A blog by Michael Gregory, Residence Student Experience and Support Manager, Queen's Accommodation. 

When I learned that our team had won the Staff Excellence Award for 'Commitment to Sustainability', I felt a mixture of satisfaction and pride. The Residential Life Team is in a privileged position in how we can support students living in accommodation, through a range of initiatives, including our promotion of a more sustainable living environment. To be recognised for this work was extremely pleasing and reinforced the value of our efforts.

Within student housing, the Residential Life Team is dedicated to promoting a sustainable living environment to support positive citizenship within the student population. Our work involves educating students on growing and cooking their own vegetables, recycling waste appropriately, and switching off unused electrical items via our 'Switch Off' campaign. We also encourage students to donate unwanted items when moving out of their accommodation; these items can be passed on to new students, helping to avoid them going to landfills. 

I would encourage anyone within the university community to nominate a staff member they notice making a difference. It will highlight the positive contribution they are making and will hopefully encourage others to do the same. I believe if we embed a culture whereby excellence is highlighted and celebrated, it will only encourage this positive cycle to continue.

Michael Gregory

Residence Student Experience and Support Manager