University goes green

As part of a drive to reduce its carbon footprint, The University of St Andrews will be holding a Green Week from 14th-21st March.

The special week aimed at highlighting environmental issues will include a range of events related to different aspects of sustainability.

Featuring a fashion show with a difference, a showcase of local produce and the launch of the plastic bag-free St Andrews campaign, Green Week will also aim to get across a serious message with panel discussions and seminars.

The University is currently in the process of spending £1.77m on energy efficiency measures across the University to reduce its carbon footprint.

Environment officer Susan Horsman explained, “The University is composting all of our own fruit and vegetable waste from catered halls of residence in our own in-vessel composter, and using the compost on University grounds.

“There are also eleven pool bikes in various Schools and Units to allow staff to cycle between different buildings and to and from meetings and Estates has an electric bike for staff to get around town on.”

The University has installed some renewable energy in MUSA, the new Museum of the University of St Andrews, with solar photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate electricity and a ground source heat pump.

At a sustainable living fair on Friday 20th March, visitors will be able to find out how to save money on energy bills or test their leg muscles by attempting to power a light bulb.

The fair will be packed with information and goods relating to different aspects of sustainability, from ethical purchasing through to energy efficiency and sustainable transport.  It will be held in Venue 1 of the Students’ Association from 12-5pm.

Renowned chef Christopher Trotter will also be on hand to teach some quick and simple recipes that can be made with local produce.  Christopher, who has worked in Michelin starred restaurants and opened and ran Scotland’s Larder, will give cookery demonstrations at 1.15pm and 3pm.  These are open to the public.

On Thursday 26th March at 7pm, a “Keep It Recycled Fashion Show” will showcase re-vamped outfits, demonstrating how old outfits can be given a new life through some stylish and imaginative alterations.  Also open to the public, it will take place in Venue 1 of the Students’ Association.

Those who would rather get out and about can choose from a Dawn Chorus Walk or Le Tour de Fife, a charity cycling expedition throughout the Kingdom of Fife.

As part of the Dawn Chorus Walk on Monday 16th March you can take a wander along the Lade Braes, enjoying the dawn chorus of bird song from 7am. The walk will be led by Peter Slater, an expert in natural history, who will help with identification of the bird song.

On Thursday 19th March, a panel discussion will debate “The Reality of Sustainable Development – Today’s current global political and economic institutions do not promote sustainable development and in some cases prevent it” at 7:30pm in School III, St Salvator’s Quad.

Speakers will include Professor Felix Fitzroy (Economics and Finance), Dr Tony Crook (Social Anthropology), Nick Barter (Management), Professor Tim Mulgan (Philosophy), and Dr Mark Imber (International Relations).  This event is open to the public, and is free.

For full details on all the events in Green Week visit: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/greenweek

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Susan Horsman is available for interview on Tel: 01334 463986 or E-mail: [email protected]

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Fiona Armstrong, Press Officer on 01334 462530 / 462529, Mobile: 07730 415 015 or Email: [email protected]
Ref:  Green Week 140309
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