Green
We are conscious of environmental and ethical issues and are constantly taking action to minimise Girton's effect on the environment by providing the necessary means to reduce our carbon footprint and by educating and inspiring students to take individual responsibility.
Allotment Garden
After enthusiasm for the project from a few individuals in the Girton JCR community, a student run allotment garden has been set up in the college grounds. The JCR committee is now managing and funding the project through the JCR Green Officer, who now has an increased budget and the added responsibility to oversee the management of the project. All Girton undergraduates can take part in the project and post-grads are key to maintaining the plot over the holidays.
The project is in the development stages but vegetables have already been planted and we reaped a successful harvest in 2011.
This project would not have been possible without the hard work of the individuals who set it up and should provide a green outlet for students as well as an aesthetic space and an insight into sustainable living. JCR interest in the project is essential for its continuity so please get in touch if you are interested.
Current Garden Reps are: Jonny Bruce, Matt Hatfield, Amy Jeffs, George Averill and Sophia Mueller-Lundin. All members of the JCR are encouraged to get involved by contacting any of the above in person or the Green Officer (jcr-green@girton.cam.ac.uk).
Photos courtesy of Amy Jeffs
Recycling
NEW recycling bins for dry mixed recyclables (plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminium cans), glass and biodegradable waste available in all corridor kitchens mean that Girton students are spoilt for facilities. Printer cartridge facilities are available at the Porters' Lodge. Battery recycling coming soon...
We take part in the CUECS Green League Table and hope to do very well in the recycling section next year!
Energy
The College is signed up to the Carbon Reduction Commitment and always aims to continue to reduce its energy consumption. This can be hard for such a large, old building but many large steps have already been taken to continue to reduce our carbon footprint. For example, low energy lightbulbs have been installed in every bedroom making a huge reduction of our lighting energy usage.
The College continually assesses its energy consumption by complete the Cambridge University Environmental Consulting Service (CUECS) Green League Table Survey, which highlights areas that can be improved and areas where the College is doing well.
An extension to the college has recently been unveiled and will house solar panels along the length of the roof. This demonstrates the pioneering attitude of the College and signifies a new direction for college management on sustainability.
Education
As well as the "Weekly Green Award" and publicity of green events, Girton students are treated with a Green Underground (a party in the Girton Bar) to capture the enthusiasm and promote green issues. Previous themes have included "Anything But Clothes" and produced some fantastic (recyclable) fancy dress.
Ethical Investments
Included in our Environmental Policy are strategies for investment in companies not only clear of unethical conduct, but those with good environmental track records, and to bank with the Co-op.