Green Gown Awards 2016 – Facilities and Services – University of Salford – Finalist

Choose to reUSe

The Salford reUSe scheme was created from necessity but has exceeded all expectations being on track to achieve £0.5 million savings from the reuse of over 2000 items, over five years.

With very little investment, a streamlined management system and support from budget controls and procurement policy the scheme has achieved a real change in mind-set across the University towards reuse as the norm rather than buying new, as well as the financial savings and reduced waste.

An unexpected positive outcome has been the real sense of ownership and achievement that has been created within the Building Management teams as well as a fantastic working relationship with the Environmental Sustainability Team generating opportunities for other environmental improvement projects such as recycling and energy management. The scheme has also improved management of WEEE and other recycling by providing a communication platform and has supported management of building clearances to be more efficient with resources and time.

Top 3 learnings

1 Consistent and sustained communication to maintain momentum after the initial launch using positive reinforcement with results

2 Ensuring the system is kept up-to-date and accurate is essential to ensure it remains effective and colleagues continue to engage with it

3 Embedding the process into existing systems and procedures, such as procurement will help ensure ‘buy-in’.

CO2t Savings: 250,000kg  
Actual/Estimated: Estimated
No. of yrs: 5

Videos

• Choose to reUSe (click to hide)