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Conference: A New Social Contract for Sustainability?
Hosted by the Schumacher Institute and inspired by the work of the German Advisory Council on Global Change (WGBU) this two-day conference will combine research with public debate to explore how new forms of dialogue and agreement among government, business, civil society and citizens could address multiple crises.
For full details click here |
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 “Facing the Future: Education for Sustainability in Higher Education”
WORKSHOP: Tuesday 25th June 12.00-4.00, FW015 A&B, Fullwood House, Park Campus
Q: would you like to find out more about the University’s current approaches and initiatives in Education for Sustainability?
Q: are you interested in how Education for Sustainability can connect with the emerging learning landscape in HE?
Q: would you like to learn about how colleagues see the relevance of Education for Sustainability to their subject areas?
Q: are you interested in engaging in discussion of challenges and horizons for Education for Sustainability in future HE?
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Joint University Green Transport Project Awarded £25,000
A joint project to develop an ultra-light rail scheme using hydrogen fuel technology came 'runner-up' at the Green Transport Prize 2013 and received an award of £25,000.
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 University Launches New Car Share Forum
Would you like to save money during your commute? Would you like cheaper parking? Or maybe you are worried about your vehicle’s emissions? Then the Car Share Forum is for you!
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 Edible Garden Flourishing as Tress are Planted in St Pauls
The University's Edible Garden project run in partnership with the St Paul's Road Area Residents Association is bearing fruit with 40 trees ready to be planted in the local area.
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Joint University Project Reaches Final of Green Transport Prize 2013
An environmental sustainability project, jointly conceived by Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce and Professor Frank Chambers, Head of the University’s Centre for Environmental Change and Quaternary Research, has passed through two rounds of the Green Transport Prize 2013.
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Swift Return to FCH Campus
Common Swifts have once more returned to Francis Close Hall campus. The colony have migrated back from Southern Africa to take up residence once again at FCH for the nesting season.
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 University Caterer BaxterStorey Awarded 'Food for Life' Catering Mark
BaxterStorey, the University's caterer, have achieved the Soil Association’s Bronze Food for Life Catering Mark for serving fresh, healthy and sustainable meals.
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 British Heart Foundation Partnership
The University is partnering with the British Heart Foundation to collect your unwanted items and put them to good use to fight heart disease.
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 Gloucestershire Green Fair
Vision 21 will be hosting a Gloucestershire Green Fair and Seed Swap on the 27th of April, 2013 from 10:30am to 4:00pm in the Pillar Room of Cheltenham Town Hall.
Click here for the flyer and here to visit the website |
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 Events coordinator wanted by Global Footsteps for Cheltenham event
Global Footsteps is a Cheltenham-based charity with a global reach. They place volunteers in grassroots projects in Kenya, Bangladesh and other countries with the aim of promoting sustainability and resourcefulness.
In September 2013, as part of an EU-funded project being held in conjuction with Germany, Poland and Slovakia - Global Footsteps is hosting a 4-day meeting/workshop in Cheltenham. They are seeking an events coordinator to help plan, prepare and execute this event.
The deadline for applications is Monday 29 April 2013. A full position description is available here. |
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Free Grow Your Own Workshops from Vision 21
Vision 21 are holding free Grow Your Own workshops in Gloucester and Tewkesbury in April, May and September this year so come along and learn how to grow some delicious fruit and vegetables in your garden.
Full details including times and locations are available here or contact Erin Baker on ebaker@vision21.org.uk or 07432 673069. |
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 University Shuts Off Lights for Earth Hour!
Lights were shut off for one hour at Oxstalls campus on the night of Saturday 23rd March as the University joined tens of millions of citizens and corporations throughout the world to save energy in support of WWF Earth Hour.
Kierson Wise, Associate Director of Sustainability (Carbon) said:
“The simple act of switching off the lights and non-essential equipment at the University for just one hour resulted in a distinct drop in energy consumption at Oxstalls and saved around 22kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. This, combined with the energy being saved by millions of other concerned participants in WWF Earth Hour throughout the world, is a clear demonstration of what we can achieve through coordinated action.”
Click here for the photos |
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World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Earth Hour 2013
It’s not just about an hour of darkness. It’s about a brighter future.
Switch off your lights at 8.30 pm on Saturday 23 March 2013.
The University of Gloucestershire Sustainability Team is calling on all staff to be part of the largest voluntary action ever witnessed by taking part in the international Earth Hour event, hosted by the WWF.
Earth Hour takes place on Saturday 23 March from 8.30pm – 9.30pm. By switching off non-essential lighting for an hour at locations and facilities across the University, staff will be joining tens of millions of concerned citizens and corporations throughout the world in calling for action to save the planet. In 2012 a record 152 countries and 6,895 towns and cities took part in the Earth Hour challenge.
Find out more about Earth Hour or visit the Earth Hour Facebook group. |
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 Join us at an UNU RCE Severn and Energy Institute Event: "Energy Management: Energising the Workforce"
23rd April 2013, 7 – 9pm
University of Gloucestershire, Park Campus, Room TC013
Cheltenham GL50 2RH
The UNU RCE Severn (University of Gloucestershire) and the Energy Institute are delighted to invite you to an evening event, led by Vilnis Vesma CEng MEI, which will provide key insights on managing and saving energy in the workplace.
Click here for more detail and here to view the flyer. |
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International Women’s Day (Friday, the 8th of March)
This International Women’s Day, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS) is organizing a 24 hour Chat to increase awareness on girls’ and young women’s rights. Recommendations from around the world on how to make these rights a reality will be gathered, and will contribute to the World We Want for Girls!
Click here for more detail |
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Battery Recycling
New battery recycling facilities are now available on all university campuses. Click here for more detail and locations. |
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Book Review - Sustainability: All That Matters
Charlotte Oben, third-year student in Geography at the University of Gloucestershire reviews the latest book from sustainability author and blogger Chris Goodall.
Read the full review here |
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Vision 21 Newsletter - March 2013
The latest Vision 21 newsletter has just been released, with updates on a range of local sustianable projects including the new website and launch of the Cheltenham Garden Share scheme.
View the newsletter here. |
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 Did You Know? The University of Gloucestershire was one of the first Universities to be awarded Fairtrade status. It first gained Fairtrade acknowledgement in 2006 and has met increasingly stringent criteria necessary for annual accreditation.
The University works in partnership with the Student Union and University caterers Baxter Storey, and has a staff and student steering group to promote Fairtrade across all campuses and support the University’s Sustainable Food Policy.
The volume of Fairtrade goods sold on campus has been increasing significantly in recent years, with a 500% increase in the last year alone. Over 800 kilograms of Fairtrade bananas and 1,600 kilograms of Fairtrade coffee is forecast to be sold this year.
For more information on Fairtrade at the University of Gloucestershire click here.
Watch out for Fairtrade Fortnight (25th Feb – 10th March) and join in various activities planned at UoG. |
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Global Footsteps Cafe - Fairtrade News and Events
Global Footsteps is “Going Further for Fair Trade” to celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight, 25th February to 10th March. There will be a sale of non-food fair trade items throughout the fortnight, with up to 50% off, and two major events.
Click here for more information |
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 Fairtrade Fortnight - 25th February - 10th March
The University Sustainability Team, Student Union and University caterers Baxter Storey are once again proudly supporting Fairtrade Fortnight with a range of events over the course of the next two weeks.
For more information click here |
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Developing Graduate Attributes through Sustainability
Higher Education Academy workshop
Friday 15th March 2013, 10am – 4 pm
University of Gloucestershire - Oxstalls Campus
This free one day workshop to held at the University of Gloucestershire focuses on the delivery of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and graduate attributes using an interdisciplinary ‘Hybrid’ Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach.
This workshop is the outcome of a three-year project funded by the Higher Education Academy's National Teaching Fellowship Scheme entitled ‘Hybrid problem-based learning: a scalable approach to sustainability education?’; a collaboration between Keele University, The University of Manchester and Staffordshire University.
The Hybrid-PBL approach has been developed to enable the delivery of PBL-style teaching to larger cohort numbers in a less resource intensive way for the teaching and learning of sustainability education. This will be explored during the workshop along with links to other pressing agendas in Higher Education including Graduate Attributes, Employability, and Internationalisation amongst others.
This workshop is aimed at educators from any discipline who have interests in developing: 1) problem-based learning approaches, 2) education for sustainability, 3) graduate attributes and 4) the use of social media in teaching.
Further details about the workshop, a programme for the day and the workshop booking form can be found here
If you are interested in attending then please complete a booking form and return to Barbara Rainbow, sustainability team, brainbow@glos.ac.uk |
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 Gloucestershire Bike Project introduces the 'Cog and Sprocket' Women's Bike Workshop
Ladies, fancy getting your bike ship-shape and shiny for Spring? The Cog and Sprockett group is run by women for women and aims to create a friendly and informal space to tinker with your bike. Whether you are a budding bike mechanic, or just want to learn how to repair a flat tyre, this will be the place for you.
Please pre book your place for the first session on Thursday 7th March and then drop in anytime between 6pm - 9pm at the Glos Bike Project workshop on Barton Street, Gloucester.
View the poster here, visit the Facebook page or email Jemma on jemma@gloucestershirebikeproject.co.uk for more details and to book a place. |
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 Vote for the 2013 Ecologist and Resurgence Communications Challenge Award
Student Unions from across the UK have submitted their one minute videos that convey an environmental message, in an effort to win this year's Communications Challenge Award. Now it is up to you to choose the winner....
Videos and can viewed here and voting is open until 11pm on 10th March 2013. |
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 GUNi Student Video Competition Now Open
The Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi) is opening a Call for Videos for higher education students around the world, with a goal to involve your visions on transformative knowledge in higher education.
Click here to watch the introductory video and here for more information on how to apply.
Deadline 15th March 2013. |
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 Student Enterprise Network Presents – Cheltenham Chilli Company Branding Competition
We are looking for a logo for our new social enterprise, the Cheltenham Chilli Company! The logo design competition is open to all students and staff and closes on the 22nd February.
For more information and how to take part, click HERE |
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 Showing of Cannes Award Winning Documentary "TRASHED", starring Jeremy Irons, at Park Campus
Friday 1st Feb, 7.30pm at TC014, Park Campus, Uni of Gloucestershire.
Brilliant, but shocking - includes the effects of global waste, how some solutions are as frightening and toxic as the problem itself and much more.
Here is a trailer: http://www.trashedfilm.com/
Organised by GlosVain |
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Garden Share Scheme Launches
This week sees the launch of the Cheltenham Garden Share Scheme aiming connect people who have a garden they wish to share with people who want space to predominantly grow food. The scheme is supported by Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire County Council, NHS Glos and Landshare.
For more information and to get involved either as a host or gardener visit the Vision 21 website or take a look at the recent article in the Gloucestershire Echo. |
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 New Government Green Deal Launches today!
The Green Deal is the Government's flagship energy saving plan to make homes warmer and cheaper to run. It will enable people to pay for energy saving improvements such as glazing, insulation and new boilers through savings on their electricity bills.
Click here for more information |
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Sue Illman - Sustainable Landscape Series Presentation
Sue Illman, president of the Landscape Institute and director of Illman Young Landscape Design will be delivering the next instalment of the highly succesful Sustainable Landscape Series at 18.45 on Tuesday 19th February. The event will be held in Room TC001 at FCH Campus.
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The annual Gloucestershire Lecture, presented by The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire
This year the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire welcome Goverment Chief Scientific Adviser, Prof. Sir John Beddington who will discuss: What is happening to the World? Population, Climate, Food, Water & Energy.
University staff and students are invited free of charge for the lecture (please note the supper which is chargeable). The lecture will take place on Thursday 14th February at 6.30pm with reception drinks from 6pm and will be held at Park, Lecture Theatre TC014.
Download the flyer for more information. |
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Volunteer Application Deadline Extended!
Global Footsteps has extended the deadline for volunteers applying to join an expenses-paid venture to one of their EU-funded ‘Learning through Volunteering' projects in Čadca, Slovakia from 14th to 18th April 2013. The deadline is now January 31st.
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 Student Enterprise Network Event, Monday 28th January
Guest Speaker, James Boon, Elephant Branded
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Venue: Park, TC013
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 All welcome to public debate on the Energy Bill with Martin Horwood MP
The event will take place from 3pm - 4pm on Saturday 23rd February, at St Andrews Church, Montpelier Street, Cheltenham
For more information download the flyer or contact Sallie Agombar on 07963 800652 or via email on cheltenhamfoe@yahoo.co.uk |
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 Places available at EU supported Christianity and Sustainability Workshop in Poland - June 2013
The workshop is aimed at teachers and members of the Christian community. The main topic will be exploring the connection between Christian faith and sustainability. It is free of charge to those that are accepted (travel and all costs of the conference) and the deadline for applications has been extended to mid February, not the 31st January as the website states.
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University of Gloucestershire Led National Project in Education for Sustainability Completed
The University has led a unique sector wide project which could help to change the face of the higher education curriculum to make it more relevant to global sustainability challenges. The cutting edge project which was funded by HEFCE and supported by the QAA, introduced Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into education quality agendas.
Click here for more information or visit the project website. |
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 Sustainability Internship at Stakeholder Forum
Stakeholder Forum is looking for two enthusiastic interns with a keen interest in sustainable development to work with them on a part time basis for three months. There are roles available on both the Communications and Project Management teams and both roles will have particular focus on the various projects the organisation are undertaking around the outcomes from Rio+20 and the post-2015 development agenda.
Stakeholder Forum is an international organisation working to advance sustainable development and promote democracy at a global level.
The deadline for all applications is 12:00 noon, Friday 25th January.
For further information on these exciting opportunities and how to apply click here or contact Prof Daniella Tilbury - dtilbury@glos.ac.uk
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 Did You Know? The University of Gloucestershire is committed to renewable heat generation and was an early adopter of the technology. For example, in 2006 the University installed a state of the art ground source heat pump. Through this, the University is able to utilise freely available energy, stored in the earth, to heat buildings at our Oxstalls campus.
Heat is extracted using 5 vertical boreholes, each 100 metres deep drilled beneath the car park. A 22kW heat pump then upgrades this heat energy and delivers it to the indoor sports facility via under-floor heating. The system is delivering around 28,000 units of useful heat per annum, and has already saved over 20 tonnes of CO2.
Compiled by the Sustainability Team. |
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Don't Toss For Glos, Hardwick's BIG competition
‘Don't Toss For Glos’, a campaign created by two second year students to encourage recycling amongst University of Gloucestershire students launches on the 21st of January. The BIG competition will be visiting Hardwick halls where accommodation blocks will be competing against each other to recycle the highest percentage of their waste.
If you're a student at Hardwick, look out for your two recycling reps Sophie and Caragh in their 'Don't Toss For Glos' t-shirts. They will tell you more about the competition and how you and your block can win!
Have a look at the Facebook page to find out more. |
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Volunteers Wanted!
Global Footsteps is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join an expenses-paid venture to one of our EU-funded ‘Learning through Volunteering' projects in Čadca, Slovakia from 14th to 18th April 2013. You will join members of the project team in our second meeting with project partners from Slovakia, Poland and Germany.
MORE |
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Blanche Cameron - Sustainable Landscape Series Presentation
Blanche Cameron, one of the founders of RESET (the Ecological Adaptation of the Built Environment charity) will be delivering the next instalment of the highly succesful Sustainable Landscape Series at 18.45 on Tuesday 22nd January. The event will be held in Room TC001 at FCH Campus.
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 Did You Know? The University of Gloucestershire has attracted over £500,000 in income for Education for Sustainability (EfS) projects in the last four years. It was ranked 1st (91.6% score) in an assessment of sustainability teaching and learning practice in UK Universities by the BiTC 'Universities that Count' assessment undertaken in 2010. It was the national lead for a HEFCE LGM funded project on quality and EfS (2010-12). The University's work in EfS was recognised through a Green Gown Award in 2010 and a Highly Commended in 2011.
Compiled by the Sustainability Team. |
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Free Staff Workshop, Friday 15th March 2013, 10am – 4 pm: Developing Graduate Attributes through the Sustainability Agenda and Problem-Based Learning hosted by The University of Gloucestershire in collaboration with Keele University
This is a free one day workshop at The Park focusing on the delivery of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and graduate attributes using an interdisciplinary ‘Hybrid’ Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach.
The workshop is aimed at educators from any discipline, from university, to FE and college educators, to PhD students with teaching responsibilities, who have interests in developing: 1) problem-based learning approaches, 2) education for sustainability, 3) graduate attributes and 4) the use of social media in teaching.
Further details will be available in the New Year. |
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 Did You Know? The University of Gloucestershire was ranked as 1st Class by the 2012 People and Planet Green League - the only university to have consistently ranked in the top 5 since the league began. This year we scored full marks for Environmental Policy, Education for Sustainability (Curriculum), Staff and Student Engagement and Ethical Investment.
Click the button to access full Green League Results.
Compiled by the Sustainability Team. |
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 Love Christmas Hate Waste!
You are invited to a free Love Food Hate Waste cookery demonstration event at the Park Campus Refectory! Learn about making the most of your festive food with student and chef Shane Jordan and there is also the opportunity to make simple recycled presents and design your own Christmas cards.
Free nibbles, mulled wine and goody bags will be available!
The event takes place on Friday December 7th 5.30pm - 8pm. Spaces are limited to 30 people, and pre-booking is essential in order to ensure a place. To book please contact Kate Cole via email or or call on 01454 426525.
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 Can Red Be Green?
The Stroud Green Party and the Labour Party would like to invite you to a discussion and debate on the potential for crossover in social and environmental politics. Issues to be discussed include:
• Can a political party be socialist and green at the same time?
• What are the challenges for bringing red and green together?
• How do the existing parties measure up?
The event includes introductory speakers from both parties, refreshments and will run from 7.30pm – 9.30pm on Friday 30th November at the Star Anise Arts Café in Stroud (GL5 1QG).
For further information email Sarah Lunnon |
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Did You Know? The University of Gloucestershire has been running on renewable electricity since 1993. The University was  Ecotricity’s first client and one of the pioneers in ‘green tariff’ procurement, supporting the development of clean technologies such as solar, wind and marine energy in the UK.
Compiled by the Sustainability Team. |
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Finlay McNab - Sustainable Landscape Series Presentation
Finlay McNab, a senior urban designer with SUSTRANS will be delivering the next instalment of the highly succesful Sustainable Landscape Series at 18.45 on Tuesday 27th November. The event will be held in Room TC001 at FCH Campus.
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 James Derounian speaking at the House of Commons
James Derounian, Principal Lecturer in Community Development and Local Governance and National Teaching Fellow will be presenting on the “Big Green Gap Year” to the All – Party Parliamentary Group on Rural Services on 20th November at the House of Commons.
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 Post Rio+20 Event: The Future of Education for Sustainable Development in the UK
Prof Daniella Tilbury shared a platform with the Rt Hon David Heath MP, Minister of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DEFRA at an event held in London on the 15th November.
The invitation only event, convened by the EAUC, brought together CEOs and heads of organisations and educational agencies to discuss the implications of educational commitments resulting from Rio+20.
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 Prof Daniella Tilbury, Keynote Speaker at the University of Bern Research Centre on Tertiary Education
The University of Bern hosts the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research Excellence. Prof Daniella Tilbury was invited to open it's international conference on 13th November sharing research she has undertaken for UNESCO. The two day event focused on North-South Issues as well as the reorienting of higher education in Europe towards sustainability. Prof Tilbury delivered the addresss and participated in a round table via skype.
A full program for the event is available here.
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Did you Know? The University has a 64kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array located on the roof of the main building at Oxstalls – at 492 square metres this was the biggest solar PV array  in the county when it was installed in 2003 and since then has generated approximately 400,000kWh of solar power, worth over £40,000 and saving around 200 tonnes of CO2.
Compiled by the Sustainability Team. |
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 Positive Justice Debate on Prisons - 23rd November
Positive Justice Gloucestershire is hosting a debate for Prisons Week entitled 'This house believes that prison works.' It will be held at 7pm on Friday 23rd November, at Archway school in Stroud, all welcome.
Further details for the debate are available on the flier - click here. |
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 Tom Newman joins the Students Union as new Opportunities Manager.
Tom Newman has recently been appointed to the role of Volunteering, Jobshop & Opportunities Manager at the Students' Union, a position that will see him take the lead for the Union in sustainable issues and projects.
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University Awarded for Biodiversity Work
The University of Gloucestershire has been Highly Commended by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust for its ongoing work to enrich the county’s biodiversity both in and out of the classroom.
The University was commended in its category ‘Outstanding Contribution to Nature by a Gloucestershire Business’ and the commendation was presented by Sir Henry Elwes, Trust President.
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 Sport Malawi is now Recruiting!
UoG's award winning social sustainability and outreach program is once again recruiting for the next expedition, to take place in June 2013.
Applications need to be submitted by November 16th.
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 University of Gloucestershire shortlisted for three Green Gown Awards
UoG has once again been successful the first stage of submission in the prestigious Green Gown Awards for sustainability in Higher Education, being shortlisted in the 'Continous Improvement', 'Social Responsibility' and 'Courses' categories.
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Chirstmas Craft Fair 
The University of Gloucestershire branch of the WI will be hosting a Christmas Craft Fair again this year to showcase the skills of staff and students. If you would like a stall, or further information, please contact Claire Salmon by 9th November via email or on or call 01242 714476
The event will be held on Thursday 6th December from 2.00-5.30pm in Park Refectory, and stalls will be £10 for staff and £5 for students.
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HEA and NUS Sustainability Skills Survey
The University Sustainability Team and the Student Union are collaborating with the NUS to promote the latest Higher Education Academy Student Survey. The survey opened on 15th October 2012, and will close on 11th November 2012. It can be accessed here
The surveys are incentivised with a £500 first prize and ten £50 runner up prizes.
For further information please click HERE or contact Paul Thomas on the Sustainability Team. |
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Kathryn Lwin Growing Wild in Cities - Sustainable Landscape Series Presentation
Kathryn Lwin, founder of River of Flowers will be delivering the next instalment of the highly succesful Sustainable Landscape Series at 18.45 on Tuesday 30th October. The event will be held in Room TC001 at FCH Campus.
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Gloucestershire Employability Award
On 23 October Nicki Castello, Head of Careers, presented the Gloucestershire Employability Award Certificates to the students who successfully completed the verification process.
Congratulations to Will Matthews, Aimee Saunders, Ross Hammond, Anna David, Adam Salisbury, Marcus Thomas, Hayley Derrett, Mel Evans, Louise Paige and Christopher Share.
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Kierson Wise joins as the team as the new Associate Director of Sustainabiity (Carbon)
The Sustainability Team would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest member, Kierson Wise, who joins us from the Severn Wye Energy Agency. Kierson's role will focus on the area of carbon planning, management and measurement.
Kierson can be contacted via email or by phone on 01242 714107
For more information on Kierson's expertise and responsibilities click here |
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UNU RCE Severn and COPERNICUS Alliance Co-ordinator, Dr Ingrid Mulà, invited as key panellist at the European Development Days Side Event: “Building Future Curricula: Sustainability in Higher Education” (Brussels, 15-18 October 2012)
Ingrid presented the global context regarding the engagement of higher education in sustainability and had the opportunity to discuss the key role of COPERNICUS Alliance and RCE Severn in promoting curriculum change and employability in the area of sustainability at the debate. MORE |
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Liftshare Week (1st-5th October)
This week is Liftshare Week. The Liftshare network is FREE TO JOIN so why not take the chance to give liftsharing a try on your commute?
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Supported through the Higher Education Funding Council for England LGM Project: Leading Curriculum Change for Sustainability – Strategic Approaches to Quality.
Conference - July 2nd Aston University. More information, booking form and programme available |