Blog written by Rachel Zanetti, final-year Environmental Sustainability Project student. The University has set a target that by 2028, we will have increased the number of bug, bat and bird boxes on campus by 20%. This is listed in the in the University’s ‘Valuing...
Category: Environmental Sustainability (ES)
262 kg donated through the Reverse Advent Calendar Campaign 2025
Most of us are probably familiar with the concept of advent calendars, where we receive something each day during the countdown to Christmas. But what happens if we flip the idea around and use it to give back to the community instead? The ‘Reverse Advent...
March Towards Zero Waste: Global Recycling Day and International Day of Zero Waste 2026
Waste is inevitable, and it arises from all parts of life – leftover food, broken electronics, packaging and containers, out-grown clothes, and the list goes on. As we enter the second half of March, two important days highlight the severity of this global...
New LEAF SharePoint Site: University-wide resource for contacts, resources and case studies
The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) has been an ongoing initiative at the University. It provides a set of standards to help laboratories embed more sustainable and efficient lab practices without compromising research quality. Over the years,...
World Wildlife Day 2026: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
The United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD), celebrated on 3rd March each year, recognises the importance of the world’s flora and fauna and highlights their unique contributions to both people and the planet. Read on to find out more about this year’s celebration...
Energy-efficient thermomixers reduce carbon footprint of experimental evolution
The cost of studying evolution Experimental evolution is a powerful technique for understanding how organisms adapt to changing environments. By recreating specific conditions in the lab, such as shifts in temperature or acidity, scientists can observe evolutionary...
From waste to reuse: How the Bee Bowl is transforming The Market
Picture an overflowing general waste bin, with recyclables, single-use cutlery and food waste spilling over the edge and onto the floor. Nobody wants to see that, much less in a food court where people are eating. The food waste and recycling problem Unfortunately,...
Eco Champion Coordinators making a difference with sustainability and wellbeing campaigns
To achieve the University’s ambitious sustainability goals, student participation and contribution are essential, yet their impact is often overlooked. In this blog, we shine a spotlight on two Eco Champion Coordinators who are making a real difference on campus by...
Measuring what matters: plug energy meters for sustainable labs
An ongoing initiative at the University is the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), which helps labs reduce their environmental impact while improving research quality. LEAF awards Bronze, Silver, or Gold accreditation are based on progress across...
A Festive Winter Warm-Up in the MS
In December, students and staff gathered in the cosy ground-floor lounge of the Michael Smith Building for an afternoon of creativity, sustainability and seasonal treats. Organised by the Michael Smith Quad Team in collaboration with the FBMH Social Responsibility...