In the heart of University Hall, a community dedicated to environmental stewardship and sustainability thrives. The residents of Unihall are proud of their efforts to reduce their ecological footprint, and their commitment is evident in the everyday choices they make.
All of Unihall’s electricity is offset from renewable energy generated by the Warradarge Wind Farm, located in Enneaba. This is by virtue of its electricity contract with Synergy. This means that the emissions from Unihall’s electricity use is considered carbon neutral. We should still try to reduce electricity use where we can as reduction is always better than offsetting.
Unihall's strategic location is an asset in its green initiatives. The campus is easily accessible by foot and public transport, and residents take full advantage of this convenience, reducing their reliance on personal vehicles. The communal ethos extends to waste management; residents and staff diligently separate their trash into general, green, and recyclable categories. In the next few weeks, we will also introduce Food Organics Bins in the service area and kitchen of the Dining Hall marking another significant step forward in minimising food waste destined for landfills.
The Environment Committee, part of Unihall’s Pathways to Leadership Program, is busy fostering a culture of environmental awareness. This semester, the Committee focused on recycling, launching a survey to gauge residents’ knowledge and hosting a creative competition to design new waste room signage. The winning designs will soon adorn the bins, making recycling even more intuitive.
Among the newest additions are battery recycling tubes in the waste rooms of J, K, and L Houses, and the admin office. These measures are part of a broader initiative to manage e-waste responsibly. For other electronic items, dedicated bins for phones and computing equipment are also placed in these areas.
The community’s commitment to reducing single-use plastics is evident in their purchases. Reusable water bottles and keep cups are popular UniHall merchandise items, further supporting the reduction of plastic waste. Scouts Containers for Change bins around campus encourage students to recycle cans, contributing to the overall success of Unihall’s recycling efforts.
Looking forward, the next project on the list is an exciting one: a community garden and composter to be installed in the Upper Quad. This garden will offer students the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and herbs, fostering a sense of connection to their food and the environment. The composter will help convert organic waste into valuable compost, closing the loop on the food cycle.
In this vibrant community, every action—from the smallest recycling effort to the grandest garden project—contributes to a collective effort to protect the planet. Unihall stands as a testament to what a dedicated community can achieve, setting an example for others and proving that a commitment to sustainability can be both practical and deeply rewarding.