A year in the life of...

November: Green Gown Awards The Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) announces the winners of their prestigious Green Gown Awards. In 2012, Aston were shortlisted in two categories; February: Fairtrade Fortnight March: Holiday shut-down May: People and Planet Green League results July: Go Green Champions winners announced! September: New students arrive! The Environment Team attend a range of events during welcome week including Fresher's Fair. It's our chance to get students involved with environmental issues from when they first arrive here at Aston! A year in the life of Environment and Energy at Aston University January and February March and April May and June July and August September and October November and December February: Go Green Week "…this will be a week of events that anyone involved in any kind of eco-campaigning, enterprise or activism will want to be part of.” Social Enterprise Live Aston became a Fairtrade university in 2007 April: Aston Kestrels lay their eggs Once the eggs are laid, they remain under the watchful eye of the Aston Campus Wildlife Group. The group carry out a range of activities throughout the year, including..... Information display stands at various events at the university Maintaining the amphibian hibernacula next to the lake Creating bird silhouettes for the library windows... ...to prevent other birds flying into the glass! Constructing homes for our wildlife, so they can be comfortable on campus! A major awareness raising campaign is run at the end of term to ensure that all unnecessary equipment is turned off over the holiday period. Aston has been awarded a 1st class award, and has been positioned within the top 20 for the past 4 years! May: Each year students in our halls of residences compete with each other to save the most energy, via the Student Switch Off competition. The winning hall gets an end of year party! Results Party!!! June: Aston Kestrel chicks leave the nest The RSPB makes a visit to ring the Aston Kestrel chicks, and then they're left to make their own way in the big wide world! June: Zero Waste from Halls Campaign Students donate unwanted items to charity at the end of term when they move out In 2012, stock donated from Aston was used in a fashion show at the local British Heart Foundation shop After 10 months of fierce competition, the winning department is announced at a fancy awards dinner! October: Go Green Champions launch The Go Green Champions competition for staff is officially launched The Go Green Champions competition is an energy saving and awareness raising scheme for staff, and is launched in October each year. September: our annual Energy Report is published The report details energy and water use over the previous 12 months, including the costs incurred and the carbon dioxide emitted. The report also outlines energy saving projects that have taken place. Construction and Refurbishment Research and Development The refurbishment of the Historic Woodcock Sports Centre The European Bioenergy Research Institute At Aston University have developed Pyroformer™ technology - an innovative sustainable energy solution that could dramatically reduce the world’s reliance on fossil fuels December: Holiday shutdown A major awareness raising campaign is run at the end of term to ensure that all unnecessary equipment is turned off over the holiday period. December: Fairtrade wine tasting The Fairtrade steering group organise a festive wine tasting evening for staff Throughout the year.... Our ever dedicated Bicycle Users Group AstBUG run a continual programme of awareness raising and information events, cyclist's breakfasts and second hand bike sales for both staff and students... ...come rain or shine!