Research

This page contains research we have taken part in nationally and run at UCA.

Staff Research 2020

April 27th 2020

As a Union, we are involved with various projects, campaigns and groups with a variety of needs and events. While some are inevitable, we have identified areas of negative environmental impact that as a Union are working on improving.

In order of seriousness we have identified the following impacts:

1. Travel
2. Procurement for Events and Communities (single use, financial cost, carbon footprint)
3. Printing (advertisement and posters on campus, the volume of printed items ordered in and not used (which also contain dates so single use)

As a Union we will strive to:

More online meetings (with more technical support) and better schedule planning so travel does not happen for just one meeting and move around meeting if possible, to car pool with other staff members also traveling.

Consider the volume of products ordered and what can and should be reused. Consider shopping locally or getting students to craft items (decorations etc.), shop second hand where possible.

More structured comms plans – know exactly how many of everything is needed so no over ordering happens. Larger more visible posters instead on loads of little ones printed at the university.

After acting on previous staff and student research we are happy to say that:

Printing has been reduced for clubs and societies, especially around the Freshers Fairs, after a printing limit was put in place.

Freshers wristbands were made of 100% recycled materials and plastic free.

More promotion of UCA car share scheme.

More meetings done online.

Sustainability SMART action plan 2020

UCASU Staff Research

As a Union, we are involved with various projects, campaigns and groups with a variety of needs and events. While some are inevitable we have identified areas of negative environmental impact that as a Union are working on improving.

In order of seriousness we have identified the following impacts:

1. Travel
2. Procurement for Farnham Bar
3. Events
4. Printing
5. Energy wastage

As Union staff we will strive to:

1. Reduce travel – travel only if necessary and promote  car share scheme.
2. Reduce printing
3. Reduce or reuse events promotional materials and give aways to students.
4. Switch off PCs at the end of each day
5. Reduce leaflet materials including for clubs and societies.

SMART Action Plan