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UEL creates climate for change with first Green Awareness Day

Thursday 11 May 2006

The University of East London (UEL) greened up its act last Tuesday 9 May as staff, students and environmentalists gathered at UEL’s Docklands campus for Green Awareness Day.

The event, the first of its kind at UEL, was organised by a group of second-year HND Business Studies students working with UEL’s Environmental Strategy Group. Hundreds of students and staff took part in competitions, exhibitions and displays, and presentations focused on recycling, sustainable transport options, corporate social responsibility and local environmental projects.

Key speakers included Newham Councillor Paul Schafer, a founding member of the Wombles community recycling team; Bernie Hanning, creator of street-based bike rental service, OY Bike; Ismael Aumerally, from pay-by-the-hour car rental initiative, City Car Club; David Floud of student-based project, Halls Recycling; and Barry Watson, an International Green Apple Award-winning local environmentalist.

Councillor Schafer said: “UEL’s Green Awareness Day has been an excellent event; anything we can do to bring key environmental issues to the attention of students is fantastic. We desperately need to promote greater awareness of the environmental and financial benefits of recycling.

“Waste isn’t just waste – it’s a useful resource that can generate significant income. Students, for example – though I wouldn’t dare suggest they drink too much beer or coke – could easily pay for a massive end-of-year party on the back of recycling all of their empty cans.”

Bernie Hanning added: “It’s wonderful to see a university creating the climate for change rather than climate change itself. At OY Bike, we’re very interested in expanding our service from our current bases in Hammersmith and Fulham and Brent all the way across London to Newham.”

Greg Price, who is developing UEL’s Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, said: “As a progressive university we should be fully aware of our impact on both our community and the environment. We are committed to being a good neighbour, concerned for our local and global communities. Our environmental impact will set ambitious targets for waste, energy and environmental efficiency.”

Maggie Wyatt, UEL’s Head of Recreation and Sport, offered advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and how to get involved in the upcoming Walking Week fitness initiative in aid of Cancer Research.

Khalid Pervaiz (22), of Seven Kings, was one of the twelve UEL students involved in organising Green Awareness Day. He said: “It’s been a very rewarding and interesting experience to help organise this event. It’s important to raise awareness of our university’s corporate social responsibility and try to get as many students and staff as possible interested in environmental issues.”

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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