Environmental Statement

Keele University Students' Union recognises that its activities impact upon the environment both through its routine internal operations, its infrastructural development, and through its influence and effects on the wider community. It acknowledges a responsibility for, and a commitment to, protection of the environment at all levels.

Environmental Policy

This policy seeks to formalise current commitments to environmental and waste management issues (Appendix 1), whilst also encouraging further future commitments to address issues including those identified by the audit (Appendix 2).   This policy endorses the recommendations given in the Environmental Audit of KUSU, conducted by NUS Services Limited in February 2005.

 This policy is designed to be a long term working document.

1.  Education

a.  KUSU should seek to raise awareness of relevant environmental issues wherever possible, and ensure that the recycling facilities are promoted.

b.  KUSU Union Committee to lobby the University to improve its environmental performance, including the adoption of a University wide environmental policy.

c.  The inclusion of waste minimisation training as part of new staff induction and environmental good practice in all job descriptions.

d.  An annually reviewed environmental action plan that outlines what the Union will do to meet the environmental objectives, as detailed in this policy, should be produced.  The responsibility for this shall lie jointly with the KUSU Environmental Officer and KUSU President.

2.  Waste Handling & Pollution

a.  Compliance with environmental laws, such as the special waste regulations to be monitored consistently.

b.  Wherever possible, charitable re-use initiatives to be supported.

c.  Provide designated recycling points at all office and social areas of the building.

d.  Utilise waste paper for making notes, reduce the use of post-it style notes.

e.  Cleaning materials to be supplied in refillable bottles.

f.  Printer ink cartridges to be recycled or refilled.

g.  Paper clips to be reused rather than using staples to bind documents.

h.  Recycled envelopes to be free from chlorine based bleaching agents will be used or old envelopes reused.

i.  Consider the impact on the environment when booking transport.

k.  To welcome any feedback from students or KUSU staff regarding  environmental sustainability.

3.  Sustainable Resources

a.  A single ethical purchasing policy that, where possible, includes commitments to purchasing Fairtrade products, recycled products, and non-‘sweatshop’ clothing.

b. Calculating whole lifecycle costings for all new equipment or furnishings over £50, due to the fact that the cheapest options are sometimes the most energy inefficient.

c.  Where possible, the baselining, regular recording and review of all accessible data.

d.  Lift-sharing schemes to be investigated for staff and students.

e.  Smart (specific measurable achievable resourced timed) environmental objectives to be included in the Union’s annually reviewed business plan.

f.  Encourage all colleagues to turn off lights when leaving the office.

g.  Equipment that is bought will be energy efficient.

h.  Kettles will be boiled with the correct amount of water per person.

i.  Mugs and glasses to be used instead of disposable cups.

j.  Energy efficient light bulbs to be used throughout the building.

k.  New office furniture should only be purchased if it has the Forestry Stewardship Council symbol on it.

l.  Windows to be closed if heating is on and heating turned down rather than opening windows.

m.  Minimise waste through information given out during open days and freshers week.

n.  PCs should be turned off when not in use, or put on to sleep mode or monitors switched off when not in use for short periods of time.

4.  Communication

a.  Staff memorandums to be sent electronically.

b.  All committee documentation should be printed centrally, double sided font size 12.

c.  Any forms or newsletters to be available electronically.

d.  All member services information to be electronically available.

e.  All KUSU stationery to be printed on recycled paper.

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APPENDIX 1:  Existing positive initiatives

 

1.1                          Refuse

1.1.1        Reducing:

• There is a Christmas card charity donation scheme for staff.

1.1.2        Re-using:

• The Union collects used printer and toner cartridges for charity.
• The Union collects mobile phones for charity.
• The Union has trialled remanufactured printer cartridges.
• The Union donates unwanted furniture to a local restoration charity or to staff members.
• The number of  staff save and re-use envelopes. 

1.1.3        Recycling:

• All glass from the bars is recycled by a Waste Disposal Company.
• All offices have a green mesh bin for recycling mixed papers. Cleaners empty these daily, and the paper is stored in a purpose-build metal container at the back of the Union. The Union recycles approximately two cubic metres every two weeks during term time. Severnside collect the paper fortnightly.
• There are domestic recycling facilities behind the Union building for glass (by colour), metal and paper. These are controlled by the University, and maintained by the Council.
• The Union has trialled recycled paper in photocopiers.
• In accordance with The Special Waste Regulations 1996, all fluorescent tubes are sent for recycling.
• In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1995, catering oil is sent for recycling.
• Non-rechargeable household batteries collected from students and staff are sent for recycling.
• Reycling facilities are available to students and staff in the building for the recycling of aluminum cans and plastic bottles.

 

1.2                          Waste minimisation

• With a few exceptions, staff appear to be good at switching off equipment and lighting when it is not needed.
• Security switch off appliances at the end of each day, including games machines and illuminated poster boards.
• Relatively energy-efficient lighting is used throughout the Union, including some very efficient lighting in all new refurbished areas.
• The fridges in the shop are fitted with heat pumps - these remove the heat generated by the fridges, ensuring the room does not become excessively warm, therefore increasing the efficiency of the fridges.
• The photocopiers in the print shop are switched off overnight.
• PC Monitors automatically go onto standby after 20 minutes.
• More than half of the PC monitors used by the Union are Flat-Panel Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors - these use only around 10% of the energy used by equivalent standard Cathode Ray Tube monitors.
• Windows are cleaned every 6-months – this helps reduce the need for artificial lighting.
• A Cistermiser infrared sensor regulates the urinals on the 1st floor – this saves water by only flushing urinals after someone has entered the room.
• The Union employs students to distribute Concourse - this helps to avoid wastage associated with papers not being taken by students. Print runs vary according to the time of year as demand has been plotted to minimise waste.
• The Union has its own maintenance team that ensure that equipment remains efficient.
• The Union has access to detailed electrical and gas meter data through the Energy Technician in the Estates Department.

 

1.3                          Policy

• The Union has a non-sabbatical Environmental Officer and an Eco-group.

 

1.4                          Additional positive initiatives

• All coffee and tea served is Fairtrade.
• The University buys renewable energy (66%). This energy is also supplied to the Union.
• The Union has a society that raises money for charity, and has raised money for Children in Need and other worthwhile causes (local and national).
• The Union does not buy bleach.
• The Union rents computing equipment – this helps ensure that the Union has efficient technology.
• Computer equipment due for replacement is sold on to staff, donated to societies or used for parts when possible
• The Union now recycles cardboard
• New toilets have most lights operating on motion sensor
• New toilets and urinals have been fitted with water- saving devices
• Works have been undertaken to reduce draughts

 

APPENDIX 2:  Summary of main issues for Keele

 

• The Union building suffers from a combination of old metal-framed single-glazed windows and ineffective heating on the upper floors, resulting in the widespread use of expensive-to-run portable electric heaters. (new areas when refurbished have appropriate heating installed onto the hot water system to reduce this issue)
• Water is being wasted through urinals that are not regulated by either flow restrictors or motion sensors (see above)
• Electricity is being wasted by leaving lights on in bars when they are closed, and by having a relatively high number of laser printers in office spaces.

 

Continual Environmental Improvement

 

Keele University Students' Union is dedicated to reducing it impact on the environment through the following measures;

 

A Reduction year on year on consumption of Electricity, Gas and Water, this is to be done in partnership with the University.

 

To put in place measures for all new builds to incorporate the need for sustainable materials and to view environmentally friendly products in the first instance.

 

To fully brief all new staff on the impact Keele University Students' Union has on the environment and how they can help reduce this on a personal level.

 

To work with the university on all Environmental issues that affects both the Students’ Union and The University.

 

To create a working group within the organisation to highlight any needs for change within the organisation through the E+E Committee.

 

Reviewed November 2011

Do we really need it?  Can we manage without it?  This should  be the first consideration before any purchases are made.

If required, KUSU endeavours to purchase goods ensuring that the calculation of whole lifecycle costings, energy efficiency and ethically managed have been  contemplated.  Current environmental and legislative laws and practices, where applicable must be followed.

Fair trade should be considered where possible, to allow extra investment to be channelled towards developing countries.

Good quality second hand goods should not be overlooked.  In 2005 KUSU purchased used wooden tables and chairs from Staffordshire University for one tenth of their normal retail price and these are still being used on a daily basis in 2010.

North Staffordshire enterprise training providers’ services which support young people in apprenticeships to be utilised as surplus profits  are reinvested into improving the local area economically, socially and environmentally.  PM Training, College Road, Stoke on Trent.  ST1 4DQ services have been used within the last 12 months.

Endorsing the use of local businesses, tradespeople and local products to help support the local economy and reduce vehicle emissions.

White Goods Appliances

All white goods appliances purchased within the Students’ Union from 2010 onwards must carry the European Union Energy Label or the European Eco-label

Washing Machines

Any washing machine purchased for use within the Students’ Union’s building should carry the European Eco-label.  Washing machines carrying this label must adhere to the following stringent criteria as denoted by the EU:

The washing machine

1. Must use equal or less than 01.7 kWh of electricity per kg of wash load for a 60C cotton cycle
2. Use equal or less than 12 litres of water per kg of wash load on a 60C cotton cycle
3. Achieve a spin extraction of less than 54% on a 60C cotton cycle
4. During the wash cycle the machine noise must be below 56 dB(A) and in the spinning cycle it must be below 76 dB(A)
5. The machine must bear clear volumetric or weight based markings on the detergent dispenser
6. Clear and full instructions must be included with the washing machine so that the correct setting can be chosen for the applicable wash load
7. A minimum of a 2 year guarantee must be offered with the certainty that parts for the washing machine will be available for a minimum of 12 years from purchase date.
8. Plastic parts that are heavier than 25 grams must contain flame retardant substances and be free from carcinogenic toxic and substances detrimental to aquatic organisms or environment.
9. The manufacturer must take back the machine or recycle at the end of its lifecycle at no additional cost.

Refrigeration

Any refrigeration appliances purchased for use within the Students’ Union should carry an EU eco-label rating and fulfil the following criteria:

1. The appliance must have an energy efficiency class of A+ or A++
2. The refrigerants in the refrigerating circuit and foaming agents used for the insulation of the appliances shall have an ozone depletion potential equal to zero.
3. The refrigerants in the refrigerating circuit and foaming agents used for the insulation of the appliance, shall have a global warming potential equal to, or lower than, 15
4. A minimum of a two year guarantee must be offered with the certainty that parts for the refrigerator will be available for a minimum of 12 years from purchase date.
5. The manufacturer must take back the refrigerator at or recycle at the end of its lifecycle at no additional cost.
6. the type of refrigerant and foaming agent used for the insulation shall be indicated on the appliance, near to or on the rating plat, to facilitate possible future recovery.
7. Clear and full instructions must be included with the refrigerator including details on where to site the unit and general best practices.
8. Airborne noise from the appliance, counted as sound power, shall not exceed 40 dB(A)
9. Packaging should be recyclable and where cardboard is used, at least 80% must have been recycled material.

Commercial Refrigeration

Commercial refrigeration equipment commissioned by KUSU should adhere to the following specifications:

1.      Ozone friendly refrigerant

2.      Conform to central European temperature specification of 32 degrees centigrade

3.      Does not contain ozone depleting insulation foam or similar.

4.      Has an electronic temperature/defrost controller for precise operation and monitoring capability

5.      Procured from a recognised British manufacturer

6.      Thought to be given to post sale availability of after sales service and emergency breakdown cover

7.      Designed to operate at required temperature for produce

8.      Would an integral compressor motor increase local room temperature to an unacceptable level?

9.      Would a remote compressor unit be needed?

Also, what regular maintenance would be required and what would the cost be.  Maintenance agreements should be set up with local bona fide businesses to minimise travel.

Electricity supply to commercial refrigeration equipment should be UK/EU specification 220-230V (415V three phase if required).

Lighting

All lighting chosen and purchased throughout the Students’ Union from 2010 needs to utilise energy saving lamp technology with effective light fittings, control gear and suitable lighting control systems.

Lamps

• To be primarily chosen on the basis of what they are going to be used for. And Energy Saving PL Lamps, LED technology T5 HE lamps and 2D lamps to be installed.

Control Gear

• Only High frequency ballast units to be used.

 Luminaires

• Are chosen for their aesthetics and type of lamp required.
• Effective lighting ensures the light is directed to where it is required and obstructs it from areas where it is not, by using reflectors, refractors and/or diffusers.
• The optical elements of luminaries can absorb light, ensuring that not all of the light from a lamp will be used.  Optical efficiency of luminaries has to be evaluated depending on its use.  Advice on this will be sought for each installation from the University’s Estates & Buildings Department.

Lighting Controls

• Switches or dimmers can be a natural energy efficiency tool as these can be activated manually or automatically by timers, detectors and sensors and will be utilised within the Union wherever possible on refits as a user-friendly control system will enable lighting to react effectively to the use of the building, ie go on and off at specific intervals, eg. occupancy detectors, photocell lighting controls, presence detection, day light linking and constant illumination.

December 2010