How to Assess Sustainable Accommodation and Live Greener
Did you know, 44% of student residents think their actions only have a minimal impact on the environment? (Utopi, Market Validation Report) Your behaviours actually have a huge impact on the environment, and so too do the actions of your accommodation providers.
Sustainability in student accommodation is increasingly vital as the education sector plays a critical role in shaping environmentally conscious future generations. With thousands of students living in purpose-built accommodations across cities, the collective impact on energy, water usage, and waste is significant.
Increasing your environmental awareness and implementing sustainable practices not only reduces environmental harm but also boosts your health and wellbeing. A sustainable approach ensures that living spaces are healthier, more efficient, and aligned with the global push towards net-zero carbon targets. But the responsibility sits with us all, so we’ll break down some of the things to spot from an accommodation provider who cares for the environment; and also some of the actions we can take to live greener.
When assessing the sustainability of a student accommodation provider, consider the following:
Smart technology and real-time data tracking: Look for providers using systems like Utopi that monitor electricity, heating, and water usage in real time. These tools help reduce unnecessary consumption, promote accountability among residents, and offer insight into how sustainable the building truly is on a day-to-day basis.
Eco-friendly construction and materials: Investigate the materials used in a building's development. Traditional concrete, for example, has a massive carbon footprint, usually accounting for 60% of a building’s carbon emissions. Sustainable alternatives like recycled steel, cross-laminated timber, or low-carbon concrete blends show that a provider is committed to reducing their environmental impact from the ground up.
Resident engagement and sustainability initiatives: See if the accommodation runs green campaigns for residents, educational programmes, or incentive-based challenges around recycling, carbon reduction, or energy savings. Providers that actively involve residents in sustainability efforts demonstrate a long-term commitment beyond just building specs.
Your Environmental Responsibility#
It all needs to start by understanding your carbon footprint. Let's break it down: your carbon footprint is like your environmental shadow, and it's created by all the stuff you do, both big and small. From grabbing snacks to turning on the heating, each action contributes. So, how can you tailor your student life to be more eco-friendly?
Did you know? Reducing your room temperature by 1° for just one day could save enough electricity to charge 13 iPhones.
Advice for Sustainable Living -
Green Knowledge: Stay in the loop about climate-friendly habits. Follow eco-conscious influencers, learn more about washing habits that can reduce your environmental footprint, check the Utopi website for blogs about energy saving tips and tricks, and stay informed about cool sustainability initiatives happening around your campus. Knowledge is your secret weapon!
Sustainable Snacking: Uni life can involve a lot of grab-and-go meals. Opt for snacks with minimal packaging, carry a reusable water bottle, and consider trying meat-free days a few times a week – it's easier than you think, and every small action makes a difference.
Become a Heating Pro: Familiarise yourself with the heating system in your accommodation. Learn how to adjust the thermostat, control radiators, and understand any time settings, and remember to turn your heating off when you leave the space for classes or a weekend away. Keeping the thermostat at around 20°C should be a comfortable temperature and better for the environment.
The Power of the Sun: Harness the natural power of sunlight. Open your blinds during the day to let in natural light and warm up the space without using additional heating sources. It's a simple move that can cut down on energy use and brighten up your space.
Switch Off, Unplug: Don't let energy vampires sneak around your room! Turn off lights, unplug chargers, and power down electronics when you're not using them. It's an easy way to save energy and lower your carbon footprint, and it’s surprising how much energy it can waste when just plugged in.
There you have it, the first major step to sustainable living is education and understanding. From there can come awareness of your behaviours and the operations of your accommodation, and environmentally friendly strategies can be implemented. And ultimately, every small change makes a difference.
For more tips and tricks on green living, see Utopi’s website: www.utopi-portal.com
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