Creativity with a Conscience: Environment & Sustainability
As a part of the University of Leicester, we recognise that the activities we do inevitably impact on the environment and that we have a responsibility to environmental protection. As an organisation we do what we can across all our departments to minimise our impact and influence more environmental practices throughout our venue, programmes, community work and more.
This March, we wanted to share with you all the we strive towards with ‘Creativity with a Conscience’ to showcase our ambitions but also what we can all do to help our planet and each other. Keep an eye out over the month of March on our website and social media channels! We are kicking off the month with a look across our venue and what we have changed in the last year to better our carbon footprint.
Heating
With the University of Leicester we are proud to be part of a Decarbonisation Scheme and mission to help meet its ambitious Net Zero target. Since last summer we have been replacing our end-of-life fuel boilers with low carbon technology (air source heat pumps), and improving controllers to manage heating and ventilation across the building.
Lighting
Across the building our lighting systems have been replaced with movement activated LED lights. This means that lights will only be active and using energy when people are in the room, and automatically turn off after a period.
Biodiversity
We are privileged at our centre to have an outdoor space for the public through our gallery courtyard. The area has been used for a range of events such as performances, arts and crafts, relaxing events and more. Over the last year we have been working with Enstruct Training, who offer engaging and accessible alternative learning programmes for young people in unique areas they would not have had opportunities to explore such as Environmental Studies. Through the work of the 16+ students, they have installed:
Dead hedge – A habitat area that allows fauna to hide and create homes within.
Bug hotel – A safe area for insects and other fauna to thrive, breed and be housed from the elements. This will increase the biodiversity of the garden as well as help aid with pollination and keep certain insects away.
Rockery – The rockery area will house succulents and other plants that benefit from a rocky terrain.
Wildflower areas –Increasing biodiversity of area as well as create new and allow public to use their sense of smell, sight, sound and feel to interact with the flora.
To get a further understanding of our commitment to environmental responsibility, visit our Environmental Strategy page on our website.