News

Saroj Saurya, Dunn School Green Group Chair proudly holds the Green Impact Gold Award

Vered Balan, University of Oxford Environmental Sustainability Programme Manager, said: “The awards’ haul reflects the Dunn School’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and the hard work of everyone involved, and is a testament to what can be achieved by collective action.”

Green Impact is an award-winning programme that provides a toolkit of effective actions for staff and students to enhance sustainability. It breaks down the complex world of sustainability into practical steps that can be implemented within departments, buildings, or colleges. Participating in Green Impact offers invaluable insights into the collective impact of small, sustainable changes, fostering a supportive community dedicated to addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.

Saroj Saurya, Dunn School Green Group Chair and Raff Lab Manager, remarked: “Sustainability schemes like Green Impact empower universities to lead by example, inspiring future generations and other institutions to adopt sustainable practices. Implementing the scheme at the Dunn School has brought all sections of our community together – including research staff, students, admin and support staff, and the wider community in Oxford – and empowered us all in environmental stewardship.”

LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) aims to address the environmental impact of laboratory-based research, which is significantly energy and resource-intensive. Laboratories globally are responsible for around 2% of plastic waste and consume 3-10 times more energy per square meter than typical offices. By joining the LEAF programme, laboratories can reduce their carbon emissions and foster an environment that supports high-quality research. Laboratories are awarded Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels based on their sustainability actions.

The Dunn School has spearheaded various sustainability initiatives, including:

– Waste Warriors: Promoting recycling and waste reduction.

– Cooler at -70°C: Improving energy efficiency of ultra-low temperature freezers.

– Glass Serological Pipettes: Reducing single use lab plastic waste by introducing glassware that is washed and reused.

– Community Collaborations: Engaging with the wider community on sustainability projects such as food waste reduction.

Saroj Saurya further commented: “Our collective efforts have not only led to these prestigious awards but more significantly contribute to a sustainable future. We encourage everyone to continue their sustainability initiatives and to inspire others.”