Exeter Students’ Guild awarded ‘green’ accreditation

Image credit: Exeterguild.org

Exeter University’s Students’ Guild are the first student union to be officially recognised as environmentally-aware by the  International Organisation for Standards (ISO).

The ISO is a body that brings together representatives from standard-producing bodies across the world. It produces international standards for businesses and organisations to attain in order to gain accreditation. The Guild has been accredited by the ISO under ISO14001:2004 which are standards concerning environmental management.

The Guild’s efforts to recycle, reduce waste and source ethical products within its outlets have meant its environmental impact and sustainability has reached some of the highest standards.

The Guild has previously been recognised for its green credentials, being awarded British Standard 8555 accreditation in November 2012.

Nick Davies, Exeter Students’ Guild President, said: “To be the first student union in the UK to gain such recognition for its environmental management procedures is fantastic news for the Students’ Guild. Norrie Blackeby, Head of Facilities and Central Services at the Guild, has done an amazing job heading up this process to ensure that the Guild is leading the sector with its green agenda.”

Exeter University’s Slow Food society is an environmentally-aware society that works “towards a good, clean, and fair food system”. The society president, Rachel Bulcock, said of the award: “That’s fantastic news for the Guild! As president of a society that campaigns for environmental sustainability, it makes me deeply proud that our Guild have achieved such recognition for their hard efforts. Hopefully this will lead the way for other Student Unions across the country to follow Exeter’s example!”

 

Olivia Luder, Site Manager

Keeping students safely housed

The Students’ Guild has been working alongside the University, Exeter City Council and local landlords to establish an accreditation scheme for private sector housing in the City. We want to ensure all properties available to students meet a certain criteria; ensuring that our members’ rights and safety are protected, within a scheme that is both realistic and affordable for landlords. Accreditation is the best way to ensure that accommodation meets a certain standard and can act as a reassurance for students when they are house hunting for next year.

The scheme that the University and Guild endorse at present is the Unipol AFS Code of Standards and we want the help of all students to help it become the standard that all landlords in Exeter adhere to. Students living in privately owned accommodation can help us by pushing for your landlords to become accredited and students who are looking for accommodation for next year can ensure that you ask landlords or agents whether the property is accredited when you are viewing houses or flats.

There will be a housing fair in the Great Hall on January 15th from 11-3pm. Here you will be able to meet Exeter’s estate agents, private landlords and see what houses are on the market. Key info concerning utilities will also be available, along with plenty of freebies. You never know what might happen: you may find your dream house!

 Grace Hopper

VP Welfare and Community