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Tree planted, and ideas shared to save water on campus during World Environment Day

As part of its celebration of World Environment Day, the sustainability society planted a tree sapling in addition to other incredible activities. 

The importance of trees in maintaining our environment cannot be overstated, as they are essential for carbon sequestration, vegetative cover, and biodiversity conservation. More than fifteen students and staff members participated in this initiative, led by Professor PB Anand and the Head Gardener, Simon Padgett.

If you want to get involved please contact sustainability@bradford.ac.uk 

Panel discussion

On World Environment Day, a global panel discussion with Sahar Vardi, an anti-occupation activist from Jerusalem, Evie Marshall, a student at the University of Exeter, promoted the cause of Plant-Based Universities as the newest and biggest wave of student activism, and Natalia Amoedo, from Brazil, has 20 years of experience in sustainable brands and businesses. Sahar highlighted the responsibility of the militarism and war industry on climate change worldwide. Her thought-provoking ideas bought the focus on the importance of peacebuilding for sustainable development. Evie spoke about how universities must source responsibly to ensure sustainability. Natalia, mentioned that one of the biggest challenges while working for companies is dealing with the need to achieve goals and seek sustainable solutions, which can be difficult due to higher prices.      

Dr. Pedi Obani, Associate Professor, School of Law requested the participants to think about what was missing in the SDGs and emphasised the need to come together as a community to explore a sustainable environment. She also suggested considering the implications for those not in the room, the most vulnerable individuals.

If you want to get involved please contact sustainability@bradford.ac.uk 

Allotments for planting fruits and vegetables on campus

If you want to get involved with planting your fruit and vegetables on campus, then we have got a place for you. University has allotments, a space for staff and students to plant, harvest and eat the produce. It is run by students and staff and are allocated by UBU and guided by gardening team. Open to anyone at the University who wants to get involved and learn about planting seeds, find out how to make the best compost, dig beds, as well as gain knowledge about different plants and the ecosystem. 

If you want to get involved please contact sustainability@bradford.ac.uk 

University of Bradford launches Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) project

LEAF provides the guidelines to more sustainable laboratory practice. It focuses on small changes that can decrease the environmental impact of the laboratory whilst not compromising research quality and output. The framework focuses on waste, people, procurement, equipment, IT, sample & chemical management , research quality and ventilation.

University has provided laboratories to sign up to take part in the initiative from 28th March 2023. Laboratories are awarded either a Bronze, Silver or Gold level depending on how many sustainability actions they take. 

If you want to get involved please contact sustainability@bradford.ac.uk 

Fume cupboards are tagged with 'Close the Sash' stickers

All the fume cupboards in labs 'Close the Sash' stickers are in place. Stickers were placed bringing the attention of users to close the sash if fume cupboard is not in use considering fume hoods are one of the largest energy users on campus. In fact, laboratory ventilation systems can account for half of all energy used in a lab. Their high-energy consumption is due to the fact that air is constantly exhausted to the outdoors. The best way to reduce energy consumption from fume hoods is to close the sash when the hood is not in use. The sash is also a safety barrier, so the fume hood sash should only be opened to set up or modify an experiment. 

Fairtrade fortnight

Fairtrade Fortnight was marked by a number of events on campus from 27th of February to the 12th of March 2023. This involved selling Fairtrade products such as food and drink in retail and catering outlets and campaigning for Fairtrade. Events include:- 

• February 27: The ‘smoothie bike’ Come and have a go at using pedal power to make your own healthy drink - also an information stand in the Atrium

• March 1: Fairtrade golden ticket event: find the golden ticket hidden somewhere on campus and win a prize 

• March 3: ‘Bake off’ in the communal hall 

• March 5: Students attended Fairtrade Breakfast at Bradford Cathedral.  

• March 7:  Games in the Atrium, followed by a lecture discussion by Professor PB Anand. 

• March 8: 10% off all Fairtrade Products in Student Central and Atrium shops 

• March 12: The Big Brew, Bradford Cathedral from 11.30am to 12.30pm. 

Fruit tree pruning

Sustainability Pledge

PSID department has set up a voluntary pledge where anyone can sign up and pledge to commit, in taking sustainability of our fragile planet seriously. You can also take this pledge.