Here at Robinson College, we are all proud of our reputation as an organisation committed to reducing the impact of our activities upon the environment.
The College Environmental Policy is monitored by the Finance Bursar through the College Environment Forum which is tasked with ensuring the implementation of the policy and to assist in achieving the overall goal to reduce the College's carbon footprint.
All users of the College are encouraged to dispose of waste sustainably. Recycling facilities are available for use by students, staff and visitors. The College has operates a dry mixed recycling system for card, paper, plastic and glass. Additionally, all food waste from the kitchen is processed for composting. Additionally, the College recycles light bulbs, including fluorescent tubes, printer cartridges, computer hardware and furniture wherever possible.
There is a standing policy to use low-energy light bulbs throughout the estate unless there are specific reasons not to. The consumption of energy and water are monitored by the Facilities and Finance teams and we are working towards a consistent measurement of consumption per user unit so that comparisons can be effectively made with a view to targeting improvements.
Wherever possible, specifications for new or replacement systems and equipment take account of the College's environmental objectives.
Food sourcing is carefully managed with the emphasis upon seasonal and local purchasing wherever practical. The College, through its purchasing agent, encourages the stipulation of food provenance on food invoices in order to be able to drive this objective. The College manages other aspects of its sustainable food sourcing in accordance with its Food Ethics Policy.
Wherever possible, Conference organisers and delegates are encouraged to work with us to ensure that their events are sustainable. Most of the conference client communication is by email or telephone with little printed collateral. We are happy to respond to client suggestions of how we can make their event better. We operate a Service+ product called Green+ designed to provide mutual help between clients and us to achieve our sustainability objectives.
The Environment Forum reports on progress achieved each year. Please click here to view the Sustainability Report for 2020/2021.