We know that sustainability is becoming an ever more important issue, and the library wants to play its part. This year we've introduced new recycling facilities and worked with the BU Sustainability team to produce a bespoke workshop for our students, so they can learn more about this vital issue.
This year we've broadened the range of waste bins and recycling options available in the library, so we now offer sustainable disposal of food, crisp packets, sweet wrappers and batteries, as well as standard recycling.
Working together with the BU Sustainability team, we've launched an awareness campaign to highlight how library users can help us improve recycling rates and take advantage of initiatives such as reusable coffee cups. We'll follow this up with some survey work in the coming year, which will give us a better understanding of students' attitudes to sustainability and how we can help them to do more.
This year The Academic Skills Hub created a bespoke new workshop in which students can learn about sustainability while studying at BU. It's all about developing the knowledge, skills, behaviours and values needed to create a more equal, healthy and environmentally-friendly future.
The BU library team organised a volunteering day in June, during which they turned their hands to litter picking in a local park, followed by an afternoon working on the SUBU allotment in Talbot campus. Tasks included weeding, planting and pruning, and even constructing a composter from old pallets!
Over 30 students attended our new workshop dedicated to sustainability. We plan to expand the number of places available next year.
Following the introduction of food, crisp packet and battery bins in the library, we're proud to be part of the university's drive to improve recycling rates. BU is now ranked 11th in the UK for Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production (THE Impact Rankings 2025).
"The library is lovely and clean, and the recycling is so much better than it used to be. I save up all my flatmates' crisp packets to bring in!"
Comment from Christmas feedback campaign
Take a look at the Academic Skills Hub sustainability resources for students here.