalsociety

70% of those Unions with bars recycle themajority of their waste glass

63% have a non-sabbatical environmentalofficer

60% have been awarded FairtradeUniversity status

58% do not have any air conditioned offices57% have a recycling scheme in place for

aluminium and/or steel drinks cans52% have a recycling scheme in place for

plastic bottles42% have a register of applicable

environmental legislation31% are supplied with at least 50%

renewable energy30% use wooden disposable cutlery

instead of plastic22% have set minimum efficiency

specifications for lighting, heating andrefrigeration equipment

21% have SMART targets in place toreduce environmental impacts

18% have produced a publicly accessibleenvironmental report within the last12 months

13.5% have fitted some form of rainwaterharvesting

10% have waterless urinals9% review 30 minute electricity data

every 3 months or more1% have installed a solar water heater/

solar panels/urban wind turbine.

An overview of the movement


Of the 67 Unions taking part . . .

Continuous Improvement: Comparison of average scores 2007/2008807060504030

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2006/07percentage of possiblescore

2007/08percentage of possiblescore

09

Auditor comments:

“A Union that has madean impressive number of

changes to raise their scoreby over 250 points from lastyear! The Union has moved

from Working Towardsaccreditation to Bronze

Standard as a result of thechanges put in place over

the last 12 months.”

Cardiff University Students' Union has arange of positive environmental, ethical andcommunity initiatives currently in place.From installing bird boxes on areas of thebuilding to collecting unwanted mobilephones for local charities, they have made atruly conscious effort to reduce theirenvironmental impact.

New facilities encourage staff to cycle intowork as they provide the opportunity to useshowers, lockers and secure bike storage.

The Union has had its carbon budgetcalculated by the Carbon Trust, which involvescalculating how many tonnes of carbon dioxidean organisation emits over a year fromelectricity, heating and transport. They havenow demonstrated a 2% decrease in theirconsumption of electricity, and the University –from whom they buy their power – alreadyuses green suppliers.

However, the Union believe they can do betterthan this, and are actively petitioning theUniversity to change its energy supplier from agreen provider to a renewable source provider.These improvements have helped contributeto a significant score increase which makesthem winners of our Co-operative Bank MostImproved Union Award.


Introducing initiatives Reducing their consumption

Cardiff University Students’ Union

Co-operative Bank Most Improved Award

Cardiff SU aluminium can collection

10

Auditor comments:

“One of a handful ofUnions to enter four

categories for The EcologistCommunity ChallengeAward; this is a Union

known for volunteeringcommitment and has

shown exceptional drive tocomplete the four

challenges with high scoresin all four.”

Five challenges were set out by our mediapartners, The Ecologist magazine. The Awardrecognises the key role that Students’ Unionsplay in campaigning and awareness raising inlocal communities as well as within thestudent community.

The University of Bradford Students’ Uniongained the highest total score in the fourcategories they entered: Drinking Water,Volunteering, Campaigning, and Reusing.They introduced new initiatives across theboard – from promoting and selling OneWater, profits of which contribute to thebuilding of PlayPumps in Africa, to producinga 'Green Volunteering' Handbook.

While some people take their old clothingand other recyclable items to a local charityshop, students at the University of Bradfordbenefit from being able to donate to theStudents’ Union’s own second hand store,UBoutique. Run by student volunteers, evenused electrical items can be sold on, thanksto a Union staff member being qualified inPAT Testing. When an organised clean up ofthe Halls of Residence took place last year,unwanted items were collected to aid othersin finding those student essentials atstudent-friendly prices.


Exceptional consideration forcommunities

University of Bradford Students’ Union

Ecologist Community Challenge Award

Second hand store on campus

Uboutique second hand shop stockroom

11

Auditor comments

“Office Depot judgingpanel were impressed by

the focus on raisingstandards using innovativetechnology and processes.

The Academy Nightclubrefurbishment is a highlycommended and exciting

project.”

Instead of being an “add on” at the endstage, the Union’s positive engagement withenvironmental and accessibility issues formsthe starting point in the planning and designstages of any of their renovation or rebuildprojects. This can be evidenced in tworecent building projects.

Dave Stott, Union Facilities Manager,planned out a novel solution to replace doorheaters with the recirculation of rising heatby using a duct system, and introduced it tocreate a constant flow back down from theroof of the Atrium through the building andinto the internal lobby.

This project was carried out with adeliberate view towards showing whatenvironmental ambitions can be achievedwhen an organisation pushes the envelopeof their aspirations. With this £3.5 millionproject, a significant element of costs wereutilised to produce a model of environmentalsustainability unheard of in entertainmentand music venues.

A 30,000 litre rainwater harvestingunderground storage tank was installed togather rainwater from the roof, reused forcleaning purposes and toilet water. Four 100-meter deep bores were cut into the groundto tap into the latent heat below groundsurface, and this ground source heatrecovery system supplies the under floorheating used in the changing block.


The University of Manchester Students’ Union (UMSU)

Office Depot Innovation Award

The Union Foyer

The Manchester Academy

Rainwater harvesting tank being delivered

12

Auditor comments:

“A Union to inspire us all,and a truly committed team

of officers and staff. TheUnion has embraced

projects big and small toreduce environmentalimpacts. Particularly

commended for investmentin recycling, energyefficient lighting and

recycling hot air from thenightclub in place of patio

heaters, but really there aretoo many plus points to

mention them all.”

For the second year running, LoughboroughStudents’ Union have emerged with thehighest number of points in their SoundImpact Workbook. They set an exemplarystandard last year and, having accrued over100 more points, they have proved thatthere is no challenge more tempting thanthat of bettering your own high standards.Continuing the good work of projects suchas recycling everything from their cardboardto used trainers, they have also establisheda number of new initiatives.


Loughborough Students’ Union

Gold overall winner421

Printer cartridge recycling

13

New this year, following the appointment ofa Union gardener, Loughborough now have ascheme in place to compost some of theirwaste organic matter from their bar andcatering operations.

In addition to the use of biodegradablenappies, the Nursery is provided withdonated unwanted items suitable forcreative play and has been fitted with arainwater harvesting system, in order to beable to capture rainwater for reuse influshing toilets and urinals, or for wateringplants. Alongside this, dual-flushing toiletshave been installed within the Union’sdisabled toilets. This gives users the optionof half-flushing, thus saving water.


Waste not, want not

Loughborough replaced their stage anddance floor lighting rig with an LED version tosave considerable energy. This represents asignificant investment in sustainabletechnology; it is the final addition to anenergy efficient lighting strategy andcompletes the energy efficient lighting forthe whole Union building.

Many Unions have ventilation in nightclubs toextract hot air and dump it outside the building,keeping dance floors and venues comfortable.Loughborough ingeniously filter the hot air anddivert it through piping to the outdoor patioarea, warming outdoor revellers in the coldermonths. This technology removes the need forpatio heaters, which are heavy energy usersand environmentally unfriendly.

Significant investment in energy efficiency

Raising awareness andcampaigning

As soon as students arrive at University,they are made aware of environmentalissues and active efforts to makeLoughborough a greener place to study.

An Environmental and Ethics brief takesplace in all halls of residence and an energyleague is maintained to show comparativefigures between the halls – providing aconstant reminder to students that theyshould consider how much of an impactthey make on the environment, both asindividuals and a collective.

The ‘Save Lufbra Campaign’ was introducedthis year to prevent closure of communalcatering facilities across campus. Thesefacilities ensure use of reusable crockeryand cutlery, and generally result in less foodwaste.

Cardboard for recycling Reusable bags in store Hot air recycling vents for patio area

14


Auditor comments:

“Open and friendly relationsbetween officers, Union staff

and the University energymanager has led to efficiently

run buildings, fantasticawareness campaigns and

investment in well designedbuildings improvements,including a state of the art

heating and ventilationsystem. EUSA provide

organic and local catering forstudents and have robust

environment policy in place.” Following the hugely successful launch of theirown organic café last year, Edinburgh UniversityStudents’ Association have made a remarkableleap forward in terms of introducing newenvironmentally friendly initiatives, and theimpressive increase in their workbook scorereflects this. There is significant evidence thatmaking choices which will result in the leastnegative impact on people and the environmentis at the crux of their decision making processes.

Edinburgh University Students’ Association

Gold395

Considering the environment intheir decision making process

Recycling point in EU SA building

15


The Association has an active policy onsustainable procurement to cover all of theirpurchases for internal use. They havecommitted themselves to reducing theirconsumerism, and manage to do so bycutting out unnecessary purchases andpreventing waste through redeploying officeequipment which can still be usedelsewhere within the building.

With new purchases that must be made, thepolicy works across the board, fromchoosing desks made with wood from asustainable source, to introducing an energyefficient lighting policy so that from now onthey only purchase energy saving light bulbs.

Preventing purchases

Edinburgh Students’ Association met all butone criterion in the Internal Procurementsection of the workbook. This includesFairtrade, wood from certified sustainablesources, waterless offset printing forpublications, using Sound Ethical Choice instore, BUAV approved cleaning materials, aban on bleach, and whole-life costing for allnew purchases.

Edinburgh collaborated with Heriot-Watt andQueen Margaret Student Associations in atree planting initiative to neutralise carbonemissions made through the running of barson each of their campuses. A small foresthas been established on the banks of LochLomand in partnership with the charityGlobal Trees.

Running a sustainable business

EUSA has a three stage plan in place tointroduce sustainable utility generationthroughout their buildings. A barrefurbishment has recently been completed,incorporating a state of the art heating andventilation system ensuring best possibleefficiency. Features include direct heatingand cooling to air handling units from theonsite combined heat and power generator.Occupancy sensors and air quality sensors ineach bar ensure maximum operatingefficiency at all times.

Like a number of other Unions, EUSA islocated nearby to their water source. Thisresults in higher water pressure pumpingthrough their taps. To reduce the pressure,water saving valves have been fitted aroundthe buildings, so that less water is wasted.

Unique heating and ventilation system

Recycling awareness poster Fairtrade in Union shop Highly efficient air handling system

16


Auditor comments:

“A mixture of great projects,good facilities and strong

policy impressed the auditor:great recycling facilities for all

who use Union building,strong Corporate Social

Responsibility Strategy andsolar power for the nursery.

Information on how to reduceindividual environmental

impacts is readily available tothose who use the building.”Having achieved Working Towardsaccreditation in 2006/07, Leeds have shownsuch dedication and commitment to thescheme this year that they are a verydeserving winner of the Gold award.

Raising and Giving volunteers raise anenormous total of approximately £150,000annually, which is then donated to localcharities. The Union has also introduced a‘Keep Leeds Tidy’ campaign, which promptsmembers to consider their surroundings andthe impact that they can have on theirenvironment simply by making a consciouseffort to dispose of their wasteappropriately. The Union has a volunteer-runGreen Action Food Co-op, actively sourcing avariety of local food products andencouraging students to change purchasingbehaviours.

Leeds University Union

Gold387

Supporting the locals

Officer uses an instant hot water boiler

17


A high profile "Paper Not Plastic" campaignwas promoted to students at LUU,encouraging them to think twice about whattheir shopping bags are made from. As aresult, a referendum motion wassuccessfully passed to completely ban theuse of plastic bags in Union outlets.

The Union is part of a tender to providecomposting across the University campus inpartnership with University Waste Servicesprocurement. LUU has been highlighted as apriority for any pilot/trial at the start ofimplementation. The Green Hall Repsscheme has also been extended inpartnership with the University and thisformed part of the Union’s Green GownAward application for this year.

Campaigning on campus

LUU’s events team have deepened theircommitment to the planning of sustainableevents and achieved British Standard 9001 insustainability. Their first focus is on the largescale event of the Summer Ball 2008. Fromposters and leaflets, to power use andtransport emissions, this year’s Summer Ballwill provide a baseline for improvement asthe team at Leeds commits to runningsustainable events.

Carbon offsetting both large and small scaleevents, the Union is also dedicated tofurther reducing the impact of students’travel with activity groups. This is reinforcedby the staff Development Co-ordinators.

Members of sports and societies areencouraged to minimise transportrequirements and use more efficientmethods from a cost and environmentalperspective. Having taken this intoconsideration, the Snowriders Club is thisyear using 12 coaches as transport for theirtrips to Europe, rather than the alternativecheap air travel.

Other initiatives include installing solarpanels in the Bright Beginnings Nursery, anddeveloping a full CSR Strategy in 2007;building work practices around a team ofCSR Champions recruited across the wholeorganisation. Amongst other actions, theUnion are working in partnership with theUniversity to establish a power-downsystem for all PCs, not just monitors.

Sustainable studentactivities and events

Leave Leeds Tidy campaign booklet Nursery fitted with solar panels Recycling point in Union building

18

Comments


“I was astounded and motivated by thelevels of enthusiasm and passion on display,from not only the winning Unions, but allthose at the event".

David Murphy,Head of Education, Office Depot

“We were delighted to win again and wefeel that the award has really focused ourefforts on the key issues.”

Andy Parsons, General Manager, Loughborough Students’ Union

“I did find the workbook very useful and ithas already helped us to implement somesimple things which will make a difference.”

Charlotte Hill, Vice President (Media and Volunteering),Hull University Union

“I'd like to say that the Sound ImpactAwards are a really great initiative and longmay it continue!”

Thomas Roberts, Environmental Coordinator, Lancaster University Students’ Union

“Bucks has made great strides this year,rising to the Sound Impact challenge. Wecertainly would not have got anywhere nearas far without the help of this framework.”

Mal Edgson, General Manager, Bucks Students’ Union

“The Sound Impact Awards have liftedsustainability up our agenda; it has reallyimproved our waste and recycling practices.”

Pete Godwin, General Manager, University of Central Lancashire Students' Union

“The Sound Impact Awards have created astaff awareness and motivation to participateand make progress next year.”

Ian Knox, Commercial Director, Newcastle Union Society

“We have learnt a huge amount aboutenvironmental best practice which willinform our Building Redevelopment 2008-2010. The first step (installing new toilets) istaking place this summer, when we willfinally have motion sensors, dual-flushingtoilets and waterless urinals installed.”

Simon Fairbanks, VP Democracy and Resources, University of Birmingham Guild of Students

Ian Knox (centre) from Newcastle Union Society receives Bronze Certificate

19


01. Building heating control at Newcastle

02. Ethical labelling system in Union shopat UEA

03. Fairtrade Instant Coffee Machine atBath

04. One World poster at Reading SU

05. Christmas card recycling at Anglia Ruskin SU

06. Reusable bags in Niche shop atSwansea SU

07. Fairtrade clothing at Edinburgh SA

08. MMU Angels volunteering atManchester Met SU

01. 02. 03.

04. 05.

06. 07. 08.

20


09. RAG Krispy Kreme donut stall at LSE SU

10. Cartridge recycling at Leicester SU

11. Carbon Academy training day atAbertay SA

12. Lug-a-mug scheme at York SU

13. Union shop battery pod at Keele SU

14. Bulb planting project at Northumbria SU

15. Mixed materials recycling at Goldsmiths SU

16. Fairtrade products in the cafe atLiverpool Guild of Students

09. 10. 11.

12. 13.

14. 15. 16.

21


17. Staff recycling paper at Medway SA

18. Switch off stickers at Westminster SU

19. Fairtrade fashion show at Aberystwyth

20. Durham SU volunteers

21. Compostable bags on sale at Kent

22. Cleaners recycling at Liverpool Guildof Students

23. Phone & stamp reuse at Winchester SU

24. Glass recycling in the bar at Swansea SU

17. 18. 19.

20. 21.

22. 23. 24.


22

25. Glass recycling at ULU

26. Using natural light at Queen Mary SU

27. Reusing old computers at LiverpoolGuild of Students

28. Resusable & compostable cutlery &crockery at Bradford SU

29. Wormery at Bradford SU

30. Charity hitch hiking at BirminghamGuild of Students

31. Awareness raising at Reading SU

32. Catering staff using fatless fryer at LSE SU

25. 26. 27.

28. 29.

30. 31. 32.

23


Auditor comments:

“An impressive knowledgeshown by staff and officersinvolved in completing the

workbook. Officers arededicated to raising

awareness of sustainableliving amongst students,

running fun and energeticcampaigns. UCLan are

committed to ethical retailing,promoting Fairtrade and freerange products in shop and

catering areas.”UCLan Students’ Union only use free rangeeggs in their catering outlets, and they havea visible campaign in the atrium café to raiseawareness of this fact and encouragestudents to consider where the food theyeat comes from. The café also offers a menuboasting a number of healthy eating options.

Last year the Union were commended forhaving energy efficient T5 light bulbs in all of their offices and corridors. This year theyhave gone one step further and ensured thatthe bar area is now also lit only using energyefficient bulbs.

Students organised a Rag and Bonecollection to collect as many reusablegoods as possible. They also took theopportunity to survey other students oncampus about recycling habits and whatchanges they would like the Union andUniversity to make regarding facilities.

A ‘Redress’ fashion show was run by theUnion’s People & Planet Society,highlighting the need for fairer conditionsand pay for people involved in the clothesindustry. The event showcased workcreated by society members; some wererecycled clothes, others had been boughtand altered, and some were created fromscratch. All fitted the four themes, Earth,Water, Wind and Fire.

University of Central Lancashire Students’ Union

Silver365

Policy in action Student campaigning

Free range and healthy eatery the Atrium

24


Auditor comments:

“A Union clearly dedicatedto reducing negative

environmental impacts byreducing waste and electricity

use in particular. SheffieldHallam Union of Students has

made huge strides inreducing carbon emissions

through improved monitoringand investment in equipment.

Sustainable and ethicalpolicies are at the core of the

Union’s vision.”The Union encourages students to thinkabout what they eat and where it comesfrom. An example of this is 5-a-day postersdisplayed alongside free fruit which isavailable from their bar every day. The Unionalso stock the only Fairtrade certified cola,Ubuntu cola, in the Union shop.

Sheffield Hallam also organised a GreenWeek in October 2007 to highlight the aimsof the Carbon Academy project. Over thecourse of the week, local transport andconservation groups were invited to set upstalls for students to visit within the Unions.

The Union’s aesthetically unique buildingwas designed with many energy inefficientfeatures. This year draft excluders werefitted to all external doors and a new set offront doors were fitted to the foyer and BarPhoenix. There is a 'totaliser' insidereception showing the percentage reductionof carbon emissions that achieved over thelast 12 months. Sheffield Hallam uses aForest Stewardship Council (FSC) approvedprinting company for all flyers, posters andbooklets, and the Union team ensure that asmany of these as possible are recycled.When posters are changed the old ones,including those of rival companies, arebrought back to the Union to be recycled inhouse.

Sheffield Hallam University Union of Students

Silver354

Leading by example Making a show of savings

Carbon Academy project workshopon climate change

25


Auditor comments:

“Excellent policy in place toformalise key procedures,such as an outright ban on

air travel by staff andofficers. Student

volunteering programmesare imaginative and original,and examples of quick win,low cost initiatives can be

seen throughout the Unionbuilding.”

Northumbria has a dedicated team of 18volunteers specifically working on runningtea dances within the local community.There is a Student Community Action Teamwhich specialises in voluntary communityprojects. These have included planting over athousand bulbs to improve local park land,including daffodils, crocus and tulip bulbs.The Park Community Trust noted that thestudents’ help had been invaluable. Othersuccessful schemes run by the Unioninclude organising a shoebox collection fororphans, and donating surplus food andother goods from the catering outlets tolocal charities at the end of each term.

The Union has worked with the University'sEnvironmental Manger to create a library ofenvironmental information, including leadorganisation links, top tips and examples ofgood practice on the Union's website.Northumbria run a monthly competitionwith prize incentives through its University-wide email newsletter to students andUnion staff, generating ideas on how theUniversity and Union can improve theirenvironmental and ethical practices.Excellent at formalising best practicethrough policy and procedures, the Unionhas completely removed the option forcustomers to have a carrier bag or any othersort of bag from its convenience shop.

Northumbria Students’ Union

Silver341

Volunteering in the community Paperless campaignsencouraging feedback

Tea Dances run for senior citizens

26


Auditor comments:

“Sheffield has imbedded andingrained good practice that is

set to continue. The officerenthusiasm and in depth

knowledge of staff isimpressive. A clear link

between halls environmentreps feeding through to the

Union environmentcommittee can be seen; a

particularly strong example ofvolunteers and sabbaticals

working together to instigatepositive change.” The University of Sheffield Union of

Students’ are certainly receiving outstandingrecognition for their numerous volunteeringprojects, which have been showcased noless than five times by Higher EducationFunding Council for England (HEFCE) asmodel of good practice. In the pastacademic year they were announced‘Winner of the Guardian Good CitizenshipAward’ in November 2007, as part of theirpublic service awards, and then in thefollowing month they also won ‘ExceptionalWinner Award for Outstanding Project’ inthe Higher Education Volunteering Awards.This is inspirational to other Unions who runvolunteering initiatives, both large and small scale.

This year Sheffield Union have continuedtheir excellent work with recyclingcardboard, cans and glasses instead ofsending them to landfill. Waste segregationbins for paper have been introduced bothinside and outside the Union, and highlyvisible printer cartridge recycling bins canbe found around the Union for staff andstudents to use. The Union have installed abailer in their waste storage area to allowthem to prepare and bundle bottles andcardboard which is then collected by wastecontractors. This makes recycling moreaffordable and allows Sheffield Union toincrease the types of waste that they canrecycle.

University of Sheffield Union of Students

Silver333

Volunteering achievements Recycling the lot

Cartridge recycling point

27


Auditor comments:

“Kent Union boaststhoroughly dedicated staff

and officers, withcommitment and enthusiasm

for environmental bestpractice highly evident on the

day of the audit. Clear andconcise formal policy is in

place. Notable schemes theUnion has introduced includebiodegradable bags in retail

outlets, and organic and localfruit and vegetables available

in the Union shop.” This year has seen Kent Union focus heavilyon Environmental and Ethical issues. Theystarted by ensuring all 500 Freshers Helperst-shirts and 300 campaign t-shirts wereFairtrade, and then gave away 3,000 'bagsfor life' to new students. For those whodidn’t receive a free one, these bags can stillbe bought in Union shops. A very highprofile and successful One World Week washeld during which students could attendevents and participate in games anddiscussions focused on ethical andenvironmental issues. These students andissues are now supported by anEnvironmental and Ethical Student Officerwho was elected through the StudentCouncil.

To help reduce the impact of studentdisturbance in the surrounding community, avan patrol and steward scheme runs 7 daysa week at Kent. Other new initiatives includedonating 10p per Fairtrade coffee sold in thecoffee shop to local charity, Seeds for Africa,and sending empty Organic Milk cartons toa children’s nursery for art and craft. Therehas been a vast increase in the use of LocalSuppliers within all outlets, and a newFairtrade cola is sold in the shop.Additionally, all staff now have a note at thebottom of their emails asking that recipientsdo not print copies unless it is absolutelynecessary.

Kent Union

Silver331

Community Stewarding Fairtrade and involvement

Commercial Services Director in Fairtrade and organic café

28


Auditor comments:

“A Union that has greatcommunity relations,

excellent internalprocurement policy,enthusiastic senior

management and a teamthat encourages everyonein the Union to join in with

environmentally soundpractice day to day.”

This year York St John set up a STARScheme (STaff Achievement Reward) torecognise excellence in their staff members- both fulltime and student staff. Alongsidethis they also introduced a Green STARScheme to recognise excellence in theirstaff members on ethical and environmentalwork, both in terms of good practice and forgood green suggestions. The WildlifeConservation Society have placed bird boxesaround the exterior of the Union building,and the General Manager wrote a report onenvironmental aspects and impacts withrecommended action points which wereapproved by the Union Council.

The original SSHH! campaign continues tobuild upon its success, and campaignershave been so active that this year that a newZippy costume had to be bought in time forhaving his photo taken with new studentsand their parents moving into halls to raiseawareness of noise level issues. A Go Greencampaign runs in halls, focusing on actionsfreshers can take to reduce the volume ofenergy that they consume. Procurement andcampaigning have always been the mostprevalent aspect of York St John’s activities,but this year a concentrated effort onimproving energy, lighting, heating andwater use has brought the Union into theSilver Award rankings.

York St John Students’ Union

Silver331

Recognising excellence in staff Educating freshers from the offset

Staff wear Fairtrade uniforms

29


To achieve a Bronze Standard, Unions needto meet 21 criteria classified essential.These criteria ensure that every BronzeStandard Union has made real commitmentsacross a range of sustainability issuesrelevant to Students’ Unions. These rangefrom reducing utilities use to making policycommitments, running awareness raisingcampaigns to providing and improvingrecycling facilities, and ethically awareprocurement. Achieving Bronze Standard issomething to be celebrated, as it showspositive action being taken across thesustainability agenda.

The Union has developed strong communitylinks with local residents and worked withthem to tackle noise pollution and theeffects of anti-social behaviour. TheirCambridge bar and venue has promoted aSshh Campaign and regular residentsmeetings are held to ensure neighbours arenot adversely affected by students out lateat night. Residents are informed in writing ofthe entertainments programme and given atelephone number in case they wish to raiseany issues, which are then followed upwithin 24 hours by telephone and a meetingif necessary. The Union also hosts aFairtrade sports tournament which is wellsupported and last year involved over 100 staff and students.

Bucks Students’ Union run a food andclothes drive project whereby they collectunwanted food and clothes from students atthe end of each term. The donations arethen distributed to a homeless project andOxfam respectively. This project wasinitiated by one of their EnvironmentalOfficers: they have not one but two officerswhose roles are dedicated to focusing onenvironmental and ethical issues. Over 70%of the Union’s operations are powered byrenewable energy and they have also beenactive in developing the University's GreenTransport Policy to encourage staff to lift-share on their way to and from work.

Cardiff has one of the largest student-runvolunteering organisations in the country –Student Volunteering Cardiff. Members ofthis charity volunteer in and around the city,working with the elderly, young,disadvantaged and vulnerable members ofthe community. In addition, the Union hasworked in partnership with the Keep CardiffTidy campaign to manage waste generatedby students. Following significant marketingto students, free green bin bags were givento students at the end of term. The volumeof waste collected by refuse collectors fromstudent houses has tripled whilst thispartnership has been in place, dramaticallyreducing the litter and fly tipping.

Anglia Ruskin Students' Union Cardiff University Students' Union

Bronze Standard

Bucks Students' Union

Anglia Ruskin outdoor recycling point Cardiff University SU staff have reusablemugs instead of disposables.

30


As a pioneering initiative in the UK highereducation sector, Durham Sustainable LivingAction Group (S.L.A.G) won a Green GownAward this year! It is a genuine partnershipbetween the University administration,Durham Student Union and the 16 Colleges,acting as a catalyst for behavioural change,and making people consider theenvironment in their actions. Each ofDurham’s 16 Colleges have an environmentrep who come together to form DSUEnvironment Committee, and the DSUEnvironment Officer then works closely withthe university through this programme andsits on ESAG (Environmental SustainabilityAdvisory Group) which oversees Universitypolicies on environmental sustainability.

As part of an Enviroclub and Fair and Green campaign, the Union devised the‘Lug-a-Mug’ scheme whereby studentsreceive a discount on hot drinks by bringingtheir own mug to be used. Goldsmithsconsequently inspired many other Unions torun the scheme. Students and Officersorganised a series of clothes donations, withcollected items used in an eco fashion showin RAG week to promote the value and styleof second hand and vintage shopping. TheUnion runs a successful volunteeringscheme called ‘Open Book’, which is aproject where students visit inmates inprisons and then help them in the transitionto university life.

Keele’s bar and catering operations use HCFC*free fridges. HCFC refrigerants contribute toglobal warming. HCFC free fridges are notozone depleting or global warming. Making aconscious effort to reduce energy waste andexcess heat during summer months, officewindows have had a special film layer added tothem, and tailored insulation has been installedto cover unnecessary single glazed windows.Considerations are made when undertakingany refurbishment projects to ensure thatdraughts are reduced and insulation improved.The Union have also anticipated changes inlegislation for battery recycling, providing drop-off pods in the retail store.

The Union's Positive Environment Kingstonprogramme uses student mentors toengage in a range of local volunteeringtasks; reducing energy, minimising wasteand producing other environmental benefits,whilst providing educational and personaldevelopment benefits to participants. TheUnion and institution have successfullyreduced student car parking on campus. TheUnion ran a Freshers Green Fair, wheresecond hand kitchenware was madeavailable to new students and all one sidedpaper is available for reuse as internal notesand memos amongst staff.

Goldsmiths Students' Union Kingston University Students' UnionDurham Students’ Union

Bronze Standard

Keele University Students’ Union

Keele Union music collection for reuse by Oxfam

Durham SU volunteer gardening

*hydrochloroflourocarbon

31


Students at Liverpool Guild are offered theopportunity to take part in both an annualbeach clean in collaboration with Universitiesacross the North West, and an annual litterpick in co-ordination with other LiverpoolUniversities. The litter pick was alsoextended to the Sabbatical team 07/08 as ateam building exercise and training. AnEnergy Efficiency Team has been set up byVice President Communications, and Ethical& Environmental issues are regularlycommunicated via the student magazine andwebsite. 5000 biodegradable cornstarchcarrier bags have been printed with theGuild logo and are now provided at aminimum cost to students requesting acarrier bag.

The Union’s Climate Change Action Weekinspired the creation of the Mayor's StudentGo Green Week, held this for the first timein February 2008 in conjunction with TheGreater London Authority, People and Planetand Universities from across the capital.Named the greenest University in London inthe People and Planet league tables, LSEruns an Ethical Induction for freshers so theyhear about campaigning initiatives and howto live ethically and sustainability in thecapital. When they leave halls or theuniversity, stationary, books and othermaterials are collected to be re-used byother students.

Over the course of the past year, the UnionSociety has been working with their twopart time Ethical & Environmental Officersand SITA waste disposal to maximise therecycling of waste, card, glass, plastic andpaper. Any surplus to requirement furnitureand ironmongery is offered to outsidecharitable organisations. N.U.U. controls itsown heating system and avoids wastingenergy by applying ‘just in time’ methods sothat heating is switched off 15 minutesbefore staff leave. Sales through Rijos’ JuiceBar show that the Union Society alsoactively promotes the benefits of healthyliving to students.

The Union is not only actively involved withthe Steering Group for the University bid forFairtrade accreditation, but also helped theSouthwell area (where the BrackenhurstCampus is located) successfully achieveFairtrade status. Chaucer Late, the Unionshop in the City Campus, recycles 100% ofits cardboard and is equipped with its owncrusher/bundler machine. The Union’sConservation Society have sustained theirenvironmental work in the local communityand further afield, completing variousprojects including restoring wetlands,maintaining habitats and advising others onbest practice.

Newcastle University Union Society

Nottingham Trent Students' UnionLiverpool Guild of Students London School of Economics &Political Science Students’ Union

Bronze Standard

Liverpool Guild recycling awarenesscampaign

LSE SU climate march

32


Making a determined effort not to purchasematerials made from tropical rainforesttimber, the Union sources timber productsfor refits and new furniture from certifiedsustainable sources, buys Fairtrade clothingfor Sabbatical t-shirts and bar staff uniforms,and has signed up to NUS Services' freeethical retail campaign, Sound EthicalChoice. Bar managers hold responsibilitiesfor implementing a formal shut-downprocedure for vacations whereby equipmentsuch as bottle fridges, ventilation equipmentand heating is not left on unnecessarily.Electric hand driers or roller towels are nowa standard fitting in all public washroomsinstead of paper towels, and the Union nowonly sells hot drinks in card cups rather thanplastic.

Having moved to a new building this year,the Union had the new space specificallydesigned to maximise natural light in thereception and office areas. Light fittings havebeen chosen for maximum efficiency tocompliment the use of natural light.Thermostatic radiator valves have been fittedin the majority of radiators to preventunnecessary heat waste through roomsbecoming too warm.

The Union has also committed to onlymaking new purchases when necessary andalways choosing products with the leastnegative impact on people and theenvironment. A charity toy collection wasorganised for Christmas 2007 and the Unionalso collects stamps to raise money forcharity.

During their Go Green Week in November2007, Reading became the first UK Students’Union to install a Reverse Vending Machine.The machine offers incentive based recyclingto encourage students, staff and visitors torecycle cans and soft drink bottles. It worksby identifying and processing drinkscontainers, and then produces a voucherentitling the user to a discount on a drinkfrom the Union’s juice bar. The machine wasfunded on a 50/50 basis by the UniversityAlumni fund, and has since generated a lotof positive press for the Go Greencampaign, the Union, University and Alumnifund, and also the concept of incentivebased recycling.

The University of Manchester Students’Union takes a very robust and proactiveview towards environmental, ethical andsustainability issues when carrying out anyroutine and major renovation or rebuild of itsfacilities. Using its own financial reserves ithas deliberately and significantly invested inensuring that the effect on the environmentis minimised as a result of their activitiesinto the future. The newly refurbishedManchester Academy building infrastructurehas been designed to allow solar panels tobe added next year, to produce hot water forthe building’s users. The carefulconsiderations behind this refurbishmenthave raised the bar for other Unionentertainments venues.

Reading University Students’ Union

Oxford Brookes Students’ Union Queen Mary Students’ Union,University of London

The University of ManchesterStudents' Union

Bronze Standard

Queen Mary SU charity stamp collection Reading SU Reverse Vending Machine

33


UEA have introduced a Good ShoppingGuide Ethical Labelling system to theirsupermarket ‘UFO’. This gives customers awider guide to the ethical nature of productsas well as educating members aboutreasons such as environmental reports,nuclear power, animal welfare, boycotts, andpolitical donations.

The Union is in the second year of runningan ‘Energy Switch Off Scheme’, with over300 volunteers in halls of residence urgingflat mates to compete with other halls tosave energy and win prizes. This initiative issponsored by the Ben and Jerry’s ClimateChange College. It has been highlysuccessful over the past year and is lookingto replicate its success again this year.

UMSA have reduced the print run of theirstudent newspaper from 2000 to 1000copies per issue, and now send any sparesto a local kennel for bedding. They also havedesignated cardboard waste bins, and returnused cardboard via Co-op from their retailoutlet. An inter-campus lift-share scheme isalready in place for staff members to makeuse of, and they are invited to put forwardother ideas for energy saving initiatives.Students who use the catering outlets areprovided with reusable knives, forks andcutlery, and those on Union Council andother committees only receive meetingnotes via email, to prevent excessive copiesbeing printed.

The Vegetarian Society set up a Veg Co-op -a local and organic fruit and vegetablescheme for buying locally from farmers andselling to students and staff on a NO ProfitNO Loss basis. The Society distribute ordersoutside the Library from 12–3pm once aweek, to customers who pay in advanceeither at the stand, in the SU shop or at theAWARE (Welfare) Centre. The SUVolunteering Area actively promotesenvironmental volunteering opportunitiessuch as ‘Envolve’, an environmental charityset up in 1994 which works to encouragesustainable lifestyles in communities acrossBath and North East Somerset, and ‘BTCV’offers involvement in practical conservationprojects.

Birmingham Guild is an active campaigningUnion, and this year they ran a very highprofile Go Green week across campus. TheGuild has fantastic environmental policy inplace; they lobbied the University for a greenenergy tariff and are working towardsreducing their energy consumption. Theyhave also been accredited FairtradeUniversity Status, and run a Wellbeing Fair topromote both healthy eating and healthyliving. Union Officers ensure that both Unionstaff and University steering groups keepenvironmental issues high on the agenda.They have excellent building refurbishmentplans in place which include specificationsfor washrooms that will dramatically cutwastage of water.

University of Bath Students’ Union

Union of UEA Students Universities at MedwayStudents’ Association

University of Birmingham Guild of Students

Bronze Standard

Birmingham Guild Go Green Campaign University of Bath SU local veg stall

34


‘UCAN’ volunteering provides hundreds ofvolunteering opportunities to get studentsinvolved. From education to elderly care,conservation to DIY, the scheme has astrong online presence on the Unionwebsite. Projects are run in collaborationwith large scale volunteering groups such asBritish Red Cross and Citizens Advice. Thisyear, the Union has introduced many newinitiatives and successful schemes. Theynow recycle kitchen waste as compost – teabags from the staff kitchen and green wastefrom catering, and the mileage of the safetybus is monitored. There is also a UnionWormary, and plastic bag usage is beingreduced within the shop.

The Union have signed up to ‘StudentSwitch Off’, which is an energy savingcompetition run down at their halls ofresidences with the aim of encouragingstudents to lower their energy consumptionover the course of the year. During FairtradeFortnight in February 2008, they also rancampaigns for further consumption ofFairtrade products on campus and toincrease overall awareness of ethical issues.Like a number of other Unions, Leicesterhas a scheme in place to collect usedpostage stamps from staff and students fordonation to Guide Dogs for the Blindthrough RAG (Raising and giving society).

Within the Union Shop, ‘Earth Live’,measures have been taken to stock themaximum number of ethical productsavailable in order to raise awareness amongststudents and offer a broad range. The Unionbuilding is separately metered so that theenergy usage can be tracked, and motionsensors have been installed to preventlighting being left on unnecessarily whenrooms are empty. In the offices, switching offequipment is taken very seriously – so muchso that night time audits were conducted todouble check that staff were turning offmachines before leaving. Cleaners leftchocolate treats on the desks of those whohad remembered to do their bit, in order toencourage a ‘switch off’ culture.

Sussex has several student groups whichpromote ethical and environmental practice:Eco Uni is the main campaigning group,which lobbies the University to increase thelevel of environmental practice as well asencouraging this within the Union. Eachyear, 10 ‘Ecommandments’ are written,outlining the changes to make over thetwelve months. Dirty Weekenders is anothergroup, where members spend weekendsvolunteering on environmental projects.Within the Union shops there is an eco-charge on bags, money from whichsubsidises reusable bags that students canbuy for a small cost. Customers can alsopick up a free 5-a day recipe booklet,promoting healthy eating.

University of London Union

University of Leicester Students' Union

University of SussexStudents' Union

University of Bradford Students' Union

Bronze Standard

Leicester SU office recycling scheme ULU’s ethical retailing campaign

35


Aberystwyth are currently running a rocketcomposter as part of a pilot which theUniversity have invested in. The Guild isusing it to create soil improver from theircatering waste. Any kind of food can bedisposed of into the machine, and is turnedinto compost within two weeks. There ispotential to collect food waste from halls ofresidence, as the rocket composter canhandle large volumes of waste. The compostis used around the grounds of the Universitycampus. The Guild’s catering and bars alsorecycle their cardboard, glass and PETbottles.

Westminster has registered as a communitygroup with ‘Every Action Counts’ – aCommunity Development Foundation set upto help community groups in Britain makeenvironmentally friendly choices. The schemeis funded by the Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The Union now receives advice and support inreducing their impact on the environment,tackling climate change and improving theirlocal area. Westminster collaborates with theUniversity Estates department and is workingtowards building refurbishments which willintroduce water saving devices, such as flushcontrol valves and water flow restrictors whichwould reduce the amount wasted. They havealso successfully campaigned for betterrecycling on campus.

At the start of each academic year, York SUauctions all reusable kitchenware left behindin halls and any bikes abandoned on campusat the end of the previous year. This givesstudents a fair price and prevents the itemsgoing to landfill. Money raised fundsenvironment campaigns throughout the year.One such campaign was for a new campuswide recycling system for glass, paper,cardboard, plastic and tin which wasimplemented at the start of the 2007/08academic year, and is maintained by asystem of college and Union "Eco Reps".They also run a food collection at the end ofeach term for the local homeless charity.

Winchester Students’ Union boast animpressive all-round approach tosustainability. The Union are committed toraising awareness of sustainability issues;monitoring energy and waste use, andregularly reporting on progress to reducewaste and increase energy efficiency. Theykeep a lighting and equipment register, whichallows them to monitor effective use andtimely maintenance or replacement wherenecessary. They support sustainable travel forstudents and staff, and have addressed wateruse via installing dual-flushing toilets, drippingtap checks, and percussion taps. Winchesterhas been approved Fairtrade Universitystatus, and the Union run a WasteManagement Group who strongly promotesthe recycling facilities available throughresources such as the student newsletter.

University of York Students' Union

University of WestminsterStudents’ Union

University of Wales, Aberystwyth Guild of Students

Winchester Students' Union

Bronze Standard

Aberystwyth Guild use rocket composter Westminster SU recycle printer cartridges

36

Unions who complete a workbook but don’tmeet all 21 essential criteria are classed as‘Working Towards’ Accreditation. TheseUnions are presented with a WorkingTowards Accreditation certificate so they canshow they are on a journey towardsaddressing the 21 priority actions. We havehighlighted a few examples of what ourWorking Towards Accredited Unions haveachieved already.


A major project currently being undertakenat Manchester Metropolitan Students’ Unionis to create an ‘Eco Café’ – a dedicated areafor students to gain awareness, informationand support for any environmental issues.The project has full University backingincluding a guaranteed financial investment.Already established is a community actiongroup called ‘MMU Angels’ – created toprovide positive action to improvecommunity relations in private rented areasof the student community. Improvements toprocedures carried out within the Unioninclude introducing 97% biodegradable binliners to replace standard plastic bags usedfor collecting office waste.

Manchester MetropolitanStudents' Union

Thanks to the SU pressure, SOAS is nowadopting a policy to use 100% recycledpaper right across the school as part of itscommitment to sustainable development.The SU environment officer was on theLondon Go Green Week 2008 organisationpanel, and the School’s Green Group (SGG)is running a year long GO Green campaign tofurther improve environmental commitment.This includes campaigning for the creation ofa full-time paid position of Sustainability andEnvironment Coordinator; a clear positioningof the SU against staff, students andsocieties flying within a 500km radius;various stunts, petitions and peaceful non-violent demos to show presence on campusand get people involved in campaigns.

School of Oriental and AfricanStudies Students' Union (SOAS)

As a first year entrant, Royal Holloway isdetermined to improve their environmentalperformance. Their long term operating planalready includes environmental aims, anenvironmental policy is in place, and theyhave received Fairtrade University status.The foundations are set to make positivechanges in years to come. One example of asmall and practical action the Union hastaken is the purchase of a eco-kettle for thestaff tea room, which allows staff to boil justthe amount of water they need. An energyefficiency team ensure staff and officers areaware of the energy their equipment uses,and remember to switch it off at the end ofthe day.

Students’ Union Royal Holloway,University of London


Manchester Met MMU Angels clean up campaign

Royal Holloway use Eco-kettle

37


As part of their involvement with our CarbonAcademy project UBU have achieved a10.4% reduction in electricity compared tothe 2006/07 academic year, saving energyevery week bar one since July 2007.Preparation is also underway to build a giantcarbon saving totaliser for the reception areato celebrate their achievements. Thesabbatical team are actively working with theUniversity on a ‘Student Travel Plan’, aimingto reduce the number of students who driveto University. The societies run a number ofcampaigns on environmental issues; fromethical banking to running a Fairtrade Cafeonce a week.

University of Bristol Union

This Union have introduced an alternative tostaff and students buying Christmas cards toeach other - a bunch of bound willow waserected in a communal area over the festiveseason and everyone was invited to hang aChristmas greeting on this instead ofsending individual cards. Each contributordonated a sum to charity in lieu of the costof the cards. Another initiative is a CETLgarden which has been provided for bothstudents and staff; all plants are indigenousspecies and they are watered by a gravitydrip feed irrigation system fed from a raincatchment tank.

This year UDSU planned a 'clean the brook'student campaign, encouraging students toclean up the surrounding area of theMarkeaton Brook which runs between themain campuses. This year has seen theelection of the first environment and ethicscommittee and part-time student officer, andthe Union has recognised the need andimportance of making a concentrated effort toimprove its environmental performance.Students of the University of Derby organisedthe second Fairtrade fashion show, promotingFairtrade projects and a positive body imageamongst the membership. The Union alsoassists the University in sending usedcomputers to schools and children in Ghana,and sabbatical officers are policy bound toorder Fairtrade clothing.

University of DerbyStudents' Union

University of Plymouth Students' Union

Swansea Students’ Union has recentlylaunched a store called "Niche", which sellslocal, organic, ethical and Fairtrade food andclothing on campus. In order to offsettransporting some of the international andethic ingredients, the store does not provideplastic bags but instead encouragescustomers to re-use old bags or invest incotton shoppers to use time and again.Students also work closely with thecommunity as part of the volunteeringagency, ‘Discovery’. Over 300 members ofthe student body are registered andcumulatively they commit themselves tohundreds of hours each week by taking partin many community projects.

University of Wales, Swansea Students' Union


Derby SU volunteers get crafty Swansea sell Fairtrade in Niche Store

38


Partners and sponsorsThe Sound Impact Awards are run by NUS Services’, the commercial arm of the NUS,in partnership with NUS, People & Planet, EAUC,HEEPI and The Ecologist Magazine.

We would like to say is a big thank to ourpartners and sponsors for their support, and ofcourse to all the Unions that took part

The Sound Impact Awards are sponsored by anumber of our most environmentally-friendlysuppliers. All suppliers sponsoring this schemehave achieved our Sound Ethical Choice statusthrough our rigorous supplier assessment.

More information is available onwww.nussl.co.uk on our supplier assessment.

39

Brecon Carreg Natural Mineral Wateris part landowner, with the BreconBeacons National Park Authority(BBNPA), of 21,000 acres around its precious underground mineralwater source.

Almost a quarter of a century ago,the company made a considerablefinancial investment in the land withthe aim of securing the integrity ofthe catchment area. Brecon Carreghas always worked closely with theBBNPA to ensure that no activitiessuch as heavy industry or intensivefarming take place on this land, whichcould adversely affect the catchmentarea and therefore the source.

Sustainability therefore is at the very core of what we do in theextraction and bottling of our natural mineral water.

In respect of bottling into plastic, PET bottles, we have carefully andsteadily optimised the type andamount of primary, secondary andtertiary packaging materials used,where possible.

For example, we reduced the paperweight of our labels from 85g/m2 to80g/m2, and our plastic pre-form forour 50cl bottle from 22 grammes to18 grammes, giving considerablereduction in materials used. Thechanges described mean annualisedreductions of almost one tonne ofpaper and 57 tonnes of plastic on thisone pack size alone.

For more information please visit

www.breconwater.co.uk


It is a great pleasure for Brecon CarregNatural Mineral Water to sponsor thisyear’s Sound Impact Awards

At The Co-operative Bank we recognisethe need to develop our business in asustainable manner. Our approachacknowledges that there are physicallimits to the resources of the Earth, bothin terms of generating materials andabsorbing wastes, and that any businessactivity exceeding these limits is, bydefinition, unsustainable.

We are pursuing ecological sustainabilityrigorously. We recycle 63% of the wastewe produce - eight times more than theaverage office - and are the first major UKbusiness to go beyond 'carbon neutral',sourcing virtually all of our electricityfrom good quality renewable sources andoffsetting our remaining CO2 emissions,plus an extra 10% to cover legacy issues.

We do not only 'buy in' renewableenergy; we have also invested ininnovative on-site micro-generationprojects such as the landmark CISbuilding in the centre of Manchesterwhich has been covered with 7,000photovoltaic panels. Known as the Solar

Tower, it is the UK's largest-ever solarpower installation and will create 180MWh of renewable electricity each year –enough to make nine million cups of tea.

The Co-operative Bank is the UK's onlyhigh street bank with a customer-ledEthical Policy. Since 1992 we havedeclined over £700 million of loans thatconflicted with our customer's ethics.These included to businesses involved inthe extraction and production of fossilfuels, the unsustainable harvest of naturalresources and the manufacture of harmfulchemicals. Additionally, over the last twoyears, with our customer's support, wehave campaigned in partnership withFriends of the Earth calling for a ClimateChange Bill with year-on-year cuts in CO2emissions. This 'Customers Who Care'campaign resulted in every single MPbeing contacted by a Co-operative Bankcustomer.

The Co-operative Bank encouragesStudents' Unions to reduce theirenvironmental impacts; even small-scaleinitiatives can have a real impact with realbenefits, but that doesn't mean you haveto think small. We congratulate those whohave signed up for Sound Impact Awardsand wish them every success with theirenvironmental initiatives.

The Co-operative Bank is proud to be a sponsor of the Sound Impact Awardsand endorses its goal ofenvironmental best practice

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