USSU Environmental Audit 2008

Carried out by: Lee Vernon USSU Finance Officer Ellie Hopkins USSU Ethical and Environmental Officer

USSU Environmental Audit Report 2008

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University of Sussex Students Union Environmental Audit Report

Carried out 08/09/2008 by Eleanor Hopkins (Ethical and Environmental Officer) and Lee Vernon (Finance Sabbatical)

This audit was carried out as an internal review of the University of Sussex Students Union (herein USSU) buildings and practices. As such the finance sabbatical and the Ethical and Environmental officer took responsibility for completing the audit and the following report. All Union staff were consulted and invited to give feedback and approve this audit. University Estates staff were also consulted on key areas normally outside the Unions remit in order to give a more full report.

An internal audit was decided upon to enable a more longitudinal and in depth review of the Unions facilities, policies and utility consumption with the aims of reducing costs and ensuring its long term environmental sustainability. As such this audit does not represent a professional or technical report, and expert advice should be sought before making significant investment.

This audit report will list the different processes and aspects of the union, detailing in each the current facilities and operations in use. Relevant recommendations will then be provided for improvements and/or targets that the Union should aim for in order to reduce consumption and improve its environmental standing.

This audit contains a foreword written by the authors, followed by an executive summary containing the best and worst aspects of the Union and a breakdown of the main recommendations. The results of the audit in full will follow followed by an appendix of relevant documents and policies.

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Table of Contents Table of Contents............................................................................................................ 3 1.0 Foreword................................................................................................................... 4 2.0 Executive Summary.................................................................................................. 4 2.1 The Unions Successes............................................................................................5 2.2 Areas for Improvement..........................................................................................5 2.3 Key Recommendations...........................................................................................5 3.0 The Union Facilities................................................................................................... 6 3. 0 Electrical.................................................................................................................. 7 3.1 Lighting.................................................................................................................. 7 3.2 Appliances............................................................................................................. 8 4.0 Heating..................................................................................................................... 8 4.1 Windows................................................................................................................ 9 5.0 Water........................................................................................................................ 9 6.0 Waste...................................................................................................................... 10 6.1 Recycling.................................................................................................................10 7. 0 Union Policy and Procedure....................................................................................11 7.1 Building Procedure...............................................................................................11 7.2 Campaigning........................................................................................................11 7. 3 Environmental Legislation...................................................................................11 7. 4 Responsibility......................................................................................................11 7.5 Policy...................................................................................................................12 7. 6 Procurement....................................................................................................... 12 8. 0 Transport................................................................................................................13 Other Union Initiatives...................................................................................................13 Overview.......................................................................................................................13 Recommendations........................................................................................................ 14 Short Term/Low Cost...............................................................................................14 Medium Term/Medium Cost....................................................................................15 Long Term/High Cost...............................................................................................16 Conclusion..................................................................................................................... 17

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1.0 Foreword

We, as the students, staff and faculty of the University of Sussex Students Union recognize the severe strain that has been put on the earth, its population and its resources through the unsustainable practices of countries, companies and institutions much like our own. In the face of the crisis that the world is now facing, excuses no longer stand and we must change policy and practice at every level in order to avert ecological catastrophe on a global scale.

Students have often been at the forefront of political campaigning, social change and international development. USSUs history is a testament to that, providing the leadership, support and arena of debate for its members to become engaged and able to constantly question and challenge the status quo whilst pushing for progressive change. Its ethical and environmental stance has always been a shining example of this.

USSUs student members and staff have committed to undertake this audit every three years as a means to continually improve its environmental performance and standards in recognition of the immediate and serious threat that climate change poses to the earth and its population.

However, undertaking this audit is not enough. USSU needs to be pushing for constant improvement. We need to lead by example, to campaign and aim to change not just ourselves, but all those around us, from the way our students think and lead their lives, to the University, the NUS, other companies and institutions and, ultimately, the world. It is with this bottom-up approach, combined with real and progressive governmental policy (for which the union is mandated to campaign) that we stand a chance to prevent runaway climate change.

Lee Vernon USSU Finance Officer

Ellie Hopkins USSU Ethical and Environmental Officer

2.0 Executive Summary

The following is a brief summary of the audit, identifying current good practice and key recommended improvements. 2.1 The Unions Successes The Union recycles the majority of waste in all areas of its remit. There is a strong base of student run campaigns and societies focused on environmental issues that not only work within the Union but also reach out to the local community and the University as a whole. The recent shop refit of Falmer House is a shining example of what can be done when environmental sustainability is taken into account during planning. The Union has a strong history of campaigning on both local and national arenas Environmental awareness is visible in most areas of the Union with officers, staff and students involved in all levels. Most lighting throughout the Union is energy efficient

2.2 Areas for Improvement The Union does not monitor or record any of its consumption of both utilities and consumables. Until this is done, no realistic targets can be set or improvements within the Union tracked. Environmental legislation has not been compiled or checked by anyone in the Union. The heating system and single glazed windows have resulted in the widespread use of inefficient and energy expensive portable heaters. No single procurement or environmental policy exists that covers all aspects of the Union

2.3 Key Recommendations To create a single policy document that brings together all current ethical and environmental policy along with all the recommendations and current practice featured in this audit. To work with the University, specifically Estates and Environment and Energy Manager, to ensure that utilities and waste are measured, monitored and recorded regularly and the information made easily accessible. Formal procurement guidelines/policy need to be drawn up for all future purposes and refits in the Union The Union need better internal procedures to ensure it complies with environmental legislation and that responsibility is given to make sure that all relevant policy is carried through into practice.

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3.0 The Union Facilities This Union comprises of four buildings/sites that were included into the audit: 1. Falmer House building The main Student Union building comprises of three floors based around a main open courtyard and is the central focus of the audit. As well as office and common room space, the building also houses a bar with commercial food facilities, a club and a grocery/stationary store. It must be noted that the building itself is a Grade one Listed Building built in the 1960s and subsequently has many restrictions as to any alterations that can be carried out. This has been taken into account throughout the audit as many possible improvements to the building not possible, which will further hamper efforts to make the building energy efficient. All areas within Falmer House were audited with the sole exception of the Careers Development and Employment Centre (CDEC) managed area in the southwest corner of the building. Whilst located in the USSU building, CDEC was excluded from this audit, as it is not part of USSU. The issues and resulting recommendations however, can for the most part be applied to this section of the building, particularly regarding structural issues such as heating and windows. These can be passed onto the University Estates division to take into consideration. 2. East Slope Bar On campus bar separate from the main building

3. York House Store A Grocery Store located in the centre of campus 4. Newsagent located within Bramber House

All the Union sites are rented from the University itself and so any major or structural changes must all first be approved with the consent of the University Estates division. The Union and University have begun liaising and have made progress, but must continue to co-ordinate closely if the recommendations written within this report are to be carried out and achieved in the future Water, heating and electricity of all the Union building and outlets is monitored, maintained and paid for by the University. USSU pays the University rent for the building and a service charge on top of this for utilities. Gas is not supplied centrally but is brought on site for use in the kitchens in canisters. Data on consumption is not readily available or accessible, though it can be supplied on request from the University Estates Division. These readings are available for electricity; however no one in the Union is responsible for recording and monitoring them. Heating and water readings had not been made available at the time of this audit, although we have been advised there are readings taken by Estates. The exact costings of this consumption are also hard to ascertain, as the contracts for utilities are so unavailable and controlled by the University. Currently, the Union pays for utilities with a fixed block amount that is independent of consumption. Waste disposal is run in the much the same way, with the contract in the Universitys hands. None of the waste is measured and is just taken in bulk. The Union needs to take measures to set up formal co-operation with the University and begin regularly monitoring all utilities. Estates currently monitor most utilities quarterly, though no-one has responsibility within USSU for contacting and taking these readings. Water currently is not monitored and heating is done with electricity, although Estates are in the process of reviewing the implications of SMART metering, which the Union should support. Only by measuring consumption can effective targets be made and aspired to as well as see if initiatives are having the desired effect. This also

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applies to waste as if the Union wants to move more of its landfill waste to recycling it needs to know how much is currently being sent to landfill as a base level. The Union needs to take responsibility for recording its utility consumption, whether in a staff members job description, with an officer or a committee. Once this is in place, the Union should look into ring fencing any savings from reduced consumption for future environmental projects.

3. 0 Electrical 3.1 Lighting In general lighting was at a very good standard, being for the most part T5 and DD light bulbs throughout all sites. The only exceptions are the common room, debating chamber and Falmer Bar. The common room and debating chambers lighting still uses inefficient tungsten light bulbs, yet this is down to their inclusion within the buildings listed status. Areas of the Union that have recently been refitted, such as the Cube and new Falmer Shop, feature the highest standard of lighting energy efficiency. The Cube has fitted low energy LED lighting in place of the fluorescents that characterise the building, whilst the shop has fitted low energy compact fluorescents. The Falmer bar areas, including the kitchen facilities, have fluorescent light bulbs, which do not utilise either reflectors or diffusers. All light switches were well labeled and clear as to which lights they operated, although one set of switches near the Falmer bar entrance to The Cube appeared to be unlabelled. Switch it Off stickers and posters were also in plain view of many of the light switches throughout all sites, showing positive attempts to promote awareness of energy conservation. Although the lighting is generally efficient in terms of bulbs, their use is not. Lighting in the toilets is often left on constantly, as are the lights in the common room yet natural light is more than sufficient in the day. Desk lamps were available in some of the office spaces, such as the Student Advice Centre. The Sabbatical Offices, Finance Office, Marketing and Publicity, Admin and the GM office all lacked desk lighting or lamps. It is recommended that the building listing status of the lighting be investigated for the possibility of changing the Tungsten light bulbs to more energy efficient ones. This should be done with the help and consent of both the University Estates division and the Local Authority. In Falmer bar, it is recommended that the fluorescent bulbs be replaced with T5 bulbs, with the use of adaptors to enable the bulbs to fit in the old sockets. The Union should continue to ensure that all light switches remain labeled and are updated if necessary. Promoting energy conservation in relation to lighting should continue. It is suggested that the free awareness resources provided by the Carbon Trust are employed in this process. The lack of occupancy sensors for lighting is apparent throughout the Union building and its outlets. As noted, many areas of the Union remain constantly or unnecessarily lit for extended periods of time, leading to the waste consumption of large amounts of energy. Installation of occupancy sensors could cut down dramatically this waste. The following areas were identified as possible locations for occupancy sensors: All toilets The shower room on the second floor Kitchen in the room next to the activities centre The committee room
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Music practice rooms

If occupancy sensors are not an option, efforts must be made to ensure their use is monitored and subsequently cut back as currently they represent a large and unnecessary consumption of electricity. More personal desk lamps for the relevant office space would also likely reduce the need for excessive lighting in office spaces, further cutting down energy consumption.

3.2 Appliances One of the biggest improvements made since the last audit was the replacement of CRT screens with TFT computer screens. The only CRT screens left are in the Activities Centre where there is a bank of computers available for use by anyone. CRT monitors can use up to 8 to 10 times more energy consumption that TFT and so is essential that they are phased out. As these computers are used on a minimal basis there is no need for immediate replacement, but TFT monitors should be bought for all future purchases and when any replacement is carried out. There are, however, still several laser printers around the union, with up to one laser printer per three members of staff. However, it is noted that there is an active replacement scheme currently taking place to have fewer printers around the union, networked together to reduce the overall number. Photocopiers are also in the process of being replaced. Taking this into account, there is no immediate requirement to focus attention on printers and photocopiers. The main area of concern regarding appliances is the fridges, microwaves and other kitchen equipment in the union. They are mostly older models and as a result are very inefficient, with no energy ratings. It is recommended that a program of replacement is undertaken for these appliances to models with A+ ratings and, at the very least, all fridges be fitted with fridge-saver plugs. It must also be noted that old models that are replaced must be replaced in a safe manner, if not recycled/donated. The biggest concern is the lack of timer plugs that are not in use in USSU. Several appliances are suitable for timer plugs, including the photo booth and vending machine on the ground floor, portable heaters and fans, desk lamps and on a variety of photocopiers and printers. Many of these devices are left on over-night for little or no reason and a lot of energy could be saved with only a small investment. It is recommended that these appliances be fitted with timer plugs as soon as possible.

4.0 Heating The majority of the main heating system within Falmer House is severely limited and very inefficient as the whole system is controlled centrally. Many of the fixed radiator points are covered and extremely inaccessible. Until only recently the heating wasnt adjustable and even now is controlled remotely from outside of the building, on a timer. Staff have consistently complained about the situation, but little has been done. Many areas remain too hot whereas others are too cold no matter the heating settings. Insulation is also non-existent, in either wall cavities or above false ceilings. This situation is compounded further as it has lead to the Union being forced to a number of portable heaters and fans to compensate for the lack of effective heating. The majority of office space throughout Falmer House has at least one, if not more, electric heaters, which they rely on for warmth or a fan in order to provide more suitable ventilation.

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Improvements in recent years have been made as now some rooms are controlled by thermostat, reducing the reliance on portable heaters. Unlike heating however, there is little in the way of awareness publicity on the heating settings for the few thermostats that do exist. Heating has remained a constant issue with the staff over the years. However there are severe limitations on the ability to improve the heating system. The budgetary constraints are significant but, more importantly the University owns the building and its listed status prevents any serious alterations being made to its structure. Any appeals to the Local Authority and English Heritage to alter the nature of the heating system would likely be denied. Improvements are still possible however. Every effort should be made to keep the heaters clear. This in many cases can prove difficult due to the main heating system occupying the outskirts of the majority of the room, yet in some cases they can be cleared to allow heating to circulate better. Two over-door heaters were identified one close to the committee room and one above the doors to reception. Both of which were not operational during the period of the audit and we were advised they need maintenance. These heaters should only be used when absolutely necessary as they are extremely energy intensive and most of the heat is lost when the doors are opened. The widespread use of portable heaters needs to be reduced as much as possible. If additional heating is required, energy efficient, larger appliances should be used in preference over the older, smaller heaters, which were often found underneath peoples desks. If portable heaters are essential, then it is recommended that efforts should be made to replace the inefficient electric heaters with oil filled heaters as they retain their heat and usually have room-temperature thermostats. It is also recommended that timer plugs be attached to all heaters to ensure that they are not left on over night. The same principle applies to portable fans that are widely used, particularly in the Activities Centre. It is recognised that these rooms get very hot, but the number of fans in use should be reduced where possible and monitored. These fans should also be put on timer plugs so that they are not left on. Overall, the heating situation within the Union is extremely inefficient. The University and the Union must work together to address this. It is within both their long-term interests if efforts are made to installing modern radiators fitted with thermostatic radiator valves in accessible areas to decrease reliance on the current system. As a minimum, electric heater use needs to be reduced and replaced by oil filled appliances.

4.1 Windows The main Union building has only old single-glazed windows placed throughout, further exacerbating problems caused by the old and ineffective heating system. It is noted, however, that with the building being listed and under university control, it would be difficult to improve on this. Previous audits have highlighted that by installing some kind of double-glazing will save 4,000 a year in heating costs. Along with the heating system, the Union and the University should be seriously looking into how this can be improved. If double-glazing is not viable, then an alternative must be invested in.

5.0 Water Most toilets areas have been fitted with timed percussion taps with inbuilt pressure valves. Water heating is also monitored to ensure it does not exclude too high levels of heating. Urinals are selfUSSU Environmental Audit Report 2008 --

flushing; however the toilets themselves are older, less efficient models. Currently, there are no water saving devices fitted within the cisterns and no dual-flush systems installed. A further key issue is the bottled water coolers in use around the union. Staff has complained that the drinking water available from taps in toilet areas is unsuitable for drinking and so rely on the bottled water as an alternative. This type of water cooler is very unsustainable and alternatives should be researched immediately. This can include looking into mains connected coolers and moving towards more ethical suppliers of bottled cooler water such as Aquaid. It is strongly recommended that water saving devices, like cistern volume adjustors such as Hippo Bags be placed in the cisterns as a low-cost initiative, which will save water. When the Union looks into refits, it should also consider other water saving devices such as a motion sensor system that regulates lighting, extractor fans and urinal flushes. Other devices include spray head taps and waterless urinals, which could cut water consumption by as much as 80%.

6.0 Waste The University controls the waste management contract, which is currently being negotiated and so is not available at the time of writing. However, as to date there is no breakdown kept by the University about how much is sent to landfill or to recycling from the different sites on campus. Sample data has been taken, but is insufficient in terms of a consistent and accurate measure of waste used by the Union, the same applying for its outlets. Estates have since advised that this is due to change under the new waste contract currently being negotiated. 6.1 Recycling In general, recycling is very good within USSU. The shops recycle cardboard packaging and have a 10p Eco-Tax on all plastic bags. Only recycled paper is used by the Union, including photocopying and printing and even for the Union Newspaper, the Badger. The bars recycle all paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and safely store and recycle cooking oil, with separate recycle points outside of the bar areas being investigated. The main common room area has a recycling box in place to take most forms of waste. In all office spaces, there are centrally placed recycling boxes for paper waste. Recycling points are also available for printer cartridges and mobile phones in the shops and the main reception area. Wooden pallets are stored and sent back to be reused. All used furniture, computers and other miscellaneous items are offered back to the university to be utilised if they cannot be within the union and everything left over is then donated to charity to be reused. Furthermore, the Green Maps, which were created by the campaign group Eco-Uni, have enabled students to find out much more about where they can recycle different items throughout campus. However, there are still some improvements which could be made. There is minimal envelope recycling, even though stickers have been provided, although most envelopes are put in the paper recycling receptacles anyways. There is very little recycling in the committee room and surrounding offices in the southeast corner area. Organic waste is still not recycled anywhere within the Union, nor locally or commercially within the kitchen areas. Staff have also brought up that there is little internal recycling outside of paper waste within the office spaces and that more could be done locally to encourage staff to recycle. Efforts should be made to set up organic waste disposal. Composting was mentioned by one member of staff as something that they would be interested in setting up for the Union building. All would be needed is a small number of organic bins which would then taken to a local composting site. With the two franchises taken over the kitchen areas in both bars, they will need to be worked with to come up with a system to dispose of their own commercial waste. Though they are ultimately responsible for
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it, the Union should make efforts to support them. Printer cartridge and mobile recycling points should be publicised and made more accessible to students, with publicity visible in reception, shops and common areas. Staff should also be encouraged to recycle more envelopes and recycle points made available in the South East Corner area. As mentioned earlier, the Union must work with the University to establish how much is sent to landfill and recycled is essential for future monitoring.

7. 0 Union Policy and Procedure 7.1 Building Procedure With the Union facilities under ownership of the University, it is their responsibility to keep all maintenance logs and shutdown procedures. All such documentation is available on site and on request from the porterage facilities. For the main Falmer Building, there are shutdown procedures in place for both term and vacation time. All the bars and shop outlets also have their own shutdown procedures for their appliances and equipment. 7.2 Campaigning Sussex has a strong history and culture of campaigning, one of its strong points being its environmental campaigns. Last year students were involved in the movement against Biofuels, in the national climate march in London and were involved in the planning and running of the Camp for Climate Action. Sussex Union also organised and hosted the first student Climate Change conference in June, hosting 160 students over 3 days for workshops and discussion on the role students play in the fights against climate change. On a more local level, the Union is in frequent discussion with the University to help guide and improve environmental standards on the campus; for example, with a wind turbine currently under review that will be used in powering the university. On top of this, there are several active Environmental groups within the Union including Eco-Uni, the Environmental Society, Sussex Roots, Trade Fair and FoodforUS which all operate with the full support of USSU. These groups are successful in raising awareness, campaigning and carrying out practical action regarding environmental issues, not just within the Union but the University and the local community. This is supported further by the Unions volunteering group, Project V, which allows students to participate in a variety of projects in the local community.

7. 3 Environmental Legislation Currently, no-one in the Union has responsibility for checking whether USSU complies with environmental legislation. This is a serious issue and someone within the Union must be put in charge of compiling legislation and ensuring that the Union is abiding by current and all future laws.

7. 4 Responsibility As it stands, only the part-time ethical and environmental officer has the official remit of environmental issues. There is no member of staff who is fully committed to dealing with the environmental issues of the union nor do any staff or full time officers have it specifically in their remit to deal with such issues. Many staff already consider the environment in everything they do and are already actively engaged in progressive measures. This is being encouraged and reinforced by making the incorporating best practice and policy clear in all new job descriptions. An environmental sub-committee does exist, however its remit is limited and unclear, and its role within USSU remains too general and broad.

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USSU needs to delegate staff and student responsibility to ensure that the recommendations in this audit are carried out in both the short and long term. One part time officer, a position that is not always filled and relies on personal interest and dedication, is not enough to ensure a consistent commitment. It is noted that USSU is a small institution and that currently employing a member of staff, even part-time, to take on responsibility of environmental policy is not financially viable. Giving a full time officer responsibility for environmental issues will ensure that the Union has a permanent point of call. Policy needs to clarify who is responsible for carrying out procedure, as much is done already informally by staff but needs to be formalised and made consistent. The Environmental Sub Committee also needs clarification and needs to be delegated a specific remit within USSU. This body is in a perfect position to get students further engaged within the Union and should be utilised as another point of consistency to aid sabbaticals and the part time officers. Environmental champions should also be encouraged to volunteer from amongst the staff. Though they would not fulfill the role of a member of staff with a specific remit, they would be able to feed into the process and whilst being able to get staff more involved and actively participating in continuous improvement.

7.5 Policy The Union currently has several different environmental policies such as an ethical and environmental investment, specific motions on biofuels and incinerators and even individual products such as Coke Cola and Nestle on environmental and ethical grounds. Some of these policies have conflicting or overlapping resolutions, whereas others are not broad enough nor cover certain aspects of the Union. As it stands, the current environmental policy is not sufficient and needs to be amalgamated with all existing policy. It should be noted that there are current projects being led by the ethical and environmental officer to create a stronger, more comprehension policy, with the help of students, societies and staff, which will be taken to AGM or Council in the future.

7. 6 Procurement There has been great improvement in the procurement process within USSU. USSU is a fair-trade organisation, providing fair-trade products in its shops and bars, with termly meetings to help up keep its status. To improve on this, all union clothing (both provided for employees and for sale) should be fair-trade or ethically sourced and fair-trade products should be labeled in shops to promote awareness. Staff and officers do take environmental considerations into account with all purchases and refits, as the new Falmer House shop refit showed. However, there is no formal policy or framework for the procurement process and good practice relies on staffs common sense and goodwill alone. The Union needs solid documentation in place that commits the Union to take environmental consideration into all future purchases and refits, providing guidelines for staff that are both realistic and practical. In recent weeks USSU has switched to a new financial system, which, with the support of the finance sabbatical, has the ability to measure quantities of consumables (e.g. paper) purchased, as all purchase requests must go through one system. It is recommended that an active program of monitoring and reduction targets be now employed to reduce the procurement and consumption of goods in the union.

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8. 0 Transport The Union has its own bike storage and shower facilities in its Falmer Building, which is promoted and used by staff. The local and environmentally friendly Big Lemon bus company is endorsed and is transport of choice for the Union. This is more than just selling tickets from its outlets, but also promoting for clubs and teams and for the Unions own events. The Union owns two minibuses, both are old models, and though records are limited, staff have described the vehicles as high maintenance and increasingly unreliable. Only recently has a maintenance log been put together and a guide for more economical driving and a procedure for maintenance is also being developed, which may help prolong their existence. However, in its current state the Union should look into whether purchasing new minibuses is more cost effective than the upkeep of the current vehicles. A new model, though having a high initial capital expenditure, may save the union money in the long run in more economical fuel and less constant maintenance costs. At present, no transport plan exists with little or no policy to support. Travel expenses are recorded but not monitored effectively and currently environmental impact is not mentioned in the documentation for the minibus use. A No-Flights policy inside of the EU however does exist and is enforced.

Other Union Initiatives

Open air Fruit and Vegetable Market On one day a week, a fruit and vegetable market is set up in the Falmer Building quad area. The majority of food sold is local and the scheme is popular with both students and staff. Plants There are lots of plants around the union, in both the office spaces and the common room, all of which are maintained by an external company. Awareness posters There are several awareness posters around USSU in office spaces and common areas. However, some specific areas are lacking and should be identified and rectified. This includes next to thermostats and recycling points.

Overview USSU has several strong areas of environmental care. Almost all the lighting throughout the main building and all the outlets is energy efficient, with only a few exceptions. New capital purchases are all geared towards greater energy efficiency and phasing out older, less efficient models. The new Falmer House shop refit is a good example of this commitment, installing the latest A++ model fridges and most efficient lighting equipment. Almost all waste that can be recycled is sorted and done so in all areas, from offices to the outlets and communal areas. The level of awareness amongst both staff and students is high thanks to the efforts of student campaigners and societies, combined
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with the work and support of previous sabbatical officers. The range of events put on last year is an example of this and has put green issues at the forefront of the Union and its members. However, the Union has a lot of room for improvement. Currently, the inefficient heating system combined with no insulation, single glazing and a large array of portable electric heaters is clearly a massive waste of energy. Following from this, the Union needs to take responsibility for monitoring and recording its consumption and output of all utilities and waste. If the Union wants to make realistic targets and then be able to stick to them, they must work closely with the Estates Department to ensure this does happen. If the current metering system is not sufficient, then the Union must campaign for adequate metering. Policy and procedure is also lacking to back up the work that many staff are already carrying out. The current Environmental policy is not up to date and is contradicted by other policies, there is currently little in the way of formal procedure and no-one is responsible for making sure the Union is abiding by environmental legislation. The Union needs to update its policy and put in place procedure on all levels such as procurement and transport to give greater environmental consistency to its daily operations.

Recommendations Below are the recommendations of the audit, detailing an action plan that the Union can try and stick to for the coming years in order to improve its environmental performance and reduce running costs. If USSU is serious about its commitment to continuous self improvement, it should pursue these targets as soon as financially possible and continue to look to further improve its environmental impact. Short Term/Low Cost The few remaining tungsten light bulbs and florescent tubes need to be replaced with up to date energy efficient ones, including any necessary deflectors to further decrease costs. Desk lamps should also be made available to all office spaces to reduce use of the full room lighting.

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New printers and photocopiers to all office spaces should be networked for use immediately to begin the gradual phasing out of laser jet printers. The Union and University Estates need to ensure monitoring of all utilities is undertaken. Someone within the Union should be delegated to ensure they are recorded and analsyed in the future for the purpose of setting new targets and tracking their progress. Timer plugs should be invested in as a cheap and easy solution to cutting energy consumption and applied to electrical appliances where applicable throughout the Union and its outlets. Fridge plugs for the few domestic fridges can again reduce consumption. Installing instant hot water boilers in the relevant office/kitchen spaces will replace kettles and coffee making machines and further cut down energy use. A local organic waste collection scheme can be set up in the office spaces and common areas for use in composting. Moving away from the bottled water coolers to mains supplied drinking water if preferable, saving the Union money and reducing its carbon foot print. If this is not applicable, then investing in an ethical supplier such as Aquaid may help offset this. Hippo Bags or their equivalents to be placed in all toilet facilities in order to help cut back water consumption. Make sure all light and equipment switches, especially banks of more than six, are all located, on display and adequately labeled as to their use. Monitoring the amount of traveling done in terms of business miles when reclaiming expenses and mode of transport for the purpose of setting targets and reducing. Adding environmental considerations to the Mini-Bus Documentation
Finding at least one member of staff who is willing to volunteer for the role of environmental champion who would help to implement these changes. Implementing internal recycling within the office spaces.

Medium Term/Medium Cost Create an up to date environmental policy, combining all relevant past policy, complete with targets and action points to mandate USSU to push for. The installation of occupancy sensors in the less used areas of the Union, such as the toilets and stairwells, as opposed to the leaving them constantly on which seems to the norm. A full time sabbatical is to be given environmental responsibilities as part of their official remit to assist the Ethical and Environmental Officer.

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Larger, more efficient heaters need to be placed in office spaces to replace the inefficient electric portable heaters. If this is not possible, as a minimum short-term solution they should be replaced with more efficient oil models. The two over door heaters should also be phased out as they are a great waste of energy. As a bare minimum there use should be carefully monitored and only used at critical junctions in the year. A procurement policy is put into place to act as guidelines for all future purchases within USSU, both the Union and the Company. This would apply to not just day-to-day purchases but also to all future refits. This would help ensure that environmental considerations are always taken into account and should ensure that older inefficient models will be gradually replaced with newer efficient ones. Again, someone would need to be given responsibility to ensure this is carried through. All relevant environmental legislation is compiled and accessible to all within the Union. A member of staff/sabbatical officer/committee should be given responsibility to make sure the Union complies to all existing and future legislation. To formally create an environmental committee with a strong remit in order to follow up on any Union policy passed and to assist in reaching any targets set whilst holding officers to account if they fail to comply. Reviewing the life cycles and maintenance costs of the mini buses. Currently, they are old models, which need constant and expensive maintenance. It is likely that by purchasing new minibuses, the Union will actually save money in the long term in higher fuel efficiency and running costs.

Long Term/High Cost Currently, the Union has its own sub transformer running at 240V. This is an un-necessary amount and can be reduced down to 216V. Though this will take a substantial cost to put in place, it will reduce energy consumption on all items that run off the mains and will cut energy consumption dramatically, with little or no consequence to the appliances. A full and comprehensive review of the Falmer House building with the view of refurbishment. This includes; looking into double-glazing, or an alternative equivalent, insulation, both cavity and ceilings, adequate draft excluders and a total review of the heating system in place with a more flexible and efficient building wide system. This is likely to prove difficult due to listing status and have high start up costs, however it is here that will produce the largest long-term savings. Move towards sustainable generation of our utilities. These include and are not exclusive too; wind turbines, solar panels, rain water collection, rocket composter, geothermal heat collection. These projects are already under way in other unions up and down the country and are possible when institutions are serious about environmental issues. As above, these may have large start up costs, but will reduce energy consumption and waste and in the long term will pay for themselves.
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Conclusion It is clear from the audit and its recommendations that USSU and the University both have a lot to gain by forming closer links to work towards making a greener and more environmentally friendly campus. Students, sabbaticals, staff and management coordinating and working together will produce the best results, not just within the Union, but in raising awareness and helping push the environmental agenda beyond our campus.

USSU Environmental Audit Report 2008

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