Sustainability update, Trinity Term 2026
This term we are highlighting the college’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and community action. From our continued ambition to achieve a fourth Beyond Gold Green Impact Award to upcoming events, workshops and donation initiatives, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, learn something new and support more sustainable ways of living both within the college and across the wider community.
Green Impact Awards
Green Impact is a United Nations award-winning programme that supports colleges and departments in taking practical, achievable steps towards improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
This year, the college will once again be submitting evidence of its sustainability activities and projects as part of the Green Impact Awards programme. Following previous successes, we are aiming to achieve a fourth Beyond Gold award — the highest level of recognition available within the scheme.
Sustainability events
Repair café
Repair Cafés in Oxfordshire bring together people with broken household items, electrical equipment, bicycles, and clothing, alongside volunteers with repair skills and expertise. They aim to encourage a move away from a ‘throwaway’ culture by promoting repair and reuse rather than disposal and replacement.
Oxford outdoors
Explore the outdoors via walks and events to learn and support local wildlife and learn about biodiversity
Grow Your Own Workshop – Crop protection, Salad & Brassica
If you have always wanted to grow your own vegetables but didn’t know how, these workshops will show you how to in a fun and inclusive environment.
Who do we trust? Evidence and accountability – Kellogg College zero
How do we determine what constitutes credible evidence in the journey towards net zero? And how can genuine progress be distinguished from carefully presented rhetoric?
Sustainable fusion energy.
An introduction to the work being undertaken to develop sustainable fusion energy, beginning with an overview of the fundamental principles of fusion power, followed by tours of the world’s largest fusion experiment.
Donation stations
Following the success of last year’s pilot scheme, the college will once again be inviting students and staff to donate any unwanted items that could be reused by others within the college community.
Whether you are having a spring clean or preparing to move out of your accommodation, please consider donating any good-quality items that may be of use to incoming students. Donated items will be collected by the college and passed on to help support new arrivals while also reducing waste and encouraging reuse. We accept the following:
- Electrical items
- Crockery, cutlery and glassware
- Winter coats
- Tupperware
- Blankets
- Bike accessories
All items must be clean and in good condition.
Please bring your items to the Accommodation office or the Operations Manager’s office at any time. Or take to the RAC common room on Tuesday 30 June from 7:30 to 10:00.
Where else to donate or recycle
Clothing, accessories, books
- Mind – 118 Walton Street
- Sobell House – Little Clarendon Street
- Mercy in Action – Little Clarendon Street (also accepts small household items)
Clothing, homewares, music
- Oxfam – 17 Broad Street (Also accepts postal donations)
Electrical items
- The college accepts clean electrical items in good condition Please drop these off to the Accommodation or Operations Manager offices.
Unused toiletries
- The Hygiene Bank supports people living in hygiene poverty – Nearest drop-off: Boots, Cornmarket Street
Non-perishable food
- Donation points include Co-op, Waitrose, M&S, Asda and Sainsbury’s across Oxford
Batteries
- Use the battery recycling box in the Lodge
WEEE waste (laptops, phones, IT items)
Drop at the Lodge. Our supplier will securely erase all data and either refurbish or recycle them.
Find out more and get involved
Lots more can be found on our Sustainability webpages. Want to contribute ideas or join our working group? Contact Elaine at sustainability@gtc.ox.ac.uk
