Green Impact
Green Impact is an environmental accreditation run by the National Union of Students, bringing staff and students together to change the way their institutions behave, from the bottom up.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is dedicated to supporting the Green Impact scheme by making simple, tangible and powerful changes to reduce resource use, develop greener policies, and minimise the building's energy consumption.
For further information about Materials Science and Engineering Green Impact, please email msegreenimpact@sheffield.ac.uk.
There are several ways that we try to lessen the environmental mark that we leave:
Communications
A Green Impact team, made up of staff and students, provides information on a range of environmental, social and lifestyle issues to promote a broader perspective on Green Impact outside of the department - hoping to make changes at work and also at home.
Biodiversity and community
We have refurbished the Hadfield green roof space as a social area for past and present students and staff to enjoy, and work together to create a more sustainable environment.
Catering
We support the University’s Sustainable Food Policy, using local suppliers wherever possible to bring quality products without the added food miles, for a reduced carbon footprint.
Heating
Controlled heating systems have been, and continue to be, installed for individual rooms in the Hadfield Building. We've also removed all air conditioning units and minimised the use of fans and mobile heaters.
Laboratory equipment
We encourage all staff and students to follow departmental procedures in regards to turning off equipment when they have finished using it, and when it is safe to do so (if any equipment must be left on, the correct signage is clearly visible specifying the reason why).
Lighting and responsibility
We have installed sensor lighting in the Hadfield Building and we continue to support the University 'Big Switch Off' campaign; ensuring all equipment, heating and lighting be turned off over the Christmas period.
Recycling
We support the University's recycling plan providing recycling for general and office waste, with clear procedures for the disposal of confidential waste, and provide guidance in the recycling of batteries and mobile phones.
Printing and photocopying
We use the University 'My Sustainable Print' service; reducing the cost and environmental impact of printing. Instead of individual devices, the managed network uses multi-functional printers. Staff and research graduates can print from any computer and collect from hundreds of printers in public areas around campus.
Travel
We encourage staff, students and visitors to contribute to reducing our carbon footprint through travel by using public transport, car sharing, walking or cycling.
Water
The University's tap water is provided by Yorkshire Water. We encourage all staff and students to use tap water rather than bottled water where ever possible, and we request reusable glass bottles and tap water when ordering catering for meetings and conferences.