Member Article

Have you seen #TheGreenMan?

Staff and students at the University of Sunderland were left intrigued and surprised this week after the appearance of a mysterious green man in and around the university – prompting speculation about his identity and the reason for his visit.

The mystery didn’t last long, however, as it was revealed that The Green Man is the face of an exciting new environmental campaign that aims to change everyday behaviours in a bid to reduce carbon emissions, highlighting the impact of making small yet significant changes.

The campaign, which kicked off with a two-week programme of activity to raise awareness of the initiative, will launch fully when the new academic year begins in September – signalling the start of a year long campaign that will encourage students and staff to adopt positive everyday behaviours.

Veronica Rudd, Business Services, University of Sunderland said: “The Everyday Behaviours Campaign is a university wide environmental initiative aimed at encouraging staff and students to make positive changes to their everyday behaviours. It’s hard to get people on board and change the way they do things, old habits die hard. So we are looking at ways to raise awareness and motivate staff and students.

“The University has a carbon reduction target to reduce carbon emissions by 48 % by 2020. This target is mainly associated with energy consumption, but we also have to reduce emissions associated with the waste we produce, how we travel to and from university and the products we buy and use. So we need everyone on board to think about what they could do differently today.”

As part of the campaign, students and staff are being asked to look out for the Green Man, and take a picture of him. They are then being asked to post the picture on Facebook or Twitter using the #TheGreenMan – the best picture will win a mystery prize.

Veronica added: “The campaign has got off to a cracking start. We’ve been really pleased with the way both staff and students have responded to The Green Man, and actively engaged with the campaign.

“This is just the beginning though. From September, we’ll be facilitating a host of fun events and activities surrounding the campaign. “

As the campaign continues to unfold, there’ll be plenty of information, tips, and exciting events to get involved in.

Above all, the Everyday Behaviours campaign hopes to inspire people to make small but positive changes that will not only improve the environment, but will also encourage students and staff to adopt a healthier and more cost-effective lifestyle.

Ends

For more information about the Everyday Behaviours Campaign follow and like:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverydayBehaviours?ref=hl

Twitter: @UoSBehaviours

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Marie Donnelly .