Hello all!

It’s me again, back again with another blog, this time talking about sustainability. Alongside this blog I am urging you all to take a look at the University annual climate action report, which includes the SU’s activity too! It is a hefty report in all fairness but I’m here today to give you a quick run through on where we’re up to as The SU.

The 23/24 academic year has seen us as an SU take many significant steps to do more sustainable practices that reduce our impact on the environment. This year we had our new CEO, Ryan Bird, join us, bringing with him a new SU strategy that puts sustainability at the core of it. More to be shared soon when it is finalised for the upcoming year! I can tell it is going to be exciting time be part of the SU next year.

The Plug and Tub has been continuing to reduce emissions by removing ruminant meat (lamb and beef) from the menu, in line with our commitment to the sustainable food policy we adopted. You’ll notice we have continued to use reusable cups in our large events this year like Varsity and The Summer Ball. We’ve also designed some new exclusive collectable reusable cups this year so you can be sustainable whilst looking pretty! The Plug also has cups available if you’re drinking in and some new glasses for the cold Starbucks drinks. All plastic tokens have been changed for wooden tokens and we have changed the packaging for a lot of our food offering.

Our student groups have also been very active this year, involving themselves in many student lead projects and events. We had groups at Taking Action in Bath, and Green Dayz as well as regular weekly activities happening all over Bath.  V-team worked hard this year , planting trees, cleaning beaches, running lifestyle change workshops and picking litter off our streets… all this cumulating them winning the Bath Volunteering group of the Year 2023! What an achievement, super proud of the gang for this one. With more sustainability related groups affiliated to The SU than ever before it’s no wonder we have had so many great events happening! We also launched the sustainability award which recognises groups for doing more sustainable activities such as a vegan BBQ and Collaborating with local sustainability charities.

I hope this gives you a flavour of what we have worked toward this year. We are always striving to do more in this area as it is a core part of what we do as an SU, If you are interested in learning more or have any other ideas and question please feel free to email me at suactivities@bath.ac.uk.

Love David

xxx