Category: Sustainability Champions (Page 1 of 8)

Climate change: why the risks are so hard to understand (and what we can do about it)

This blog post was written by Kautuk Chaddha (he/him), Project Change Manager at King’s, member of the King’s Climate Action Network and Sustainability Champions group.


Art created using DALL·E 2.

The Complexity of Climate Change: Navigating a Global Puzzle

Climate change, a topic as vast as the world itself, can often feel like trying to solve a mind-bending puzzle. It is a conundrum that combines the intricate threads of mathematics, physics, chemistry, economics, social science, geography, earth science, data analysis, and countless other disciplines, and can often feel overwhelming. It can also sometimes feel distant and complex, shrouded in scientific jargon and expert opinions. But here’s the truth: understanding climate change is not reserved for the select few or confined to scientific circles. It’s a global challenge that demands our collective attention and action. In today’s world, where the impacts of climate change are increasingly evident, it has become imperative for everyone to take the initiative to understand this pressing global issue. Why? Because climate change affects us all, regardless of our background or beliefs. It poses risks to our environment, economy, health, and overall well-being. By gaining a deeper understanding of climate change, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions and take meaningful action. It allows us to engage in informed conversations, advocate for sustainable solutions, and contribute to a more resilient future. Moreover, understanding climate change fosters a sense of interconnectedness, recognising that our choices and actions have far-reaching consequences, not only for ourselves but for future generations. By collectively embracing the responsibility to comprehend climate change, we empower ourselves to be part of the solution, driving positive change and creating a world that is safer, more sustainable, and prosperous for all.

Below are six of the most common reasons why people fail to understand the risks posed by climate change:

The risks are often framed in technical terms:

The communication surrounding climate change risks often involves technical language and complex terminology. This can present a challenge for individuals to fully grasp and comprehend the risks involved. Scientific reports and discussions by organisations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) may use specialised jargon that can be difficult for non-experts to understand. As a result, it becomes important to bridge this gap and translate technical concepts into accessible language, enabling a wider audience to engage with and comprehend the risks associated with climate change. By using clear and concise communication strategies, we can ensure that climate change risks are conveyed in a way that resonates with people from diverse backgrounds and facilitates their understanding and participation in addressing this pressing issue. When communicating about climate change risks, it’s crucial to use language of everyday and one that resonates with people from diverse backgrounds. Avoiding excessive jargons and instead employing relatable examples, metaphors, and analogies that draw upon everyday experiences. By relating climate change risks to familiar situations, we can make the topic more accessible and encourage broader participation in addressing this critical issue. Transforming technical concepts into visual representations can also be a game-changer. Infographics, charts, and illustrations can convey complex information in a simple and engaging manner.

The risks are often distant in time and space (and sometimes invisible to the naked eye):

Climate change risks often play hide-and-seek, testing our ability to connect the dots across time and space, while remaining invisible to the naked eye. Picture this: the full impact of climate change may not be immediately obvious, as it unfolds gradually over years and affects diverse corners of the world. This means that it can be challenging for us to see how our own lives are intertwined with the far-reaching consequences of climate change. For instance, consider the gradual loss of coral reefs due to ocean acidification — an almost invisible process to most, but one that threatens entire marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.  Connecting the dots between our personal experiences and the broader consequences of climate change can be a challenge. We might not see the direct link between a heatwave in our hometown and the rising global temperatures, or how deforestation on the other side of the world affects our local ecosystem. But make no mistake, the web of climate change weaves through our lives, leaving no one untouched. Think of changes in rainfall patterns, disruptions to ecosystems, or subtle shifts in temperature that occur over extended periods, often slipping under our radar. By unravelling the puzzle of these elusive risks and bringing them into focus, we can empower everyone to grasp the urgency and take meaningful action in the face of this global challenge.

People hold different values:

When it comes to climate change, each person’s unique set of values can shape how they perceive and respond to the issue. Our values reflect what we hold dear in life, whether it’s our family, friends, community, nature, or even economic prosperity. Let’s take a moment to explore how these values can influence our understanding of climate change. Imagine someone who deeply values their family and community. For them, the impact of climate change on their loved ones and local community becomes a significant concern. They may see climate change as a threat to the well-being and future of their family, prompting them to take action. Now consider another individual who places great importance on nature and the environment. They might be deeply moved by the irreversible loss of wildlife habitats or the destruction of pristine landscapes due to climate change. For them, the urgency to address climate change stems from a moral obligation to protect the natural world we rely on. On the other hand, some people may prioritise economic growth and innovation. They might be concerned about the potential costs of addressing climate change or worry that stringent regulations could stifle progress. They might view the issue through the lens of finding economically viable solutions and technological advancements. It’s crucial to recognise that these values can differ across cultures and countries. In the Global South, where communities are tightly connected and rely on one another, the focus is often on the well-being of the collective and building resilience within local communities. Picture close-knit neighbourhoods supporting each other through thick and thin. On the flip side, in the Global North, there’s a stronger emphasis on individual freedoms and pursuing economic growth. Imagine a society where personal choices and economic progress are highly valued. These contrasting perspectives stem from the unique cultural and societal values of each region, shaping how they approach the challenge of climate change. Understanding these variations helps us appreciate the diverse perspectives on climate change and enables us to find common ground for meaningful discussions. By acknowledging and respecting these different values, we can engage in inclusive conversations about climate change that resonate with people from all walks of life. It’s about finding shared aspirations and connecting climate action to what matters most to individuals, whether it’s safeguarding their families, preserving nature’s wonders, or fostering economic prosperity. When we understand and appreciate the values that underpin our diverse perspectives, we can bridge gaps, inspire action, and collectively address the challenges of climate change.

The issue is politicised:

Climate change has unfortunately become a highly politicised issue, with politicians sometimes putting their own interests ahead of the urgent need for action. It’s disheartening to witness how some politicians treat climate change as a mere game, using it as a tool to score political points or advance their personal agendas, rather than actively seeking tangible solutions. Their actions, or lack thereof, can leave people feeling frustrated, unheard, and disillusioned. Consider a scenario where politicians deny or downplay the impact of climate change in order to cater to certain interest groups or secure short-term gains. Such actions not only undermine the urgent need for climate action but also perpetuate the division and confusion surrounding the issue. This politicisation hampers progress and obstructs the collective effort required to combat climate change effectively. However, here’s the essential truth: the effects of climate change do not discriminate based on political ideologies or party affiliations. They transcend boundaries and affect all of us, regardless of our beliefs. Think about the increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events we witness, such as devastating floods, prolonged droughts, or scorching heatwaves. These events disrupt communities, endanger lives, and strain infrastructure, irrespective of political stances. To overcome the politicisation of climate change, it is crucial for us to hold politicians accountable and demand that they prioritise the well-being of both people and the planet over short-term gains or political games. We have the power to make our voices heard and drive meaningful change. By supporting politicians who genuinely prioritise climate action and sustainability, we can ensure our concerns are represented in decision-making processes. Additionally, joining grassroots movements, engaging in peaceful protests, and advocating for stronger policies can amplify our collective voice and inspire politicians to take decisive action. Climate change is a complex challenge that requires collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. We need our elected leaders to focus on finding practical, science-backed strategies that address the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change. By doing so, we can create a future where the health of our planet and the well-being of all people, irrespective of political affiliations, are prioritised.

People are not always motivated to act:

When it comes to addressing climate change, one of the significant challenges we face is that people are not always motivated to take action. The urgency and complexity of the issue can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading to a sense of helplessness or complacency. People may be preoccupied with their daily lives, juggling various responsibilities and priorities, making it difficult for climate change to take centre stage. Moreover, the consequences of climate change can often seem distant or abstract, making it challenging for individuals to connect their own actions to the larger global impact. Consider a situation where individuals are aware of climate change but struggle to translate that awareness into meaningful action. They might acknowledge the need for sustainable practices but find it challenging to break old habits or make significant lifestyle changes. It’s crucial to recognise that motivations vary from person to person and are influenced by a range of factors such as personal values, beliefs, and life circumstances. To address this motivational gap, we need to inspire and empower individuals to take action. One approach is to emphasise the personal benefits and positive impacts of sustainable choices. Highlighting how adopting renewable energy sources can reduce energy bills or how cycling to work can improve personal health not only creates individual incentives but also contributes to the broader climate change mitigation efforts. Additionally, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility can help motivate individuals. Encouraging people to participate in local environmental initiatives, join community gardens, or engage in climate-focused events can create a supportive network and foster a sense of purpose. Education and awareness also play a crucial role in motivating action. By providing accessible and reliable information about the impacts of climate change, the benefits of sustainable practices, and the opportunities for positive change, we can inspire individuals to make informed choices. Sharing success stories of individuals and communities who have taken action can also serve as powerful examples and inspire others to follow suit. Ultimately, overcoming the motivation barrier requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the unique concerns and aspirations of individuals. By recognising the diverse motivations and tailoring our messaging and strategies accordingly, we can create a supportive environment that encourages and empowers everyone to take meaningful action in the fight against climate change. Together, we can unleash the collective potential to create a sustainable and resilient future for ourselves and future generations.

The solutions are often complex and expensive:

When it comes to tackling climate change, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the solutions are often complex and require substantial investments. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy and implementing sustainable practices involves extensive planning, technological advancements, and significant financial resources. This complexity can make it seem daunting and unattainable for individuals and communities to contribute meaningfully to the solutions. For instance, shifting to renewable energy sources requires substantial infrastructure development, research and development, and policy support. Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices in industries and households necessitates changes in behaviour and investments in new equipment and systems. Additionally, addressing deforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and transitioning to circular economy models all require comprehensive approaches that involve multiple stakeholders and require long-term commitment. However, despite the challenges, it’s important to recognise that there are pathways towards a sustainable future. The complexity and cost of solutions should not discourage us from taking action. Instead, we can approach the task by breaking it down into manageable steps and focusing on areas where we can make a difference. One key aspect is promoting innovation and technological advancements. Investing in research and development can lead to the discovery of new clean technologies, making them more accessible and affordable over time. By supporting and advocating for policies that incentivise clean energy and sustainable practices, we can accelerate the adoption of these solutions. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, communities, and universities is essential. Universities play a crucial role in conducting research, providing expertise, and educating the next generation of leaders in sustainability. Through interdisciplinary studies and partnerships with other stakeholders, universities contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge, driving forward sustainable solutions. Importantly, while large-scale actions are necessary, individual choices and actions also matter. Each of us can contribute to the solutions in our own capacity by adopting sustainable lifestyles, reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting environmentally responsible businesses. Small changes, when multiplied by collective efforts, can have a significant positive impact. By recognising the complexity and cost of solutions, we can approach the task with a combination of ambition, collaboration, innovation, and the expertise of universities. By harnessing the collective will and resources, we can unlock the potential to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

 

In conclusion, climate change is a pressing global challenge that demands our collective attention and action. It’s not just for scientists or a select few—it affects us all. Understanding climate change empowers us to make informed decisions, engage in meaningful conversations, and advocate for sustainable solutions. By bridging the gap between technical language and accessible communication, we ensure that climate change risks are understood by people from diverse backgrounds. Connecting personal experiences to the broader consequences fosters a sense of interconnectedness, encouraging wider participation in finding solutions. Recognising different values and perspectives allows for inclusive discussions that resonate worldwide. Overcoming the politicisation of climate change requires holding politicians accountable and prioritising the well-being of both people and the planet. Motivating action involves highlighting the personal benefits of sustainable choices, fostering community and collective responsibility, and promoting education and awareness. Though solutions may be complex and costly, they are within reach. By supporting innovation, collaboration, and individual actions, we can pave the way towards a sustainable and resilient future. Together, we can make a difference.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead

Students audit the Sustainability Champions teams

Last month, students from a variety of degree backgrounds volunteered as Student Sustainability Auditors. They received IEMA approved training on sustainability auditing, which they then used to audit teams of Sustainability Champions at King’s across two days. Find out more about the Sustainability Champions programme here.

We asked one of the students how they found the experience:

As a Student Sustainability Auditor, I learned ways how Universities can adopt Eco-Friendly ways to make themselves sustainable. I am delighted to be part of the team that audited certain departments in KCL to understand activities undertaken by them in the year. It also helped me to understand innovative approaches which any university can adopt. As we worked with students from different departments, we also came across a wider perspective and made new friends as well. We helped each other to fill in knowledge gaps on sustainability. Since the audit was conducted by the students themselves, it provided a good opportunity to give our feedback as well. I hope this is continued at regular intervals.

– Jaydeep Bansal

Energy from Waste Tour: A Visit to Riverside Resource Recovery Plant in Belvedere, East London

This guest blog post was written by Hermione Dadone, Events Officer in the Fundraising & Supporter Development Office at King’s.


On a crisp November morning, a group of King’s College London staff and students set off for a tour of the Riverside Resource Recovery plant in Belvedere, East London. The visit was organised by Energy from Waste, a student-led group dedicated to promoting sustainable waste management practices and raising awareness of the importance of waste reduction and recycling. The group was told ‘just follow the big chimney’ and sure enough, it wasn’t too difficult to find our way, as a very tall silver chimney soon loomed in the distance as we walked from the station.

The Riverside Resource Recovery plant, commissioned in 2011 and opened in 2012, is an innovative facility that uses advanced technology to convert non-recyclable waste into electricity and heat. The plant collects waste from 90 vehicles across London and processes 850,000 tonnes of household and commercial waste per year, producing enough energy to power 180,000 homes. The plant operates Monday to Friday, with 200 container boxes unloaded every single weekday.

The tour started with a brief presentation on the history of the plant and the technology behind it. The group then donned high-visibility vests and hard hats before being taken on a guided tour of the facility by a member of Cory Group. The first stop was a view of the barge pier. Waste is transported to the plant via river barges, pulled by tug boats which run on vegetable oil, and can carry 60 containers at a time, equivalent to 22 lorries. The group watched a barge being unloaded and its yellow box cargo being brought up the pier runway via specially designed waste trucks. Next stop is the tipping hall, where the waste trucks tip their loads directly into the waste bunker from an 18-meter height, where the waste is stored before being fed into the furnace. In the waste bunker a colossal-sized round crane, like something out of War of the Worlds, is used push waste to the back of the bunker. There is an oxidizer system that sprays perfume to neutralize odours, and infrared cameras scan the waste to detect any hotspots and manage fire risk. If a hotspot is detected as reaching 60 degrees then the waste hotspot is picked up with the crane and removed straight into the fire chamber. If temperature in the waste bunker ever rises dangerously high then it is instantly cooled by water cannons that come on automatically if the temperature reaches 100 degrees.

The plant also has a system to deal with contamination in the waste. Waste inspections are carried out to identify and correct any contamination, and charcoal is used as a neutraliser for heavy metals, while lime is added to neutralise acids. The lime comes from Lancashire. The group learned that it is four times more expensive to process ‘dirty’ waste eg metals and other materials that shouldn’t be in general waste.

The heart of the plant is the energy recovery facility, where the waste is burned at high temperatures to produce steam. The steam is then used to power turbines, which generate electricity that is fed into the national grid. The biggest challenge for the plant is feeding the waste to keep the fire burning at a consistent level, which is directly affected by weather and how much moisture the waste contains.

Once the waste material has been burned, the plant recovers metals from the ash, which are then recycled for use in construction and other industries. The ash itself is used in making breezeblocks, capping for landfill, or in tarmac for roads.

The group was impressed by the scale and efficiency of the operation, as well as the advanced air pollution control systems that minimise the environmental impact of the plant, turning APCR (Air Pollution Control Residues) material into calcium carbonate pellets.

After the tour, the group had a chance to ask questions and discuss the plant’s role in sustainable waste management. The group learned that an additional neighbouring facility is currently being built that will allow the plant to operate on weekends, and will have a box shape design so that solar panels can be installed. With the addition of this new facility, the plant’s capacity will increase to processing 1.5 million tonnes of waste per year, making it the largest in Europe.

The visit to the Riverside Resource Recovery plant was an eye-opening experience for the King’s College London staff and students. It highlighted the importance of sustainable waste management and the role that innovative technologies can play in reducing our environmental impact. Physically seeing all that waste piling up at such scale should certainly encourage us as a community to be conscious of reducing our waste and always remembering our reusable coffee cup!


Find out more about waste management at King’s here and in King’s Climate & Sustainability Action Plan

Start 2023 as a Sustainability Champion at King’s

Want to embed sustainability into your role but not sure where to start? The Sustainability Champions programme could be for you. By joining the network, you will learn more about sustainability and gain sustainability accreditation.

Group photo of Sustainability Award attendees and Senior Leaders.King’s Sustainability are looking to expand the network of 500+ Sustainability Champions who work on campus and in our residences to make King’s a more sustainable place.

You can be a Champion for any office, lab or department – whatever size of area you feel is appropriate – and will have the full support of the Sustainability Team and access to an array of resources.

Sustainability Champions work on implementing projects and actions to gain a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award at the end of the year. The programme has proven to be crucial in helping the Sustainability Team embed sustainability and efficiency throughout the university. You can read more about the 2022 Sustainability Awards here.

The network brings together King’s staff from the different campuses, departments and faculties, empowering them to make positive changes within and beyond their own work environments. The programme includes educational events, a special awards ceremony, and drop-in sessions for support.

Find out more and sign up here by mid-January.

We need you! Making lab-based research more sustainable

This guest blog post was written by Greg Anderson – Associate Director of Research Infrastructure in the Research Management & Innovation Directorate at King’s College London.


It’s an uncomfortable truth that our lab-based research activity uses a lot of energy and so, unavoidably contributes to climate change. I think the societal impact of our research more than justifies this, but I suspect our community of researchers would agree to using less energy if we can.

Image of a group of people standing in a lab in safety clothes.

In this vein, if you work in the Health Schools, there is a strong possibility that you can help us do exactly that in a very meaningful way. Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) or -80C freezers – whatever you call them – those Goliaths that sit purring in the corner and hurt our fingers each time we go in them, are one of the most important pieces of equipment we have in our labs. They keep our valuable samples safe and ensure the data we extract from them is reliable – hence the panic when they go silent or despair when you find one sitting in a puddle of its own making. They’re also one of the most energy-hungry pieces of equipment. Each one uses about the same amount of energy as the average 3-bedroom home, and many of the older models can use twice that amount. Not only do they draw a lot of power directly, but they also require a similar amount of energy to cool the space they occupy because they throw out so much heat to function. For the record – across our campuses at King’s we have over 550 of them!

As a user of these freezers, you may be aware that some contain – let’s call it – stuff, that is perhaps less valuable than the rest of it. Maybe you know what I mean!? That box of unlabelled Eppendorf tubes left in there 6 years ago; that bag of 50ml Falcon tubes with unidentifiable bits of tissue in; dare I say it – the samples that your soon-to-retire group leader still has in there from their PhD days. What we would love your help with, as things wind down for Christmas, is to grab a coffee with your group leader and nail down what contents can go! Perhaps muster support from colleagues, don some grotesque Christmas jumpers for extra thermal protection and Maria Kondo your ULT freezers together! Even better, organise the contents and make accurate records of the samples that need keeping so that they’re easy to find.

Now on its own, this is not going to solve anything; in fact, the more space you have in your freezer, the more air that can rush in and warm up your samples each time you open the door. This request is ultimately about consolidating the samples we keep and to make this work we need you to combine your efforts across research departments, and likely your local technical team, to have the greatest impact. The technical leads in your areas are already working hard to consolidate samples and may be able to help with shared space allocation between research groups in individual freezers. Which in turn means your teams can take advantage of a King’s wide freezer replacement scheme.

King’s has initiated a £1M scheme that offers departments the opportunity to trade in any two ULT freezers that are older than 10 years old and in exchange, receive a brand new, fully racked (to your specifications) market-leading, ultra-efficient model (CryoCube F570h). So, this is your chance to help get rid of those freezers in your department that no one wants to put their samples in because they’re on their last legs (and are coincidentally the most energy inefficient). Each freezer taken away either goes to UniGreen Scheme for resale, or SLS to be dismantled for useful parts or sustainably disposed of. The fate of every freezer is tracked as part of this project so that we can be confident that no wastage occurs.

How will this make a difference? If we can collectively reduce the contents of our ULT freezers by just 10%, we can remove 50 of our least energy-efficient freezers across King’s and replace them with 25 ultra-efficient new ones, saving over 273,750 kilowatt-hours over the course of a year — enough energy to power more than 83 average UK homes. That’s a lot of energy and valuable space saved!

If you want to find out more about the scheme and the wider aims of the project, please visit our SharePoint site, where you will also find tips and tricks on how to optimise sample density.


Get ready for another year of sustainability action at King’s 

Group picture at the London Student Sustainability Conference with participants holding up SDG signsAre you interested in all things sustainable and making a positive impact whilst at King’s? The Sustainability team have a range of volunteering opportunities, events, and other ways to learn more about climate and sustainability.

Enrol on the KEATS Sustainability & Climate module, volunteer in the Climate Action Network or Sustainability Champions programme, join a committee to make your residence more sustainable, or attend one of the many events throughout the year. Find out more and pick your project below! 

KEATS Sustainability Module, Seminar Series, and Take Action Team
The online module on Sustainability & Climate is an open-access and interdisciplinary module covering the biggest topics in sustainability from climate change and food to sustainable finance and social justice. It has been fully co-created by a Take Action Team which currently includes about 50 students, staff, and alumni members. It has been complemented by a Sustainability Seminar Series and other events to build a sense of community and support participants in developing transferable skills. The module and seminar series are relaunching in October 2022. Register here. 

King’s Climate Action Network
The King’s Climate Action Network (CAN) is an open, interdisciplinary forum bringing together people from the King’s community who are passionate about climate action. It was created in October 2020 to co-create the university’s approach to climate action and now has more than 300 members. It focuses on solutions to reduce our carbon emissions while maximising our positive impact on climate action, through 7 themes: Zero Carbon Estate, Procurement and Waste, Travel, Responsible Investment, Students & Education, Community & Engagement, and Zero Carbon Research. Join the King’s CAN 

One of the current CAN projects is the climate listening campaign in our local communities which aims to hear first-hand about the climate and sustainability challenges they face and to identify how King’s students and staff can work with them. Get involved. 

Sustainability Champions
The university’s Sustainability Champions are staff who work on campus and in our residences to make King’s a more sustainable working environment; reducing the negative and maximising the positive social and environmental impacts. Throughout the year, Sustainability Champions work on implementing projects and actions and working toward gaining a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. Find out more. 

Sustainability Month
King’s Sustainability Month takes place every year in February. This month is a collaboration between King’s and KCLSU that offers all those involved an opportunity to learn more about sustainability topics, collaborate and connect with others from across King’s and #TakeAction on the climate crisis. The month includes exciting events organised by people from across the King’s community focused on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Check out Sustainability Month 2022 

King’s Community Garden
Did you know King’s has a Community Garden on campus? Email kingscommunitygarden@kcl.ac.uk if you would like to contribute to this garden or get more information. Check out how to find King’s Wolfson Card Courtyard Community Garden here.

Podcast
The King’s Spotlight on Sustainability podcast aims to draw attention to sustainability at King’s and beyond. The goal is to get you thinking about some of the issues and challenges we face regarding climate change and the natural world by highlighting some of the excellent work surrounding sustainability happening at King’sand on a local, national and global level. Start listening here. 

Sustainable Residences
Students living in King’s Residences can participate in the Sustainable Living Community buddy scheme and join the Sustainable Living Communities Facebook group. 

 

If you want to set up your own sustainability project with friends, a society, or individually, you can also get in touch with the team for support. Any ideas, feedback, things to promote, are always welcome: sustainability@kcl.ac.uk. 

All of those who make a significant contribution to sustainability at King’s will be recognised through the Sustainability Awards and/or the King’s Experience Champion for Change Awards.

Expand your positive impact to local communities by signing up to volunteer with King’s Volunteering.  

Make a difference during your time at King’s! Group photo of Sustainability Award attendees and Senior Leaders.

Sustainability Awards 2022 

This blog post was written by Lavinia Allen, King’s Sustainability Projects Assistant. You can read the news story on King’s central pages here. 


On Monday 18th July 2022, students and staff came together at the King’s Sustainability Awards to celebrate the efforts and achievements of everyone who has worked tirelessly this year to make King’s a more sustainable place.  

The ceremony took place in the Great Hall on Strand Campus. This was the first in-person awards ceremony since 2019, making it extra special. During the core of the ceremony, we celebrated the hard work of the 500+ staff Sustainability Champions who completed 2,800 actions on sustainability this year. 

Group photo of Sustainability Award attendees and Senior Leaders.

Group photo of Sustainability Award attendees and Senior Leaders.

61 Sustainability Champions teams were awarded: 

  • 1 Working Towards Sustainability Dozen 
  • 13 Sustainability Dozen 
  • 7 Bronze 
  • 1 Working Towards Silver 
  • 5 Silver 
  • 34 Gold 

Office and Residence Teams: 

Sustainability Dozen  Bronze  Silver  Gold 
Clinical Pharmacology  James Black Centre Offices  Arts & Humanities Cluster Offices (Working Towards)  Entrepreneurship Institute 
Deans Office  Research Management and Innovation Directorate  Vascular Biology & Inflammation  Estates and Facilities, Lavington Street 
Denmark Hill Estates and Facilities      Geography 
Global Mobility Office (Working Towards)  Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience 
Guys & Waterloo Chaplaincies  King’s Sport 
International Development  School of Global Affairs 
King’s Online/KPED  Service Centre 
Libraries & Collections, Franklin-Wilkins Library  Social Mobility & Widening Participation 
Libraries & Collections, IoPPN Library  Strand Estates and Facilities 
Libraries & Collections, Maughan Library  The Dickson Poon School of Law 
Libraries & Collections, New Hunts’ House Library  Wolfson House Residence 
Libraries & Collections, St Thomas’ House Library   
Libraries & Collections, Weston Education Centre Library 

 

Lab Teams: 

Bronze  Silver  Gold 
Biological Services  Centre for Developmental Neurobiology  Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences – DNA analysis 
Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology  Engineering  Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences – Drug Control Centre 
Division of Women & Children’s Health (Hodgkin)  Institute of Hepatology  Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences – Genetic and Environmental Toxicology 
Human & Applied Physiological Sciences    Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences – King’s Forensics 
Physics Research Labs (Nanophotonics Suite)  Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences – Lab 4.134 
Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics  Basic and Clinical Neuroscience 
  Cardiovascular Research 
Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine 
Chemistry Research 
Chemistry Teaching 
Diabetes Research Group 
Dissecting Room 
Division of Women & Children’s Health (St Thomas’) 
Geography 
Guy’s Multi Disciplinary Labs 
Innovation Hub, Guy’s Cancer Centre 
James Black Centre: Cardiovascular Sciences 
Nutrition Sciences 
School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences 
SGDP Centre, Molecular Genetics Lab 
Twin Research (The Rayne Institute) 
Vascular Biology & Inflammation 
Wolfson Centre for Age-related Diseases 
Director of Sustainability, Kat Thorne, hosting the awards ceremony.

Director of Sustainability, Kat Thorne, hosting the awards ceremony.

We also had a Special Awards category where we recognised and celebrated the hard work of individuals and groups who took part in sustainability initiatives, projects, and programmes this year. 

Members of staff in this category included: 

  • Dola Akanmu 
  • Glyn Jones 
  • Kautuk Chaddha 
  • IoPPN offices 

Other wider groups: 

  • 84 students who completed the KEATS Sustainability & Climate Module (between March-June) 
  • 6 students who took part in the Sustainable Development Goal Curriculum Mapping project 
  • 6 students and staff from the King’s Climate Action Network  
  • 5 students and alumni who co-hosted and co-produced the Spotlight on Sustainability Podcast 
  • School of Global Affairs communications team 
  • Damely Akizhanova for their work on the Sustainability Residence Committees
  • The King’s Procurement Team  
A variety of celebratory cakes

A variety of celebratory cakes.

THANK YOU! 

A massive thank you to everyone who has contributed to our successes at King’s this year. The combined efforts of everyone involved have a significant impact and aid in achieving our university sustainability goals. 

Achievements this year include: 

  • King’s has reduced its carbon emissions by more than half (51%) since 2005/06 baseline 
  • King’s has divested from all fossil fuels – one year ahead of schedule 
  • King’s ranked in top 5 UK universities for environmental & social impact in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, as well as second in the UK in the People & Planet League table this year. 
  • 500+ people taking part in the Sustainability Champions programme and 350+ members of the Climate Action Network (CAN)  
  • Between September 2021 and July 2022, over 1,400 attendees came together across 87 events and training opportunities ran by the King’s Sustainability Team 
  • The development of the KEATS Sustainability & Climate module, which had over 600 students and staff enrol and over 180 complete the full module and receive sustainability awards  
  • Over 1000 modules mapped against the Sustainable Development Goals, carried out with the help of over 60 trained students and staff 
  • All King’s suppliers must now sign up to the Sustainability Supply Chain Code of Conduct. This is a huge step to reducing our carbon emissions, as our supply chain is the biggest source of carbon (scope 3)  
  • King’s Food & Venues choice menus are now 70% vegetation and vegan 
  • King’s has recently been awarded the highest rating of three stars by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) rating, as well as being re-accredited as a Fairtrade university.  

Join us! There are lots of projects and ways to get involved in sustainability at King’s: 

  • If you would like to find out more about becoming a Sustainability Champion, please register via this form and contact the Sustainability Team at sustainability@kcl.ac.uk. 
  • If you would like to join the Climate Action Network, register here.  
  • If you would like to enrol on the KEATS Sustainability & Climate module (to be re-launched in October ‘22), register here. If you would like to join the Take Action team of students and staff developing this module – please email sustainability@kcl.ac.uk 
  • If you are a student living in a hall of residence and would like to get involved in shaping the Sustainability Living Communities programme, get in touch. 
King’s Sustainability Team. From left to right: Rachel Harrington-Abrams, Emily Read, Tasnia Yasmin, Kat Thorne, Alexandra Hepple, Jone De Roode Jauregui, Lavinia Allen, Nicola Hogan.

King’s Sustainability Team. From left to right: Rachel Harrington-Abrams, Emily Read, Tasnia Yasmin, Kat Thorne, Alexandra Hepple, Jone De Roode Jauregui, Lavinia Allen, Nicola Hogan.

Student Auditors for Sustainability Champions

Last week, students from a variety of degree backgrounds volunteered as Student Sustainability Auditors. They received IEMA approved training on sustainability auditing, which they then used to audit teams of Sustainability Champions at King’s across two days. Find out more about the Sustainability Champions programme here.

We asked the students how they found the experience:

May be an image of 7 people, people standing and indoor

 

“Training was very helpful and well presented. Using this method to evaluate organizations in sustainability efforts will be beneficial in future interactions personally and professionally. A very insightful experience.”

“I have enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about what different departments are doing at King’s and how they are able to improve this. It was also good to be able to meet fellow students with a similar interest in the topic.”

“I really enjoyed the training and met interesting people. It was really exciting to look into all the meaningful work the sustainability team and the sustainability champions are doing.”

Community Garden week at King’s

It’s King’s Community Garden week!🌳

King’s Community Garden (Guy’s Campus) was setup by Oli Austen – Sustainability Champion and senior technical officer in the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine.

Oli set up the space as gardening is a great way to connect with nature (especially for city dwellers), and evidence for the positive impact of gardening is always growing. A report by the King’s Fund in 2016 found many health benefits of gardening, including significant reductions in depression and anxiety. The Royal Horticultural Society website also lists advantages such as improving cardiovascular health and promoting a healthy diet🌸

Since its creation the garden has been tended to by undergraduate and postgraduate students, professional services staff, academics, technicians and KCLSU staff🌱

You can get involved with the community garden in the future by emailing kingscommunitygarden@kcl.ac.uk.

Check out how to find King’s Wolfson Card Courtyard Community Garden here.

Why is there a lack of renewable energy use in the UK?

This guest blog comes courtesy of Marco Hacon, the Energy Team’s Sustainability Champion Assistant. 


I recently worked with the team behind King’s sustainability module on the section on energy. 

Side note: If you haven’t heard of it, where have you been? For those of you that haven’t seen it, it’s a great open-access resource that brings interdisciplinary knowledge from both students and staff. Don’t be put off if you don’t have any understanding of sustainability, the module aims to provide something for everyone. So, even if you have a strong knowledge base, it covers a lot of areas; you’re guaranteed to learn something new. Check it out here.

Anyway, as part of my research for it, I learned that in the UK (as of December 2020), renewable production generated 40.2% of total electricity produced in the UK; around 6% of total UK energy usage. This last number surprised me. The 2020s are supposed to be the decade of green action with the UK having a strategy in place for decarbonising all sectors of the economy to meet a net-zero target by 2050. So it made me wonder: why is there a lack of renewable energy use in the UK? Well, here’s what I found out:

First, the UK has a regressive approach to funding low-carbon transitions. The energy is currently being funded by levies on the energy bills of consumers. As it stands, 27.9% of energy bills go towards the construction and maintenance of energy infrastructure. Consequently, those who spend more on energy bills relative to their income contribute more to the low-carbon transition. Let me be clear, as I’ve expressed in another blog post, this has not caused the current energy price crisis. But, as prices rise with the increased cost of living, if these bills cannot be met, the transition will be held up. There’s nothing just about that. 

As a result, the UK sector doesn’t receive enough support to produce and manage energy. According to data from the Office of National Statistics released on the week of the 14th of February, the UK’s low-carbon and renewable energy economy has failed to grow since 2014. In the same period, employment in areas such as manufacturing low-carbon technology, energy supply and construction has actually dropped by 28,000 and is currently roughly 207,800. Particularly concerning is that areas such as onshore wind and solar energy, which are essential components of a low-carbon energy mix, have been hit the hardest. It would be easy to place blame at the door of Coronavirus, but it looks like businesses in these areas were struggling in 2019. Even in relation to offshore wind, the UK’s flagship renewable source, energy production isn’t as high as might be hoped. Despite historically high energy output from wind farms in Scotland, the UK generates less than its counterparts in Europe.

Another reason that the UK is struggling to increase renewable energy’s contribution is storage. With much renewable energy being reliant on weather conditions, inter-seasonal storage remains a core challenge for the industry (and not just the UK). As such, there needs to be a lot of investment in energy storage. Lithium-ion batteries are expected to dominate the storage boom. On this front, the UK has started to invest. It has been recently announced that one of Europe’s largest battery storage facilities is set to be built in Scotland and is due to be operational in 2024. The Green Battery Complex will comprise two 400 MW facilities, each providing 800 MWhrs of energy storage capacity. However, capacity is measured in hours instead of days or weeks. As a result, looking forward, the UK would be wise to invest in other energy technologies such as green hydrogen, ‘gravity’ storage, and ‘cryogenic’ batteries.

In terms of other things the UK must consider when looking to the future, it must place localism at its heart, promoting community energy developments and supporting households. This is both in terms of reducing energy waste such as insulation as well as initiatives like solar panels that reduce the need for grid-supplied energy. 

Correction from previous blog post.

In a blog post from 2021, titled “King’s Energy: The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex”, the author outlined that it would take 116.5 Noor’s to supply the world with renewable energy based on 2019 demand. The actual number is 116.

Thank you to Assoc. Prof. Johan Montelius from Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) for identifying this and bringing it to our attention.


Photo of Marco HaconMarco Hacon is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Environment, Politics and Development here at King’s. Before this, he worked in a few start-ups and scale-up companies with social purposes, where he gained a basic understanding of sustainability. He is a strong believer in a just and equitable clean energy transition. He is excited to write about this as well as more King’s-related energy topics for the team’s blog. He also wants to help develop toolbox talks for King’s staff and teams that centre on how to use energy sustainably.

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