Over the winter months, we ran our first-ever Energy Pledge initiative to encourage staff to adopt simple but impactful habits that reduce energy use. From switching off unused equipment to rethinking how we travel and teach, this initiative was all about empowering our community to take meaningful action.

We’re delighted to announce that our standout contributors were Ashlee Cammell and the Conferences and Events Team, and Tessa Watson, an Associate Professor and Programme Leader for the MA Music Therapy course – both of whom received Hive Café vouchers as a thank you for their inspiring and thoughtful pledges.

The Conferences and Events Team

The Conferences and Events Team impressed us with their collaborative approach to energy saving. What really stood out was their influence beyond the team – they pledged to actively encourage clients to consider low-carbon travel options. Their efforts demonstrate how sustainability can be embedded into both internal practices and outward-facing services.

Tessa Watson

Tessa’s pledge stood out for its creativity and holistic approach. She considered the environmental footprint of her teaching and committed to exploring ways to repair musical instruments rather than replacing them, and to sourcing second-hand equipment where possible – a thoughtful take on reuse within an academic setting. Tessa also pledged to rely on public transport for over 80% of her journeys during the spring and summer terms, showing how sustainable choices can be built into everyday routines.

Looking Ahead

Energy saving plays a crucial role in cutting our campus carbon emissions and operating more efficiently. These individual and team-led efforts help create a culture of sustainability. We’ll be bringing the Energy Pledge initiative back next Autumn/Winter, so keep your eyes peeled for a chance to get involved – and win some great rewards. In the meantime, there are still plenty of ways to be energy conscious as we move into the warmer months.

Many of our lights are already on daylight sensors, so it’s a great time to lean into that by using natural light whenever possible. Don’t forget to unplug chargers and switch off equipment at the end of the day – even in summer, every bit helps.

Thanks again to everyone who took part, and to our winners for leading the way. Let’s keep building a more sustainable campus together.