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• Environmental issues

Cosmopolitan Student Homes and the environment

Cosmopolitan Student Homes is very particular about the environment!

Ever wondered why we don’t separate our paper, cans and bottles at our student accommodation sites, actually, we do, but not on site! All our waste is separated off site, and where possible we use companies, and companies like Gaskells to manage our Tenants waste.

Waste recycling involves the collection, separation and clean up of waste materials so that they can be re-used. Recycling the majority of our waste means that fewer new products and consumables need to be produced, which saves raw materials and reduces energy consumption.

For example, the plastic which is divert from landfill can then be processed into pellets that can be used in the manufacture of plastic products such as kerbside recycling collection bins. In the past plastic was simply left to take up valuable landfill space, now it’s recovered and re-used whenever possible.

CARDBOARD

Have you ever wondered what happens to the cardboard?

1. The waste is collected
2. The cardboard is sorted, along with other waste items, and once separated out it is collected and pressed into a bale with other cardboard.
3. The bales are taken to a board mill for preparation.
4. They are mixed with gallons of water to make a pulp. The fibres have to be saturated so that they can become separated and then reconstituted.
5. The pulp is fed into a machine where it goes onto a mesh screen and excess water is squeezed out.
6. The board is pressed and dried and comes off the machine on a roll or in sheets where it can be used in paper or cardboard products.

At Cosmopolitan Student Homes we only use recycled paper or paper products from renewal sources – you may even have used a pen at one of the student accommodation units, where the outer stylus is made from recycled paper. Get that!

Other examples activities undertaken by Cosmopolitan Student Homes include:-

• Use of energy efficient lighting External lighting, controlled by photocell technology to maximise energy efficiency.
• Pir motion sensors are fitted to the lighting in a number of buildings to maximise energy usage.
• The use of energy efficient gas boilers are used where gas is in use.
Working with other charitable organisations when opportunities arise, such as the Waterloo Partnership, to assist people in the developing world.
• Where possible and economically viable energy is purchase from brown or renewable sources.

SMART CONSTRUCTION

Take for example, our new, purpose built accommodation. All our student accommodation for the future is designed to BREEAM standards of environmental impact – which makes materials and construction techniques pass cutting-edge standards for sustainability. Clever buildings.

HOW CAN YOU HELP

Turn off lights. Who turns off the kitchen light?

• Don’t leave stuff on stand-by. Ok you’ve got a torrent file running.
• But do you need your phone, shaver, ipod, TV etc all plugged in as well?
• Don’t fil the kettle for one cup of tea.
• Cut down on packaging.
• Stop junk mail. Visit www.mpsonline.org.uk to stop unwanted catalogues, brochures and pension plans.

You may have some great ideas that we haven’t thought about. Visit our feedback page and leave a message for our champions. You can also find more information and tips about saving energy online at energysavingtrust.org.uk.

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