Green Gown Awards 2019 - Middlesex University - Finalist

Driven by the appetite to reduce the amount of single use plastic we introduced an initiative to encourage the use of reusable cups at our food outlets on campus. 

In January 2019 we introduced a 5p cup charge for every drink sold using a disposable cup. These charges were collected, and the money ring-fenced. Students and staff are invited to bid for financial awards of up to £1,000 to implement ideas to enhance and promote “Your sustainable campus”. 

The project is self-funded.  Since January 2019 income has totalled £4,988 and committed over £3,000 to projects. 

Top 3 learnings:

• We didn’t underestimate the demand for positive change and support. 
• We engaged with our student union at the early stages to collaborate with contractors to find a solution.  
• We delivered simple, effective and timely communications to announce and implement the changes.