Community and sustainability
Respecting our community and environment
Southampton Solent University is committed to helping our environment and have introduced recycling initiatives for both staff and students.
Recycling
The residences have an active recycling program through Biffa. Recycling is easy to do on campus and at the residences with one container used for all recyclable materials, so there is no need to sort it into separate bins.
Eco Ernie
Eco Ernie is on a mission| to raise awareness of reusing and recycling to reduce landfill waste in a fun and innovative way. Eco Ernie is our multi award winning innovative recycling project – with a difference!
Created by Southampton Solent University and Student Union staff and students, Eco Ernie's is the 'greenest milk float in the South' keeping the streets of Southampton free of student household recyclables and unwanted items left by students.
Students and staff can get involved in all Eco Ernie related activity, from supporting us at events throughout the year such as 'Welcome to your neighbourhood event' or 'Environment Week' at IKEA or during our popular collections late May until early July, annually.
Ernie regularly visits the halls of residence and if you want to organise a visit your halls then get in touch!
Energy saving
The University uses only energy saving lighting and, where practically possible, timers are in place to reduce unnecessary power usage. Staff and students are also encouraged to switch off any lighting and heating equipment when not required.
What we're doing|
The residences use only energy saving lighting and, where practically possible, timers are in place to discourage unnecessary power usage.
We actively encourage all our residents to switch off all lighting and heating equipment when not required. The Student Residences also participate in the student switch off campaign (www.studentswitchoff.co.uk|) which aims to encourage students to save energy whilst living in the residences.
Southampton City and Region Action to Combat Hardship (SCRATCH)
As part of our commitment to the local community and to help reduce our waste, we have developed strong links with a local charity, SCRATCH|. This enables students to donate any unwanted items when they move out of accommodation and the University also donates unwanted bedding, duvets and pillows.
Fairtrade
We are committed to fair trade and have been awarded Fairtrade University status by the Fairtrade Foundation, helping to guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world get a fairer deal.
University's commitment to fair trade|