Carbon and Waste Management
We aspire to contribute to a sustainable energy future and invest in our planet.
WU is committed to implementing energy conservation practices and measures, reducing our carbon footprint and preserving environmental resources. The Sustainability Action Forum closely monitor energy consumption in all of our buildings and are dedicated to understanding how our operations contribute to our carbon footprint.
Our current and future programme of works will maximise the University’s contribution to the goals in the wellbeing of the Future Generations Wales (2015) Act, in particular the ‘A Prosperous Wales’ wellbeing goal. In line with the Sustainable Development Principle, we endeavour to ensure prevention of carbon increase and to meet our emissions targets, reduce light pollution, generate financial savings to sustain further energy saving projects and provide employment opportunities.
Wrexham University aim to be carbon neutral by 2030 and have set the ambitious target of 5% carbon reduction annually from our 2009/10 baseline. Our plans are set out in the Pathway to Carbon Neutral by 2030 plan and Low Carbon Transition and Delivery
Content Accordions
- How do we plan to achieve our targets?
To ensure current and future energy conservation, WU’s Sustainability Action Forum is continually investigating potential projects and schemes that will enable us to achieve our objectives to reduce our carbon consumption. Projects, practices and measures are being implemented to reduce our Carbon Footprint and conserve environmental resources wherever achievable and feasible.
We are consistently monitoring and analysing all of our energy usage through our extensive network of numerous meters, software and invoices, targeting issues where necessary. We have two energy monitoring and targeting (M&T) systems in place, each bringing its own benefits to monitor and target. Our installed sub-meters are set up for monitoring consumption against our specified targets and detecting exceptions with alerts. The systems also assist in monitoring newly implemented projects to evaluate ongoing results. Our software is able to highlight any unexpected issues which can be dealt with on a daily basis as they arise, enabling us to stop unnecessary energy wastage and resulting in negative impacts on our finances. We also evaluate our performance with monthly and annual reports, producing results and targets achieved.
The issue of energy consumption is now higher up the agenda for staff, students and other stakeholders than ever before, and we continue to develop our plans to reduce our energy consumption for the long-term. By involving all individuals, we are confident we can make a huge difference in reducing our impact on the environment. As well as making carbon savings for Wales and the UK, our financial savings from energy can be ploughed back into improved services for our students.
By implementing long-term ‘invest to save’ measures and working closely with the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, and in conjunction with Carbon Trust Wales, our aim is to continue to make excellent progress in reducing energy and water consumption in our buildings, resulting in improving our Welsh environment.
Action Plans
Our Pathway to Carbon Neutral Strategy provides the details of the steps required to measure, reduce and monitor Wrexham University’s carbon footprint. It is intended to provide the basis for the detailed work which will be implemented both in terms of infrastructure improvement, but also by achieving efficiency savings from engaging the University’s stakeholders and changing working practice.
Take a look at:
- Reporting & Certificates
Annual energy usage and consumption reports
Our Sustainability Action Forum is committed to reporting publicly on progress each year to show where we are in relation to our carbon reduction targets.
We are pleased to report WGU is doing well. Wrexham University has reduced carbon emissions by 50% in 2022/23 compared to 2009/10 baseline.
Carbon Management Energy Progress
Display Energy Certificates
Wrexham University communicate energy efficiency of their buildings using Display Energy Certificates in each building. More than 80% of our buildings are rated as a grade C or above.
WU TRAVEL SURVEY
WU conducted a WGU TRAVEL SURVEY 2023. Not only does this survey gather current information about the trip-making characteristics of individuals attending WGU, but we will use the results to further our understanding of the impact, we as a university, we have on carbon emissions in relation to travel.
Take a look at the Travel Data Report 2023
Carbon Footprint - Carbon emission data for student accommodation
As well as encouraging staff, students and visitors to save energy we also look closer to home, literally, on our own doorstep, at our student accommodation and how we can increase environmental awareness, adopting new procedures and reduce our overall carbon emissions. We include our student accommodation energy usage and carbon footprint statistics, along with all of our other buildings annually to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). This is the official agency for the collection, analysis and dissemination of quantitative information about higher education in the United Kingdom.
Wrexham Student Village is the University owned student accommodation which was acquired in 2018. Since academic year 2018/19 carbon emissions generated from gas, electricity and water usage have reduced by 11%. Overall Wrexham Village carbon emissions make up 10% of the overall University emissions.
Wrexham Village is the only student accommodation provided and supported by Wrexham University.
WGSU Awarded Excellent for Green Impact
Wrexham University’s Students Union take part each academic year in Green Impact which empowers individuals and departments to reduce their environmental impact by encouraging, rewarding and celebrating environmental improvements. Green Impact challenges the University to implement a number of easy, practical actions that will help the environment. This year we are delighted to announce they have been awarded an Excellent scoring 305 out of 500.
You can read the WSU Green Impact Report 2023 and find out all about WSU’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Waste
In 2022/23 we recycled 34% of our waste and are aiming for at least 50%
Help us to recycle where you can by finding out where and how your waste should be correctly disposed.
Content Accordions
- How to recycle your materials
Wrexham University have updated all the University bins to ensure that waste is properly segregated in line Workplace Waste Segregation Regulations. https://businessofrecycling.wrapcymru.org.uk/resources
Waste Streams Collected
Where does it go?
General
All waste that is currently not able to be recycled and is not classed as hazardous can go in the general waste bin.
General waste is incinerated to produce energy.
If you have larger items that won’t fit in your bin, please contact Estates to arrange for collection.
Paper & Cardboard
Non-confidential paperwork, including magazines, brochures, cardboard boxes, packaging etc is collected in this waste stream for recycling. There is no need to remove staples, but please remove any plastic wrap.
Confidential paperwork (i.e. any documents containing personal or sensitive data) should be put in the confidential waste bins located throughout campus. All confidential waste is securely shredded and recycled.
Please don’t put the following items in this waste stream:
- Jiffy Bags
- Coffee Cups
- Takeaway containers
- Napkins/Paper Towels/Tissues etc
If you have a large amount of paperwork to be recycled or securely destroyed, please contact Estates and we can arrange a collection.
Plastics, Metal and Cartons
Plastic bottles, pots and tubs; Metal drinks cans and food tins; Coffee Cups and food and drink cartons can all be put in this waste stream for recycling.
Dirty food containers, black plastic, sweet wrappers and crisp packets cannot be recycled and should go in the general waste.
Food
Food bins are available in various locations across campus including in canteen areas and staff kitchens.
All food collected is sent to a biodigester which converts the waste into biogas, which is a renewable energy source, and organic matter which is used as a fertiliser.
Glass
Separate glass collection points are available in the Canteen, Student Union and Laboratory. All glass collected is recycled
Wood
Wood is separately collected for recycling. If you have wooden packing materials or other wooden items that need recycling contact Estates
Metal
Large metal items are collected for recycling in the maintenance compound. If you have a bin of metal waste to be collected or a large metal item for recycling, please contact Estates.
Batteries
Batteries must be separated for recycling. Old batteries can be dropped off at Estates, IT helpdesk or Sports Centre
Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Waste electronic of electrical waste includes anything electrical such as laptops, PCs & associated equipment, desk fans, power tools, fridges, cookers and light bulbs.
All computer equipment (including printers, mobile phones etc) is collected by IT for wiping and recycling.
Other electrical waste is collected for recycling by Estates. If you have items to dispose of contact Estates or IT.
Printer Toners
Used printer toners can be returned to IT for recycling.
Fluorescent tubes/Light Bulbs
Bulbs and florescent tubes are recycled
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste MUST be kept separate from other waste streams. Waste is generally considered hazardous if it contains (or is contaminated with) materials that that hazardous to humans or the environment. Examples include:
· Asbestos
· Chemicals (e.g paint, fluorescent tubes, lab chemicals)
· Batteries
· Oil
· Solvents
· Equipment containing ozone depleting substances (e.g. fridges, chillers etc)
· Hazardous waste containers
If you’re unsure if your waste is hazardous contact Estates for advice
Books
Books may be donated to the library if they will be useful to other students. Check with the library by emailing learning.resources@wrexham.ac.uk
Check your local staff rooms and rest areas for informal book swap schemes.
British Heart Foundation Charity Collection
Donate good quality clothing, paired shoes, books and other good quality items to raise money for British Heart Foundation.
Collection boxes are located in Library and Student Support Centre, Wrexham Village and Northop Campuses.
Furniture
If you have office furniture that you no longer need, contact Estates. Furniture containing foam MUST be disposed of separately due the fire retardant used. The University have a separate skip for this material, please don’t put chairs etc in the external waste bins
Where possible we will try to re-use good quality furniture elsewhere or work with local charities to donate it.
Cooking Oil
All the cooking oil used in the University kitchens is collected separately and recycled
Hard to recycle items
Terracycle run several schemes to collect and recycle items that are difficult to recycle such as crisp packets, confectionary packets, contact lenses, toothpaste tubes, medicine blister packs, pens. To find a collection point near you follow the link: https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/brigades
