Take the next step with 10,000 Actions
23 Feb 2017
Vicky Plane is improving her work life – and finding surprises on our doorstep
Our 10,000 Actions Programme gives all staff the opportunity to engage in collective, measurable action on environmental sustainability.
It is the biggest environmental sustainability initiative in the higher education sector.
Colleagues have been learning about the key issues of sustainability such as travel, responsible purchasing and energy, and the actions they can take to make a big difference through an innovative online tool.
Our aim was to create more than 10,000 actions on environmental sustainability and more than 20,000 actions have been pledged.
Now it’s time to turn your pledges into actions – to make a difference, and even fund your amazing ideas.
Energy Beacon Communications and Marketing Manager Vicky Plane, at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, pledged to get involved in the Welcome Week Sustainability Challenge, go on lunchtime walks and make more sustainable purchasing decisions.
And she has already got her Carbon Literacy certificate.
“I went for the Carbon Literacy certificate as knowledge in this area ties in really well with my role in the energy research beacon campaign,” she explains.
“Energy is one of the University’s five research beacons – exemplars of interdisciplinary, ground-breaking research which is addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the planet and improving the lives of people around the world. A lot of the energy research which takes place across the University is contributing to a low carbon future by developing cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy (such as renewables and nuclear), helping deliver smarter grid technology and looking at how we consume energy to help lower demand.”
She adds: “The 10,000 actions campaign is a great initiative and helps get you thinking about small (and big) things you can do to help the environment.
“I’ve enjoyed going on some of the lunchtime walks when I get chance to – getting a bit of fresh air, exercise and learning about the local area. It helps you come back to your desk with a fresher mind and the volunteers involved in making this happen are great so a big thanks to them!
“I’ve always been conscious of the damage we can do to the environment if we don’t make the right decisions. The campaign has opened my eyes to more ways I can contribute.
“We can all make a difference through the accumulation of small incremental changes made by a large mass of people. It also helps you feel good on a personal level.”
Take the next step
To support this programme, a £10,000 fund has been established for environmental sustainability projects for the 2016-17 academic year. Staff can claim anything up to £2,500 to fund projects from buying birdseed or pedometers to carrying out a feasibility study to change lab equipment.
To update your plan or apply for funding, visit:
Follow and share
You can also follow the University’s engagement with environmental sustainability at @UoMSust and share your actions using the hashtag #10000Actions on Twitter or Instagram.