The Award is timely as the University is celebrating its first ever sustainability month with a series of events.

The events range from a ‘Speed Seminar’ to a ‘Walk, Talk and Slurp’ lunch cumulating in  the University joining thousands of other businesses and organisations around the globe in switching off our lights for Earth Hour.

The  “Speed Seminar – Researching Brighter Futures” event involves a short showcase of Swansea University research (sciences and humanities) that is helping to create a more sustainable future. The seminar involves researchers pitching their research in ten minute slots covering innovation in subjects as diverse as renewable energy, environmental law, sustainable aquaculture and environmental management. 

The ‘Walk, Talk and Slurp’ event includes a walk around the campus exploring the special botanical gardens, learning about the species and habitats on campus including the historic reptilery and the otters, mink, badgers and foxes that use the campus. The University is also in the process of developing a Wildlife Walk around the campus.

Previous events included our Sustainability Team working with the Student Union and other student groups on the “Eat Shoots and Leaves” grow your own project at the Hendrefoelan Student Village. The project involves clearing ground, building raised flower beds and planting produce to create a “Secret Garden” so that students, current and future, can grow their own healthy produce close to home.

The University has been working towards the Silver Award since joining EcoCampus in November 2011. The University was audited against both Bronze and Silver in February 2012 by the Nottingham-based EcoCampus team. Ambitious targets have now been set to achieve the Gold Award by Summer 2013, and the Platinum Award (the highest Award) by the end of 2013. The University’s Sustainability Team will continue the drive and commitment to improve the environmental performance of the University.