I was excited by the invitation to work alongside a great group of colleagues from the Skills Centre and Careers Service to create our very own Sustainable Futures: Green Impact Action team. As the only colleague working in HR, I wasn't sure at first how much I could contribute, however it quickly became clear that sustainability isn't confined to one profession, department or job role.
What attracted me to Green Impact was not only the opportunity to contribute towards a more sustainable future, but the chance to work collaboratively with others by joining a community of changemakers who are passionate about making a difference. Green Impact brings both staff and student communities together to share ideas, learn from one another and take action that creates real impact. Whether focusing on reducing energy consumption, improving recycling practices, supporting biodiversity, encouraging sustainable travel or promoting wellbeing, there is a collective commitment to creating positive change.
One of my favourite aspects of the programme was learning from others. I have always believed that great ideas grow through conversation and connection, and the Green Impact mid-year showcase created a valuable space for colleagues to exchange ideas and experiences. I would like to share some of those with you.
The library team introduced the Green Spark competition, inviting students to consider and propose their ideas for creating a more sustainable library service. It was a brilliant example of empowering students to shape a more sustainable future.
The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences shared their creative approach when completing toolkit actions with themed sustainable focus months, enabling their action team to complete grouped actions each month, with greater efficiency. It demonstrated how grouping sustainable actions into manageable themes would help maintain momentum and engagement to achieve successful outcomes. I shared my thinking that for greater efficiency in adopting this best practice approach, it would be important to receive early communication which sets out an annual calendar so that sustainable themes can be aligned to scheduled events and timetabled opportunities throughout the year.
There was a standout presentation from the Sports Training Village where their efforts to redistribute unwanted plastic water bottles, gym kits, lost property items and electronics showed how practical solutions can create both environmental and social benefits. I was especially impressed by their partnership with a local homeless charity, by donating re-purposed water bottles to support a community soup kitchen. They also worked in partnership with the Student Union by re-homing items through the use of a SU app. It was a powerful example of sustainability, community engagement and social impact.
Another wonderful project was shared, where I took a walk with the Department of Psychology Green Impact team, to see first hand how they had worked to create a pollinator garden between 8 West and 10 West. Complete with recycled benches, the space provides an opportunity for staff and students to pause, connect with nature and enjoy the biodiversity it attracts. It was a wonderful reminder that sustainability can also enhance wellbeing and our experience of the campus environment.
Perhaps the most significant discussion at the showcase was centred around creating space for sustainability within our roles. Conversations explored the importance of giving colleagues permission and time to get involved, embedding sustainability responsibilities within job descriptions, and recognising people as Green Advocates or Responsible Citizens. There was also discussion around incorporating sustainability into one-to-one meetings and career conversations, something that particularly resonated with me from an HR perspective.
These examples reminded me that some of the most impactful sustainability actions start with a simple idea, a collaborative conversation or a willingness to try something new. They also reinforced my belief that sustainability works best when it is embedded into the way we work, rather than treated as a separate activity.
Being part of the Green Impact initiative also prompted me to reflect on my own habits and my everyday choices. Sustainability isn't limited to what we do at work. It extends to how we travel, what we buy, how we use resources, how we engage with our communities and how we care for the natural environment around us. It is about being mindful of the bigger picture, University and beyond - people and planet.
Throughout the year I found opportunities to contribute in ways that aligned with my HR role and my personal interests.
Some highlights included:
- Making a recommendation for a bespoke sustainability eLearning module for colleagues and students to learn about the University's sustainability ambitions and encourage positive behaviours.
- Creating a Green Playlist on the Development Toolkit to encourage colleagues to learn more about sustainability with links to our university training courses.
- Promoting Warp-it, the University's re-use network, helping reduce waste by encouraging the reuse of unwanted items.
- Taking part in workshops including Introduction to Climate and Sustainability and the Waste Not Want Not Tour.
- Taking part in Bird, Insect, Wildflower, Fungi and Pondlife ID surveys, an activity referred to as 'Campus Bioblitz' enabling us to record biodiversity on campus.
- Completing a Deep Time Walk promoted during Earth Week, I would really recommend as it offers fascinating perspective on Earth's history and our place within it and promotes reflective practice.
- Volunteering some time for the University's Leave No Trace initiative during the student move-out period, helping reduce waste and support the reuse of unwanted items.
- Championing ideas, including the Green Impact email signature logo.
- Co-ordinating team efforts to create a water irrigation system for the raised planters in the University community garden.
Reflecting on these activities, what I enjoyed when completing actions was the opportunity they created. Some allowed me to share knowledge, others enabled me to connect people, promote learning or encourage participation. As someone who values collaboration and bringing people together, one of our team successes was a co-ordinated Sustainable Bingo event with another Green Impact team on World Wildlife Day (3 March 2026). In just one hour, the event enabled us to complete eight toolkit actions worth 40 points, illustrating how partnership working, creative thinking and effective planning can help teams achieve more while making the best use of limited time.
I particularly value that sustainability is as much about people as it is about the environment. As someone who is naturally energised by working with people, I found myself enjoying the human side of sustainability enormously. The conversations, the shared enthusiasm, the willingness to help one another and the collective desire to make a difference were often just as inspiring as the actions themselves. Green Impact reminded me that lasting change rarely happens because of one person acting alone. It happens when relationships are built, ideas are shared and people feel empowered to contribute. Creating inclusive workplaces, supporting health and wellbeing, sharing knowledge and ensuring opportunities for future generations are all important parts of building a sustainable future.
Green Impact has shown me that none of us need to have all the answers. What matters is a willingness to learn, share ideas and take positive action. By working together, we can support the University's ambition to achieve net zero by 2040.
My green year may have turned Gold, but perhaps the greatest achievement has been discovering more about myself along the way. I have learned that sustainability can provide a powerful outlet for many of the strengths I use every day; whether that’s collaborating with others, leading initiatives, developing ideas, supporting colleagues or bringing my enthusiasm to positive action.
Discovering a community of passionate colleagues and students with shared purpose contributing with their creativity and commitment has shown me that sustainability is not just about reaching targets. It's about people coming together to leave things better than they found them.
If you have ever wondered whether Green Impact might be for you, my advice is simple: bring yourself. Bring your ideas, your skills, your curiosity and your passion. There is room for everyone, regardless of role, experience or expertise. Sustainability is not the responsibility of a few specialists. It belongs to all of us. It is about progress, participation and recognising that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a much bigger impact.
I have shared my reflections through the lens of HR and personal development, but every team member experienced the journey a little differently. If you are interested in reading about our team's progress from a Team Lead perspective, Kevin Renfrew has written an excellent companion blog that captures his collective journey from Silver to Gold and showcases our Gold award certificate: From silver to gold: How a hotter, drier summer sharpened our greenimpact resolve | Academic & Employability Skills
Further reading:
WATCH: 'Conversations at Bath' recording (June 2026)
Sustainable Bath blog
Respond