There are many projects of varying sizes happening all across Lancaster, making a difference and helping the University reach its ambitious sustainability goals. Find out what’s been going on this month.

Stories about sustainability initiatives are being shared on the Staff Intranet each month. Last month’s highlights included recyclable coffee cups, sustainable procurement changes and the preschool making sustainable swaps.

Here are five more examples of positive changes from across the University for May:

No Mow May is here

Lancaster University’s Grounds Maintenance team have been a little busy around campus this year, planting over 13,000 spring bulbs to help the campus bloom. In addition to this, it’s also No Mow May, a national campaign to let wildflowers grow. You should be able to spot wildflower areas across campus helping to grow pollinator plants – vital food for bees and butterflies.

ReStore shortlisted for student experience award

Lancaster University has been shortlisted for an award in the Innovation in Student Experience category at this year’s College and University Business Officers (CUBO) Awards for its sustainability shop, ReStore Lancaster. Things have been busy this month at ReStore, with the launch of a refill station for eco-friendly shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, body wash and multi-surface cleaner.

Head of Sustainability awarded a Fellowship

Head of Sustainability at Lancaster, Dr Georgiana Allison, has achieved Fellow status with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). Fellow membership with IEMA is the ultimate indicator for sustainability professionals of their significant contribution, experience, leadership, and expertise in this ever-changing and complex subject area. Georgiana is the only Fellow of IEMA within Lancaster University and she is keen to engage with other colleagues who may hold professional membership, to understand or create collaborative opportunities for staff and student development.

Celebrate Fascination of Plants day – Saturday 18 May

The Library is hosting an exhibition for Fascination of Plants day on Saturday 18 May. This is annual event overseen by the European Plant Science Organisation. The exhibition features items and photos telling the story of plant research at Lancaster and has been developed by Carmen Hermida Carrera and Tamara Hernandez-Verdeja in Lancaster Environment Centre, working in collaboration with Library staff. The exhibition will run until Monday 20 May.

Visitors from Switzerland, praise Lancaster’s sustainability goals

Johann Recordon from the University of Lausanne’s Competence Centre for Sustainability visited campus as part of the Global Learning Exchange. Find out more about their visit and what they thought of sustainability at Lancaster.

Your questions answered

Following last month’s article, a question was received from a member of staff concerned about the energy it takes to run all the computers and tech equipment on campus. The question was put to Andrew Meikle, Head of CIS (Corporate Information Systems):

Andrew said: “If there are places where computing equipment is running permanently, please let us know. The computers in PC Labs, and those in use by professional services for example, should turn themselves to a very low power mode when not in use. Overall, the energy used by computers is a relatively small proportion of their carbon footprint which is why we are trying to focus people on taking care of the hardware they have and keeping the same computers for as long as possible before we recycle them.”

Suggestions and stories 

The University’s Sustainability team want to hear more from anyone who is working to advance sustainability in any way across Lancaster University, no matter how big or small. Send your stories, suggestions, ideas, and feedback to sustainability@lancaster.ac.uk.