Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Tue, 2016-09-27 13:57
The Environment and Energy section are running an event this October to launch two exciting initiatives that will run throughout the academic year. The aim of both initiatives is to make the University a more sustainable and low carbon institution. The event will take place at Downing College on the 18 October from 12am-2pm and will give University staff and students a chance to hear what’s new about 2016-17 Green Impact scheme (now in its fifth year), as well as a brand new initiative, the Cambridge Carbon Challenge.
Both initiatives come under the partnership and engagement section of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy, which aims to ‘facilitate opportunities where staff and students can develop and share their knowledge, skills and experience to engage with and contribute effectively to achieving the University’s environmental sustainability aspirations’. To demonstrate the importance of these two initiatives, Nigel Slater, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for environmental sustainability matters, recently contacted all departments to ask for their support in encouraging staff and students to take part in these two initiatives.
Green Impact 2016/17
Green Impact is an environmental accreditation scheme which supports departments and Colleges across the University to improve their environmental performance. Last year, a record number of departments were represented, completing over 2,000 sustainability-related actions between them. The event this October will give existing Green Impact teams a chance to hear about changes to the Green Impact scheme and workbook, as well as inspire new Green Impact participants to take their first steps towards a ‘Bronze’ award.
The Cambridge Carbon Challenge
The Cambridge Carbon Challenge is a brand new competition for staff and students to generate new ideas for reducing energy use and associated carbon emissions from buildings on the University estate. Its aims are to harness academic expertise and operational experience from across the University, to improve environmental performance and foster innovation. The potential for exciting projects and benefits emerging from the new scheme are immense.
To find out more about these exciting opportunities for your department or College to play an active role in helping the University to meet its environmental sustainability aspirations, email environment@admin.cam.ac.uk by 30 September to confirm attendance (attendance will be on a first come first served basis) and please include any dietary requirements.