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Working for a more sustainable future at the RVC
In the face of a global climate emergency, biodiversity loss and plastic pollution, it is more important than ever that action is taken to
tackle such issues. That is why, in 2018, work began on a new RVC Environmental Sustainability Strategy. The strategy sets out objectives and targets for five focus areas:
• Energy and carbon
• Sustainable transport
• Waste reduction and recycling
• Water management
• Wildlife enhancement
These focus areas were selected following consultation with students
and staff. It was carried out as part of a wider study to identify the environmental issues most relevant to the College. The strategy aims to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (UN SDGs). The UN SDGs were launched in 2015 and adopted by all 193 Member States. They were designed to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all, as part of a new sustainable development agenda.
Over the last year, a number of initiatives have been introduced to reduce the College’s impact on the environment . . .
Tackling carbon emissions
The Estates team have been working to upgrade plant and infrastructure across both campuses to improve its efficiency and help reduce the College’s carbon footprint. In fact, carbon emissions associated with electricity and gas consumption have decreased by 37% since 2010. The College has also appointed a new electricity supplier that uses responsibly sourced wood pellets to generate energy. This fuel source
is renewable and creates 87% fewer carbon emissions than coal.
Reducing waste and
increasing recycling
Reusable coffee cups have been
actively promoted and cups made from biodegradable rice husks were given out to alumni at this year’s Graduation. Dedicated recycling bins for disposable cups have been installed on both campuses, to ensure they are recycled at a specialist facility. The College has a ‘zero to landfill’ approach to managing waste. This means items that cannot be reused or recycled are sent to ‘energy from waste’ facilities.
Supporting wildlife
The RVC is working with the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to create a Wildlife Enhancement Plan for the Hawkshead Campus. The plan will include initiatives to increase and enhance the diversity of natural habitats found across the estate. One
of the most notable species currently found at Hawkshead is the house martin. These small birds migrate all the way from Africa each summer to breed.
They tend to nest under the eaves of buildings, so prior to the demolition of the Main Clinical Block, alternative nests were installed across the campus to compensate for the loss of the building.
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If you would like to know more about the RVC’s approach to environmental sustainability please email us at development@rvc. ac.uk and we can put you in touch with the RVC’s Environmental Manager.
Coffee cup recycling bin
House martin