Sustainability is a priority – not only for the Faculty of Science but for the entire university. Working sustainably is not only about reducing climate and environmental impact – it also contributes to a more stimulating, safe, and inclusive workplace. Lund University's new resource ‘Sustainable at work’ brings together concrete tips and tools for those who want to make more sustainable choices in their everyday work life that all employees can take part in.
Here are five ways to contribute to a more sustainable workplace:
1. Plan sustainable events
What we eat and drink affects the environment in many ways. Choose vegetarian or vegan options for meetings and conferences, try to minimise food waste and avoid disposable items. Did you know that the University has a guide for sustainable food purchases and events?
Read more about sustainable purchases and events on the university Staff Pages (staff.lu.se).
2. Reuse furniture
Before you buy new furniture for the office, see if there is any second-hand furniture you can reuse. Reusing saves both resources and money. The university has produced a guide to purchasing new furniture and the circular flow of furniture. The guide also includes an appendix with examples of furniture reuse within the university, for inspiration.
- Read more about the reuse of furniture and furnishings on the university Staff Pages (staff.lu.se).
- Download the guide ‘Circular furniture flows and purchasing of new furniture’ (PDF, 763 kB).
3. Save energy
You can start saving energy right away by avoiding unnecessary energy use. Here are some energy-smart habits that work for everyone: turn off lights in rooms you're not using, skip stand-by mode – shut down your computer and other equipment completely when not in use, and use energy-saving settings. Ventilate smart – do it quickly and efficiently rather than for a long time. Ventilating rooms with controlled ventilation systems reduces their efficiency!
See more tips on how to save energy on the university Staff Pages (staff.lu.se).
4. Consider sustainability in procurement and purchasing goods
The Public Procurement Act states that sustainability requirements should be included in all procurements. The aim is for government agencies, regions, and municipalities to act as drivers of societal development. The university’s Procurement and Purchasing Division has a dedicated sustainability group that develops the division’s sustainability efforts in collaboration with the Environmental Management Function and contributes input to the university’s sustainability plan. In March, the Sustainability Forum held an event on “Sustainable Procurement” as part of this work. If you would like access to the recording, please contact Jenny Hansson, Communications Officer, at jenny [dot] hansson [at] cec [dot] lu [dot] se.
- Read more about sustainable procurement on the Staff Pages (medarbetarwebben.lu.se) (in Swedish).
- Sustainable purchasing – how you as an employee can contribute to a greener future (medarbetarwebben.lu.se).
5. Commute sustainably
Cycle, walk or use public transport whenever possible. The university is working to facilitate sustainable commuting options by, for example, developing solutions for storing electric bike batteries and participating in the development of so-called ‘superbike routes’. The aim is to increase the proportion of journeys made by bicycle and public transport and to reduce commuting by car.
- More information about the university's work on sustainable travel can be found on the university Staff Pages (staff.lu.se).
- Make your commute a winning habit! Join the competition for great prizes!
More tips on how to be sustainable at work
More tips and information on how to become more sustainable at work can be found on the university Staff Pages. Together we can make Lund University an even more sustainable workplace!