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Environmental Practices and Procedures
Version a (Draft)
Board of Trustees
January 2014
No more than 2 years
January 2016
As well as running campaigns and information events for students to reduce their carbon footprint, Falmouth & Exeter
Students’ Union (FXU) are committed to reducing the impact its own operations have on the environment. The following
sections are designed to assess and positively react to the impact it makes.
SECTION A: PROCUREMENT
IMPACT
Energy usage:
Supply chain
Packaging
during manufacture,
delivery
and disposal
- resource
depletion
fuels/water), contribution to climate change; air pollution
workforce welfare; habitat loss; land degradation; animal welfare
resource depletion; unsustainable forestry; volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
(fossil
ACTIONS
FXU will make procurement decisions based on a balance between economic, social and environmental factors.
Energy Efficient
The EU directive 92/75/EC established an energy consumption labelling scheme. Where FXU is responsible (as opposed to
the institution) for procurement of electrical appliances, equipment and vehicle purchases should be made with
consideration of the item’s energy efficiency. Ideally the most energy efficient option should be chosen, but this must be
balanced against price.
Each product has an energy label, separated into at least four categories:
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The appliance’s details: according to each appliance, specific details, of the model and its materials
Energy class: a colour code associated to a letter (from A to G) that gives an idea of the appliance’s electrical
consumption
Consumption, efficiency, capacity, etc.: this section gives information according to appliance type
Noise: the noise emitted by the appliance is described in decibels
Refrigeration equipment
When purchasing appliances for refrigeration (specifically fridges and freezers), only those with an energy efficiency class of
‘A’ or above (A+ or A++) will be considered.
Dishwashers and kitchen equipment
In this category, appliances should have a minimum energy efficiency class of ‘B’ or above.
Small appliances – kettles, tea urns etc.
In this category, products may not have a specific energy efficiency class. Comparisons and recommendations may be
found on the Which website (www.which.co.uk) and this method may be used to determine the most efficient option to
buy. If a decision cannot be made based on information from this site, further research should be made and evidence
provided to support the final procurement decision.
Vehicles
When purchasing a new vehicle for the union (car or minibus) the following website can be used for advice on selecting the
most efficient model for the available budget: (http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Transport/Consumer/Choosing-a-carormotorbike)
As with section 3 above, if necessary, further research may be carried out and evidence must be provided to support any
procurement decision.
In conclusion, for any procurement of electrical appliances, equipment and vehicles by FXU, the most energy efficient
model within the available budget should always be purchased and the decision supported by evidence.
Light bulbs
Where ever possible, the Union will only use environmentally friendly light bulbs. These will not include Tungsten filament
bulbs. Where the bulbs are supplied by FX Plus, the Union will request the most environmentally friendly option available.
Products for Resale
FXU purchase products for resale each company will be ethical and environmental assessed about the sourcing of their
products and packaging.
The number of deliveries from any supplier will be kept to a minimum to ensure that unnecessary transport is not used.
SECTION B: PRINTING/PAPER
IMPACT
Energy usage
during manufacture, delivery and disposal; contribution to climate change; air pollution
Natural Resource
Depletion
raw materials (paper) – unsustainable forestry; resource depletion and habitat loss.
ACTIONS
FXU is dedicated to reduce the amount of paper used on an annual basis. This is being achieved through a common sense
approach to printing, and trying to avoid duplication.
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The photocopiers and printers are networked. The desk top printers are black and white only.
Where possible, all documents are printed back to back.
A monthly log of all photocopies will be kept by the Finance & Operations Manager.
All white paper purchased will be from at least 75% recycled paper, or conforms with NAPM or from a certified
sustainable source.
Prior to external meetings, each staff member will check whether papers will be available or whether they bring
their own. This will prevent duplication.
Prior to internal meetings, the meeting administrator will confirm with attendees whether or not papers will be
prepared on their behalf.
E-marketing will be the prime source of marketing material. Any paper marketing production must be proven to
be required and a value edition to the event/activity being marketed.
Ipads or laptops will be used where practical instead of printed out minutes.
Single side printed paper will be collected, stored and reused
Through the above actions, the FXU aims to reduce the total number of copies made by 5% per annum.
SECTION C: DISPOSAL OF WASTE
IMPACT
Large amounts of Landfill
through general waste disposal in all areas of the Union. Potential hazardous waste
ACTIONS
All areas of FXU will actively recycle:
Offices:
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Paper recycling bins are located by the photocopiers and in the offices.
General recycling bins are located in the staff kitchen and communal areas.
All empty toner bottles are kept and collected for refilling.
Any individual printer cartridges are refilled.
All glass, plastic and cardboard packaging is recycled where possible.
Batteries will be stored and placed in the battery recycling point on the campus
Food waste will be collected for composting
The glass recycling provision is arranged by FXU. The other recycling is sourced by the University.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
All hazardous waste is disposed of in accordance with Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 and the
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2007. In operation, this means that no electrical
equipment is disposed of through general waste collection.
SECTION D: CHEMICALS
IMPACT
Pollution
contribution to climate change; air pollution; water pollution
ACTIONS
Where it is safe and practicable to do so, cleaning products used by FXU staff have the least environmental impact. For
example. Ecover is used as an all-purpose spray which is the predominant cleaning product used.
SECTION C: SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE
IMPACT
Energy usage
resource depletion (fossil fuels/water), contribution to climate change; air pollution
ACTIONS
All light switches have “switch it off” reminder stickers
Area
Offices
Responsibility
All staff
During the Day
 Turn off all
lights in
spaces not
being used.
 All PCs are on
automatic
power save
after 30
minutes.
End of Day Procedure
 Shut down computers.
 Switch off all lights.
 Ensure any phone charges are
not plugged in.
 Ensure all filing cabinets/safes
are locked.
 Lock all vacated areas if the
last person leaving.
Additional Procedure if
area to be unused for
more than 72 hours
 Unplug all electrical
items
 Empty fridges, turn off
and unplug, propping
door open.
Communal
Areas /
Meeting
Room
Last staff member
in the building
 Turn off all
lights in
spaces not
being used.
 Check
toilets
lights are
off.
 Check
toilet taps
are turned
off.
 Shut down computers.
 Turn off all lights.
 Check toilet taps are turned
off.
 Empty fridges, turn off
and unplug, propping
doors open.
 Shut down and unplug
computers.
 Turn off advertising TV
SECTION E: WATER
IMPACT
Energy usage
Natural Resource
Depletion
during manufacture, delivery and disposal; contribution to climate change; air
pollution
raw materials (paper) – unsustainable forestry; resource depletion and habitat
loss.
ACTION
Wherever possible, FXU will minimise the amount of water used in its day to day operations. Water supply and drainage is
sourced and controlled by FX Plus as FXU’s landlord.
Most toilet basin taps are non-concussive, where taps are concussive the toilets will be regularly checked to make sure
they have been turned off. FXU will request any new or refurbished toilets in the Annex (or anywhere on campus) will
incorporate water-less urinals or any similar option which is more sustainable.
All leaks must be reported to Facilities through the Helpdesk as soon as practicably possible.
SECTION F: TRAVEL
IMPACT
Travel
Green house gas; carbon emissions; contribution to climate change; air pollution
ACTION
FXU will promote the ‘Your Campus Travel Guide – Informing Sustainable Change’
Travel policy will not allow air travel unless express permission is granted .
FXU will include a mileage rate for cyclists.
FXU will encourage video conferencing and technology to reduce the requirement for travel.
SECTION G: BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE
All FXU staff and officers will be encouraged to reduce the Union and their own Carbon Footprint through staff meetings
and participation in events such as the University Green Impact.