Green Impact Scheme

 You may have noticed some new posters on the walls in Owen Library, describing how simple changes can make a difference to our impact upon the environment. That’s because we’re taking part in the Green Impact Scheme. Our goal is to make positive changes to the way we work, in order to be more environmentally friendly. We’ve started with small, achievable steps, e.g. cutting back on the amount we print and making sure that we turn off our computers at the end of the day, and the good news is we found that many of the suggested criteria we were already doing!



Alana Smith, the Sustainability Engagement Officer, very kindly agreed to be our guest blogger and explain the Green Impact scheme. Here’s Alana’s explanation:

Alana Smith

Green Impact is an environmental accreditation and awards scheme led by the National Union of Students and working with over 60 universities and colleges, over 100 students’ unions, and ever increasing numbers of community organisations.  The programme helps to raise awareness and promote good environmental behaviour.  Teams of staff members compete to reduce their impact by completing clear and simple sustainability-based criteria for staff to integrate into their day-to-day activities.

Last year, 13 teams of 111 staff members got involved, with 6 teams achieving a Bronze award.  These commitments saved the University more than 14,000 kg CO₂ and roughly £3000 over the course of the year across the institution.  This year, I have recruited over 30 teams across the University, many of whom are working towards Silver and Gold.  My role involves supporting teams in this endeavour and encouraging them to make a significant “green” impact in their offices.

In Owen Library, we have until March to work towards the award. Wish us luck! We’ll let you know how we get on. By the way, we have lots of great resources, both online and on the shelves, if you want to find out more about sustainability and the environment. Just pop into Owen Library and we will help you find them.

 (Image Courtesy of FreeDigital Photos.net 'Ecology Concepts' by Feelart)