NTU Global puts sustainability into practice
Published: 13/11/2023
NTU Global is dedicated to creating a positive environmental impact within our community, and we need your help.
As the University celebrates Green Week, here are some of the ways you can get involved in NTU Global's sustainability initiatives.
Global Week Donation
Since 2020, NTU Global has pledged £1 to a local sustainability project for every student attending Global Week. These efforts have resulted in funding the beehives on the Boots Library Roof, introducing e-bikes at the Cycle Hub, planting of wildflowers at City Campus, and enhancing the outdoor classroom area at Clifton Campus.
By taking part, you're not just celebrating diversity and culture – you're contributing to a greener future for our campuses. Be a part of the positive change and join us for the 10th annual Global Week from Monday 26 February – Friday 1 March 2024.
To find out more about participating, either by representing your culture or highlighting a significant global issue, come along to the Global Week information session at the City Global Lounge on Thursday 23 November, 4 pm–5 pm. This in-person event will also provide refreshments and a great opportunity to connect with like-minded students who are interested in getting involved.
If you would like any further information about the event, Global Week in general, or would like to sign up to participate now, please contact ntugloballounge@ntu.ac.uk.
Green European Travel Scholarship
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), the Green European Travel Scholarship encourages students to engage in sustainable practices during their European mobility experiences. By supporting eco-friendly projects and initiatives, the scholarship aims to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious global leaders.
The scholarship offers awards of £250 to encourage students to:
- participate in a European overseas sustainability project and / or
- travel to their European placement, study abroad, exchange, conference, short course country in a sustainable way.
Applications close on Friday 1 December. Find out more on StudentHub and apply now.
Our other green initiatives
Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC) campaign
Students are encouraged to reduce single-use plastic waste by bringing their own cups to the Global Lounges, where they can enjoy free tea and coffee. This simple yet impactful initiative promotes eco-friendly practices and encourages sustainable habits among the university community.
No-Flight Policy
Opting for Eurostar train travel for UK and Northern Europe business trips, NTU Global has made a commitment to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices.
For example, Julie Page, NTU Global's European Mobility Manager, recently chose train travel over flights during her visits to our exchange partners in Sweden and Norway. This successfully reduced her carbon footprint to 0.02 metric tons of CO2, compared to 0.56 tons by plane. According to a government report from 2020, an average UK household has an annual carbon footprint of approximately 1.1 metric tons from electricity usage, meaning that Julie’s switch from plane to train saved 0.54 metric tons of CO2 – nearly half the annual electricity carbon footprint of one UK household.
Sustainability in Practice (SiP) module
Developed in collaboration with the Green Academy, the SiP module aims to raise students' awareness of sustainability within their international mobility programmes. The module empowers students to advocate for positive change toward a more sustainable global society.
Through these impactful initiatives, we are able to remain dedicated to connecting NTU globally, while prioritising sustainability. If you have any suggestions or ideas on how we can further enhance our green initiatives, please contact us at ntuglobal@ntu.ac.uk.