Going Greener

With over 20,000 students and 3,500 members of staff, the University of Leicester's operations naturally have a significant local, national and international environmental impact. 

The primary role of the Environment Team is to reduce this impact by generating environmental improvements.

In this section find out who we are, what we do  including the new Environmental Sustainability Strategy and locate your Environmental Coordinator.

Environment Team: Past

The arrival of the Environment Team was launched in October 2007 by Big Green Week Starting with just two full time members of staff and one graduate placement, the team focused its work on important aspects such as legal compliance, delivering cost savings and establishing the Environmental Sustainability Policy. Within just nine months, the Environment Team rolled out an award-winning recycling scheme which increased campus-based recycling rates up to 50% in some places and doubled the average rate over night. 

Environment Team: Present

Now, with 4 fulltime members of staff (meet the team) and a graduate placement, the Environment Team has grown significantly in terms of size, the variety of projects it undertakes and its enthusiasm!

Current projects include:

• Investing over £1 million in energy efficiency projects across University buildings.
• Feasibility studies on Combined Heat and Power systems.
• Travel Plan
• Green Impact Award Scheme

The hard work and success of the team, has resulted in the University of Leicester climbing an impressive 40 places in 12 months to reach 57th place in the 2009 'People and Planet' Green League Table, beating Oxford University!

Environment Team: Future

Having confirmed the Environmental Sustainability Strategy in November 2009, the team will be working hard to develop and fulfill the ambitions and projects detailed within the strategy. Most importantly, this includes achieving an absolute reduction of 60% of the carbon emissions of the University by 2020 (based upon its 2004/5 carbon footprint baseline).

The objectives are as follows:

• 10% by 2010/11 (following the 10:10 campaign aspiration)
• 20% by 2012/13 (this target is included in the existing Carbon Management Strategy)
• 30% by 2014/15
• 40% by 2016/17
• 50% by 2018/19
• 60% by 2020

Therefore it is important that every member of staff and all students contribute to this target by reducing their personal carbon footprint.

What can I do?

There are lots of projects currently being investigated which will help the University reach these targets. Please keep referring back to the website and keeping an eye out for news articles detailing the plans, projects and initiatives of the Environment Team.

One of the first actions you can take is to get involved in contributing to Big Green Week 2010. Whether you are a member of staff or a current student, register your interest at environment@le.ac.uk