Highly Commended University of Leeds
Sustainable Procurement Furniture Re-use Project
Project snapshot
The University of Leeds has spent considerably on new furniture since 2004, largely as a result of its capital build programme. Typically, nearly half the annual total spending on furniture was for capital projects and refurbishments, the remainder being spent on individual departmental purchases. Consequently, a considerable amount of furniture was also disposed, creating negative environmental and financial impacts through increased landfill, new purchase, labour and skip costs.
In March 2009, a secondment post was created to review current practices and provide recommendations for change. Following an initial report, the secondment was extended and an online reuse network was launched. Essentially an email distribution list, this network removed the need for storage areas, connected departments, reduced our waste and made savings of over £200k in the first year of operation.
This project was initiated by Estate Services. However, the success has been largely due to the enthusiasm and goodwill of the network membership across the university campus.
What it means to win
Winning this Green Gown Award within the first 12 months of development would provide motivation for our staff and students who have worked voluntarily to ensure success. As this project has relied on a non-committal involvement, this award would be a big driver for future projects in this area.
The judges commended this very simple and highly effective initiative stating that it addresses the basics of sustainable procurement. This project provided a good case in saving resources.
46
What the judges say
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52