Sustainability in Graphic Design

Sustainability has been something I have focused on a lot during the end of this semester of uni and I want to take it into consideration more during next year.

Leeds arts uni

We operate within a University Sustainability Framework, which helps educate our students about long-term, cultural, economic and environmental health and vitality, together with the importance of linking social, financial, and environmental well being.

We aim to:

• Develop and enhance our Estate by identifying opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint and optimise our building systems, fabric and infrastructure to be more energy efficient 

• Foster inquiry into sustainability through teaching, learning and research 

• Embed sustainability within the curriculum (environmental– societal, economic) 

• Ensure our graduates are sustainability literate, equipped with the skills, knowledge and understanding to live and work in a complex and changing world 

• Ensure all staff and students are aware of their individual and collective responsibilities regarding sustainable practice 

• Actively encourage and support student engagement throughout all sustainability developments in the University 

• Share knowledge across all areas of University activity to raise awareness of and ensure effective participation in sustainability practices 

Our Sustainability Committee plans, supports and monitors the University’s sustainability activity and how it adheres to the University’s Sustainability Framework.

Energy Consumption

Leeds Arts University energy consumption (both gas and electricity) is decreasing on average by 6% year on year. Over the last 3 academic years there has been an overall reduction in energy consumption of 18%. This is due to raised awareness and individuals taking responsibility for turning off lights, air conditioning units and computers, along with the use of more energy efficient technology throughout the University.

CO2 Emissions

Through activities associated with managing the estate, the University has reduced CO2 emission by 23% since the academic year 2012-13. Emissions are decreasing on average by 8% year on year. The University are also working to improve recycling rates, source local and sustainable food for refectories and install low energy technology across the estate.

Waste Statistics

The University continue to increase recycling rates and reduce waste produced regardless of an increase in student numbers and estate size over the last 3 years. Since 2012-13 the University decreased overall waste production by 78%.

84% of waste produced was diverted away from landfill through recycling initiatives and creating energy from 2012-13 to 2015-16. 81% of our waste in 2015-16 was recycled, a 5% increase from 2014-15.

9% of waste created by University activities was used to create energy in 2015-16.