How to get involved

Student and Staff Engagement Plan 2023-24

Month What Target  Audience How Responsibility Resources Measure
Sep Welcome Week Students Welcome booklet and Freshers Fair Environment Team and Student Engagement and Enhancement Team Staff time Attendees
Nov Sustainability Day Students and Staff Sustainability Fair Environment Team Staff time Attendees
Dec Christmas Switch Off Staff Plasma screens, Derby Daily Environment Team Staff time, design costs Energy consumption over Christmas
Feb Sustainable Development Goal Teach-In Staff Derby Daily Responsible Futures Steering Group Staff time No. of sign ups
March  Go Green Week Students and Staff Articles, talks, debates and presentations Environment Team, Union of Students Staff time Attendees
May  Hedgehog Awareness Week Students and Staff Social Media  Hedgehog Friendly Campus Group Student time Attendees, Interaction with posts
June  30 Days Wild Students and Staff Articles and social media Marketing Team Staff time Interactions with posts

All new staff cover environmental awareness as part of the standard induction checklist. It is also included in the mandatory new starter training videos and a key part of the quarterly 'Welcome' events held for all new staff. Staff with any queries are welcome to email the environment team (environment@derby.ac.uk).

For new students, sustainability is included in the Welcome booklet and the virtual induction provided in September each year.

Staff Sustainable Champion Scheme

We have launched a new sustainability initiative to encourage and reward sustainable behaviours amongst staff. We are looking to recruit sustainable champions from across the University. 

What does the role of being a sustainability champion involve?

We understand that not everyone will want to get involved in all aspects described above, and that’s fine! As a Sustainability Champion, you can get involved as much or as little as you like. There is also no limit to the number of Sustainability Champions in each team. In fact, the more people who sign up in your team/department, the easier it will be to make an impact. 

As part of the Sustainability Champion Scheme, Sustainability Champions carry out staff-led audits of environmental sustainability each year, covering areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste and recycling. 

If you have an interest in sustainability and would like to find out more about becoming a Sustainability Champion, please email environment@derby.ac.uk.

Go Green Week

Go Green Week took place between the 18-22 March 2024 this year and was a great success! Activities included a Sustainability Fair, Climate Fresk sessions and sustainability themed crafting and planting activities at Buxton and Leek College. This year for the first time, the University collaborated with Derby College and Think Ocean to plan a big city centre litter pick with over 100 volunteers, which included volunteers and local community members. Next year's Go Green Week will take place towards the end of March 2025 - watch this space!

On-campus allotment project 

We have set up an allotment at our Kedleston Road site which can be used by both students and staff interested in growing vegetables! There are currently three raised beds, a compost bin and there will soon be a greenhouse. Contact environment@derby.ac.uk or Union of Students to find out how to get involved.

Carbon literacy training

The Business School run Carbon Literacy training sessions which are being rolled out to staff across the University. Find more information on the become more carbon literate page. If your team would be interested in receiving this training, please email environment@derby.ac.uk.

Cup Levy Fund

Funds raised from the disposable Cup Levy are used for student-led sustainability initiatives. These have included: