Click here to return to Environment home page

Recycling & renewable energy

Renewable Energy

In July 2009, photovoltaic (PV) panels were installed on the roof of our building at 99 Oxford Road by the University as part of a £480,000 project part-funded through the Government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme, which gives 50 per cent funding to renewable energy projects. Panels were also installed on the All Saints Building and Sir Kenneth Green Library
The conversion of sunlight to electricity by the cells will generate 40,900 kWh of energy per year - enough power to light 7200 100-watt light bulbs, power 960 student laptops, boil 40 kettles or supply electricity to 10 houses.
In addition to being pollution free and requiring virtually no maintenance, the PV panels are set to massively reduce MMUnion’s and the University's carbon footprint – saving 22,000 kg of carbon emissions per year – and electricity bill. It is estimated that the project will have paid for itself within 12 years.

 
Live meter readings

Dr John Hindley, MMU's Environmental Sustainability Manager, said: "MMU uses more than 28 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year, so onsite energy generation is going to deliver real benefits in terms of both financial savings and reduced carbon emissions. Live meter reading displays in the All Saints and Student Union Buildings will also educate MMU students and staff about the power being generated and consumed on campus."
He continues: "The PV panel project is just one element of MMU's sustainable development strategy. Along with the recently introduced energy rating scheme for university buildings and 'Zero Waste' project across halls of residence, MMU's £120 million Hulme super-campus is aspiring to be the greenest in the UK with ambitious aims to have a zero carbon footprint."

 

Committed to carbon reduction

Tim Pryce, Public Sector Manager at The Carbon Trust, said: "The installation of PV panels at MMU alongside their work on energy efficiency shows the University's commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and becoming more energy self sufficient. Raising awareness of environmental issues is one step towards tackling them and the live meter reading displays will get students and staff thinking about how they can use energy more responsibly."

 

Recycling

MMUnion has worked hard with both the University’s environment team and People and Planet to provide recycling facilities for staff, officers and members. At the moment facilities in Manchester are more established but we hope to work together to provide comparable facilities in Cheshire.
Currently there are facilities available to recycle the following:

  • Paper via the recycling bins in offices, reception and the print room in Manchester and via the collection point at Crewe. We are able to recycle: All mixed paper but not Lever Arch files, Ring binders, Laminated paper, Plastic cover sheets, General waste and Staples.
  • Cardboard via collection by house services.
  • Plastic and Glass Bottles via the recycling bins at the rear of the building and reception in Manchester and at the recycling point in Crewe. Also through the collections procedure in the Met.
  • Aluminium Cans via the recycling bin in reception and next to the drinks machine on the third floor in Manchester.
  • Toner Cartridges via the recycling bin in the print room and the collection scheme operated via reception at Manchester.
  • Books via the Read International collection bins in both Manchester and Crewe.
  • Mobile Phones via the collection scheme operated via reception in Manchester.
  • Stamps via the collection scheme for the RNIB operated via reception in Manchester.
  • Envelopes currently kept for reuse by several members of staff. If you want to offload any saved envelopes in Manchester please pass them on to reception or Lesley in the general office.
  • Batteries via the collection point in the foyer at Manchester.
  • Catering Oil via the collections procedure in the Met.
  • Electrical Items should be disposed of in accordance with WEEE Regulations. Please contact a member of house services for assistance.
  • Clothing: we are currently in the process of securing textile recycling bins for both Manchester and Crewe sites.