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December 2024

Hi,

We're ending 2024 with celebratory news as UoN ranks highly in two separate sustainability leagues.

There's plenty of sustainable research news from around the university, get involved in the winter energy challenge and read our tips and suggestions on how to have a green Christmas.

So let’s get going!

Have a wonderful (and sustainable!) festive season, from the university Sustainability Team

Things you can do now

Take part in the winter energy challenge – a friendly competition between buildings to see which one can reduce its energy consumption the most. We need you, the building users to get involved and go! Switch Off!

Whilst the university is closed from 21 Dec - 2 Jan, buildings' energy use will be measured and compared to the same period in 2023. A league table will be published in January showing the winners (and losers!).

Actions you can take:

Power down any equipment that does not need to be on. This means turning off at the plug.
Ensure all windows are tightly shut to prevent drafts.
Report faults that are leading to excessive use or waste of energy to the Estates helpdesk.
Put up posters and stickers to remind people to switch off. Contact the sustainability team to obtain some.

By collectively making these adjustments, we can contribute to significant carbon savings and demonstrate our commitment as a university to sustainability and responsible resource management.

Have a Green Christmas!

There are countless ways to make your Christmas a green one this year.

Check out the sustainability blog for tips.
Log your actions on the relaunched Green Rewards app with a new Green Christmas activity. Logging actions is now even easier plus share photos, celebrate achievements and track progress.

Find more new activities on Green Rewards covering: AI impacts, ethical banking, climate anxiety and water use

Help plant trees at Riverside

Create a species-rich hedgerow at Riverside Sports Complex. Meet new people and connect with nature. Register yourself or a group. New dates added with sessions running until February.

Register

News and announcements

Centre launched to develop sustainable solutions in agriculture

The Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems brings together 50 researchers from across UoN to provide expert support and research into enhancing sustainability and climate resilience in agriculture.

Full story

New AI model could make using solar power more reliable

UoN researchers have created an AI model that can accurately provide information about the amount of solar energy created in various climates, making solar forecasting quicker and more efficient.

Read more

New funding to look at improving road construction in South Africa

A 3-year collaborative project project will look at how to utilise locally sourced waste materials for roads, creating a sustainable circular economy targeted at creating opportunities for small businesses and skills development in rural areas.

Time to celebrate!

Nottingham amongst the world’s most sustainable higher education institutions, rankings reveal

UoN ranks in the top 15 in the UK and top 40 globally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025. This judges HE institutions on their commitment and achievements in environmental impact, social impact and governance.

UoN has also been placed 8th in the world’s most sustainable universities by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings.

Find out more

Nottingham academic wins Young Scientist Sustainable Development Goals award

Professor Simon Gosling, from the School of Geography, received the award for his commitment to sustainable development and climate action at the World Young Scientist summit, held in China.

Full story

Pack for Good donations fund lifesaving research

Donations by UoN staff and students as part of the Pack for Good scheme raised £37,530 for the British Heart Foundation in 2024!

Find out more

2,502

bags donated

20,016kg

diverted from landfill

Rutland Hall wins the go! Switch off Halls Competition

Thirteen halls competed in November to see who can save the most energy. Rutland Hall came out top but in total, all halls saved enough electricity to power the average UK home for 12 years!
Well done to everyone involved!

Read more

The go! Switch off Halls Competition results:

1. Rutland Hall
2. Sherwood Hall
3. Lincoln Hall

Hi,