Leading the Way: Southend Campus Sustainability Achievements

In an era of increasing environmental challenges, Southend Campus is taking significant strides toward creating a greener and more sustainable future in support of the University's Sustainability Sub-Strategy. Through innovative initiatives, active collaboration, and determined action, the campus showcases a strong commitment to sustainability. Here’s a glimpse into our key efforts and achievements:

Southend Campus Sustainability Action Plan 

The foundation of our efforts lies in the comprehensive Sustainability Action Plan. This roadmap guides us in implementing impactful changes while addressing critical sustainability issues.

Building a network of Sustainability Champions

Our team of Sustainability Champions, drawn from across Professional Services and academic departments, meets termly to tackle sustainability challenges and share updates. Their collaborative input has been instrumental in shaping and delivering initiatives and contributing to consultation on the emerging Single Use Plastics Policy.

Engaging with staff for a greener future

To raise awareness and gather feedback, we conducted a staff survey which received 38 responses (13% of Southend-based staff). The insights gained were shared with Sustainability Champions and shape our actions.

Spreading awareness through sustainability bulletins

Each term, we publish a Sustainability Bulletin to inspire and inform Southend staff. Highlights include:

• Autumn: Tips on reducing printing and embracing scanning.
• Spring: Survey findings alongside myth-busting facts and positive actions.
• Summer: A focus on the three Rs—reuse, reduce, recycle.

Promoting energy conservation with the Switch-off campaign

We encourage staff to power down equipment when not in use, during workdays, and over seasonal shutdowns. Updated signage around the campus serves as a reminder to prioritise energy conservation.

Collaboration for social and environmental good

Partnering with Southend City Council, our Students’ Union (SU) has addressed period poverty through the provision of free, sustainable, reusable sanitary products—a step toward both social and environmental sustainability.

Reducing waste with the stationery amnesty and Smallads

Through a stationery amnesty, we’re redistributing unused items, reducing waste and curbing unnecessary expenditure. Additionally, we collect used pens for recycling through a local Ryman store.  We also actively encourage the promotion of unused items of furniture and equipment through campus networks and smallads which has rehomed many items within the University.

Southend Campus exemplifies the power of collective action and innovative ideas in driving sustainability. Together, we’re making strides toward a more sustainable and resilient future.  We're delighted that our efforts have been recognised through the Sustainability Awards since 2015, achieving Gold Award for the last 3 years.

Thank you to our Sustainability Champions and everyone at the Southend Campus for supporting us in our efforts.