At the University of Roehampton, we’re always looking for ways to improve sustainability on campus and sometimes that means finding innovative solutions to seemingly simple challenges. One recent example of this was our collaboration with SUEZ UK to rehome several disused campus planters in a way that avoided waste and supported biodiversity.

The Challenge

We approached SUEZ UK with a problem: several old planters around campus were no longer in use. Rather than send them for disposal and incur disposal costs, we were seeking a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative.

At the same time, SUEZ UK’s south London and Eastbourne depots were exploring new ways to bring their sustainability commitments to life through practical, visible action.

The Solution

By combining both needs, we created a simple yet impactful reuse project. The planters were collected free of charge by SUEZ and transported to their depots, where they were cleaned, refurbished, and given a new lease of life.

SUEZ filled the refurbished planters with bee-friendly plants to support local biodiversity and enhance the greenery around their depots, creating more engaging outdoor spaces for staff and visitors.

The Impact

This small-scale reuse initiative achieved multiple sustainability goals:

For Roehampton, the project delivered cost savings and reduced waste. For SUEZ UK, it reinforced their environmental values while making their depots greener and more welcoming places to work.

This project is a testament to the power of partnerships in driving circular solutions. We’re proud to work with organisations like SUEZ who share our ambition to reduce waste and enhance the natural environment.