CASE STUDIES
Rethinking Waste and Resource Management at University of Hertfordshire
By working in partnership, the University of Hertfordshire has made significant improvements to its waste management system and service. Costs have been cut significantly, the recycling rate has more than doubled and total waste production has been reduced.Following an initial audit and opportunities assessment, we provided a member of staff to UH on a flexible basis to work closely with the Estates and Environment Teams at the University. The project has been very successful and the following achievements have been made within 10 months of commencement of the partnership:
- Recycling rates have increased from 30% to 70%
- The amount of waste produced has fallen by 20%
- Waste management costs have been reduced by more than 30%
- An effective and easy to use compliance system has been designed and implemented
- A new waste management contract has been developed and sustainable procurement principles were applied to the tendering process for the new contract
- An increase in the value obtained for rebates on value materials has been negotiated
- Excessive costs and historic rebates owed from previous contracts have been recovered
- A 6 year Waste and Resource Management Strategy and Implementation Plan has been designed and is being implemented
- A comprehensive waste awareness and minimisation campaign and engagement programme has been launched
Testimonial
“The University of Hertfordshire has been working with Sustainable Resource Solutions (the parent company of Revise) since 2007 on various environmental projects. The University chose Sustainable Resource Solutions because we liked their flexibility and their willingness to work with the University of Hertfordshire’s wide and diverse community. We needed a flexible partner to help us achieve our waste management requirements including a comprehensive recycling and waste minimisation strategy. The University has a social responsibility to dispose of our waste in the most sustainable way possible and this would not have been possible without their excellent guidance. We have found them to be efficient, cost effective and their experience across all environmental issues has allowed us to implement best practice with great success across all of our campuses. The real difference with Revise compared to other consultants is that they really make an effort to understand our specific issues and problems – it is not always easy to implement a successful recycling strategy with 22000 students on campus! At all times they were realistic about what we could achieve. We have learnt that small steps of change often translate into a wholesale change of ethos and as our recycling rates continue upwards we look forward to working with Revise on more environmental projects and continued success in the future.“
Tracey Russell,
Deputy Director Facilities,
Department of Estates,
Hospitality & Contract Services
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