Sustainability Update, Spring 2023

Welcome to the first Green Templeton Sustainability Newsletter, bringing you termly updates on all things environmental which are happening in and around the college!

Operations Manager Elaine Huckson and Graduate Common Room Environment Officer Sarah Levy (DPhil Law, 2021) write

Sustainability Working Group

The college has a Sustainability Working Group which brings together a core group from across the community who help ensure that sustainability is embedded within the college strategy and operations. We welcome new members so please get in touch if you are keen to be involved. We would love to hear any sustainable stories or initiatives, please email: sustainability@gtc.ox.ac.uk

Meet the GCR Sustainability Rep

Sarah Levy and Graduate Common Room (GCR) Environment Officer Sarah’s research focuses on the laws surrounding Canadian sealing activities. Her second year as the GCR Environment Officer, Sarah hopes to engage the GTC community with environmental initiatives through events that are novel, diverse, interesting, and fun. She hopes to ensure that GTC continues to be one of the greenest colleges at Oxford by working to improve the sustainability of the college at every possible level!

Energy Conservation

It’s critical to reduce our college energy consumption during this time. In February, all college accommodations will compete to see who can reduce energy consumption the most! Here are some tips to get started:

• Lights off: turn off the lights if you’re the last one to leave the room
• Boil less: only boil as much water as you need (this could save £3 per day per kettle)
• Layer up: bring a jumper for comfort during the winter months
• Switch off: turn off appliances at the socket when not in use, and keep electric heaters off for good
  (they consume up to £1 of energy per hour)
• Power down: turn off your computer and screen at the end of the working day, and make sure
  your computer is set to ‘hibernate’ if you’re away from your desk

February is Green Action Month at GTC!

Energy Conservation Challenge

We challenge GTC residents to reduce your energy consumption this month!

Random Act of Kindness Week

14 to 20 February: Take extra care to be kind to the humans, animals, and environments we share the planet with

A Pint of Sustainability

23 February : Join us for a sustainable bar night in Stables for green drinks, trivia, and to connect with others interested in sustainability!

Sustainabop

24 February: Join us in Stables for an ocean themed BOP – dress as a sailor, siren, or swashbuckler in support of water and ocean conservation. Entry will include your own GTC reusable bar cup.

Fairtrade Fortnight

27 February to 12 March: We are a 2 Star Fairtrade accredited! We sell and use Fairtrade coffee, tea, wine, bananas and chocolate throughout the year. Watch out for Fairtrade lunch items, Fairtrade drinks at the bar and the opportunity to win a Fairtrade hamper.

Green Action Week

The week of 20 February is the University of Oxford Green Action Week in the university, bringing an exciting opportunity to bring together the extensive sustainability work that Oxford University is involved with, enhance networking, engage students and staff and promote environmental action. The week will include various activities throughout the university and colleges, including talks, tours, a fair, roundtable events, popup stands, and more.

Other updates

• The kitchen and Pantry teams are working hard to reduce food wastage and therefore they will be preparing enough food at lunch for those who have booked. Preparing extra for those who may or may not come in is not a sustainable way to operate. Help us reduce our waste by booking in.
• Please bring your own food container to the dining room at lunchtime if you would like your food to take away. Single use containers will not be provided from 20 February in order to reduce the volume of landfill items.

See more information on the sustainability actions the college and community are taking