Environmental issues

University Environmental Policy

One of the many ways that the University of Sheffield is working towards a sustainable city is by putting in place a carbon emissions management plan. This has been undertaken with the Carbon Trust. The main principles of the plan are to:

• Achieve a 20% reduction of 2005-6 emissions by 2016-17.
• Upgrade heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems, and improve utility sub-metering in 38 University buildings.
• Promote the student ‘Switch off’ campaign, where student blocks are incentivised to turn equipment off standby, turn lights off and turn heating down.
• Replace IT equipment, such as servers and computers with energy efficient items.
• Take part in the ‘Green Impact’ scheme, a two year project comprising of 15 teams of staff participating in an environmental accreditation scheme.

Noise

Problems can arise (for both student and non-student neighbours) with regard to noise, particularly when students return home from events/venues in the late evening and early hours, and where student gatherings, music and other activities are disruptive to other residents.

The University´s action in relation to appropriate student behaviour is set out in the Student Behaviour section of this website.

This general approach is supported by specific initiatives, including:

• Pre-arrival and Intro Week guidance
• A student-led ‘Staying Up, Keep it down’ campaign reminding students to control their noise levels. This is an ongoing campaign using posters, leaflets, mentor talks, imagery and branding across all Students’ Union publications and web copy.
• The use of noise monitoring equipment and noise insulation equipment in our bar areas. A noise management plan has been produced for the Ridge and Edge bars.
• Events management staff/mentors control events in University residential accommodation where there may be an impact upon neighbours.
• Security patrols.

Litter

The University of Sheffield understands the importance of minimising litter both on campus and in the surrounding areas. At the end of each term the University runs a 'Bring it don't bin it' campaign, resulting in tonnes of unwanted items going to charity rather than in the bin. The University also works with the council and Veolia to run the red sack scheme each year, allowing students to legitimately leave out excess rubbish at the end of their tenancy.

Other initiatives include:

• Two full time litter wardens who patrol the campus and Endcliffe/Ranmoor residential sites daily, to control litter on the site and surrounding area.
• Reminders to students not to litter.
• Provision of litter bins in nearby streets.
• Motorised sweeping.
• Work by porters on the main campus to help maintain an attractive appearance.