The Department is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and energy consumption. Our main facilities on the Downing Site and the Botanic Garden are amongst the most energy-hungry of the University estate, together using more than £1,000 in electricity alone every day.
Energy and Carbon Reduction Project
Since 2011, the Department has been part of the University's Energy and Carbon Reduction Project which oversees the implementation of carbon-saving projects. Our aim is to reduce our environmental footprint without compromising our research and teaching. Find out more about how we have reduced our energy consumption.
Green Representatives Network
Efforts to make research more environmentally responsible is happening across the University. The Department has created a Green Representatives Network to boost engagement with our research groups and to take part in the University's Green Labs Initiative and Green Impact Initiative. This provides a framework for staff and students to progress actions that will make the department more sustainable. The Department's Green Representatives Network includes the following and can be contacted at greenreps@plantsci.cam.ac.uk.
Adrienne Pate | |
LED Plant Growth Lighting
Growing plants under controlled conditions is critical to much of our research. We have pioneered and developed LED plant growth lighting over the past decade with our industrial partners and academics. Our projects have been Highly Commended at the national Green Gown Awards and presented at S-Lab conferences. Find out more about the advances we've made in LED plant growth lighting.
Plant to Power Solar Hub
Developed by a team from the Department of Plant Sciences in collaboration with green technology companies the Plant to Power Solar Hub (P2P) generates electriity by combining two types of solar technologies. The hub combines an aSi-PV solar panel with plant-BES, which generates electrical current from plant root interactions within the Living Wall on the outside of the hub. The long-term aim of the project is to develop a range of self-powered sustainable buildings. Find out more about the P2P Solar Hub.
Green Impact Awards
The Department has been recognised for its particular efforts to improve waste-disposal by cutting polystyrene waste, share equipment and keep close control of storage and purchasing, so as to have a positive impact on performance. For these efforts the Department was awarded with the University's Green Impact Gold Award in 2016, followed by a Green Impact Gold Labs Award in 2017.