Category: sustainability

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Eco-Block Pilot Project Completed at Glasney Village

January 20, 2026

The Eco-Block Pilot Project at Glasney Village completed in September 2025, marking an important milestone in efforts to reduce carbon emissions on campus. This innovative project aims to test the use of air source heat pumps as an alternative to gas heating, and for the past few months, Glasney Parc Block A—a residence containing four flats—has been fully heated and supplied with hot water using this technology. The block is now completely disconnected from mains gas.  

Fergus Chan, Carbon and Energy Manager at FX Plus, described the project as a significant achievement: 

“The Eco-Block Pilot Project is really exciting because it is the first project of its kind implemented on this campus. Over the next year, we’ll monitor performance and assess whether this approach can be expanded across our other residences in Glasney Village, as part of a district heating system. 

“It’s provided the opportunity to learn more about emerging green technologies that could support us in making real progress toward the universities’ net-zero targets of the future”. 

Other green technologies such as Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels and a Building Management System with Automatic Monitoring and Targeting have also been incorporated to generate energy and improve the energy efficiency of the accommodation block.  

“Although the installed PV panels do not cover the building’s entire electricity consumption, they do reduce the portion of energy drawn from the national grid,” explains Fergus.  

The Building Management System which controls the air source heat pumps, by telling them when to turn on and off, has been successfully operating for just a couple of months now. It will take at least one years’ worth of monitoring and gathering data throughout the seasons, to be able to assess the technology in different temperatures, to get the full picture of the viability of a district heating system using air source heat pumps throughout Glasney Village.   

The Eco-Block Pilot project has been supported by the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, an initiative funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, which provides grants to public sector organisations to implement energy saving and carbon reducing technologies in their buildings. This initial phase (Glasney Parc Block A) was awarded a £55k grant towards the £114k total project cost. 

Glasney Village, a significant carbon emitter, is the focus of a wider Decarbonisation on Campus project, with specific funding allocated by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University to fund projects to reduce carbon on their shared campus at Penryn. 

In the future, following the outcome of the Eco-Block Pilot project, it is hoped that more air source heat pumps could be installed and connected across numerous residence blocks at Glasney Village, to realise the efficiencies and carbon savings associated with a district heating system and to move away from using natural gas to heat student residences entirely. 

For more information about this project or if you have any questions about sustainability on campus, please contact the Sustainability team on sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk. 

About FX Plus

Falmouth Exeter Plus (FX Plus) delivers shared services for Falmouth University and the University of Exeter in Cornwall to ensure a top quality experience for students, staff and all users of Falmouth and Penryn campuses.

Our vision is to provide ‘Exceptional environments that enable talented and creative minds to thrive’.

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Celebrating Sustainability: FX Plus Fairs Inspire Green Action Across Campuses

April 15, 2025

Students, staff, and visitors gathered at two vibrant Sustainability Fairs hosted by FX Plus Head of Sustainability, Oliver Milliner, and Marketing & Engagement Manager, Jennie Hosken, in partnership with the Students’ Union. Held at Penryn Campus (Upper Stannary) on Wednesday, 19 March, and at Falmouth Campus (Fox Café) on Thursday, 20 March, both events ran from 12 PM to 3 PM, attracting over 200 attendees over the two days, eager to explore sustainable ideas, practices, and connect with local changemakers.

Each fair featured a diverse mix of local eco-conscious businesses, grassroots organisations, SU societies, and talented student crafters, creating a dynamic marketplace that celebrated sustainable living and environmental innovation.

The atmosphere was one of enthusiasm and collaboration. “Just wanted to send a quick thank you and well done for the first day of the Sustainability Fair,” said Students’ Union Vice President, Marketa Carruthers. “I think the stalls were overall really positively engaged with.”

A standout highlight of the events was the giveaway of 200 bags of fresh, locally sourced vegetables—generously sponsored by the FX Plus Sustainability Team and organised by SU society Penryn Produce. Attendees could select three types of vegetables or a mixed-leaf salad, promoting low-waste, healthy living.

Local suppliers such as Trewithen Dairy and Jolly’s Drinks offered free samples and insights into their sustainable practices, while attendees engaged with a wide range of organisations, including:

  • FX Plus Sustainability Team – Engaged students in the Travel Survey and shared updates on campus sustainability initiatives.
  • Food & Drink Team – Distributed pre-loved, plant-based cookbooks and gathered feedback on campus catering and the Meat-Free Mondays trial.
  • Sustrans – Provided advice on walking, cycling, and public transport, distributed free bus tickets, and promoted discounted youth travel in collaboration with Cornwall Council.
  • Beryl Bikes – Encouraged greener travel by offering 150 free 50-minute e-bike rides.
  • Cornwall Wildlife Trust – Invited attendees to support Cornwall’s wildlife and wild spaces through memberships and engagement.
  • Borneo Nature Foundation – Provided a rainforest scent experience and shared information on their conservation work.
  • SU’s Generation Wild – Promoted nature-based youth workshops and volunteering opportunities.
  • Wave Rewild Yoga – Introduced eco-anxiety embodiment workshops to support emotional wellbeing and sustainable lifestyle choices.
  • 99p Films – Highlighted upcoming social cinema events, including Hvaldimir and The Forgotten Temperate Rainforest.
  • RJ Working – Shared their work in youth-led climate advocacy and offered information about internships and creative projects.
  • Fal Bookbinding Society – Promoted traditional bookbinding techniques using donated materials and encouraged participation in sustainability-focused workshops, including papermaking.
  • Penryn Press – Showcased student-published materials for sale, produced locally and sustainably in partnership with local printers and Falmouth’s Rubicund Bookshop.

Reflecting on the events, Jennie Hosken said:
“Thank you to all the incredible, energetic, and passionate stallholders who participated in our Sustainability Fairs and helped make them such a success. There was a real buzz at both events, which was very inspiring. We were thrilled to help students, staff, and visitors form meaningful connections with local sustainable initiatives and organisations. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to future events.”

From free ginger beer and plant-based cookbooks to rainforest aromas and sustainable transport advice, the Sustainability Fairs offered a lively and inspiring platform for learning, collaboration, and collective action toward a greener future.

Sustainability Fair

About FX Plus

Falmouth Exeter Plus (FX Plus) delivers shared services for Falmouth University and the University of Exeter in Cornwall to ensure a top quality experience for students, staff and all users of Falmouth and Penryn campuses.

Our vision is to provide ‘Exceptional environments that enable talented and creative minds to thrive’.

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New Bus Fares, Deals & Bundles

March 14, 2025

New national bus fares have now been set following the expiry of government subsidies. This means many day-to-day tickets have become more expensive; however, this news post outlines the deals and bundles that are available for your commute to-and-from campus and across Cornwall. *  

Two mobile apps exist whereby bus deals and bundles can be purchased via First Kernow or Transport for Cornwall. You can also purchase the standard daily rate tickets via the tap-on-tap-off system on buses.  

Before purchasing any deals and bundles, it is worth considering your commuting frequency and format throughout the year. There are different bundles available that range from weekly to annual bundles.  

If you have any questions, please email the Sustainability team at sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk  

* All the deals and bundles featured in this article were available at the time of writing it, in March 2025, but may be subject to change. Please ensure you do your own research prior to making any purchase. 

Transport for Cornwall App logo
First Bus App Download

First Bus Deals and Bundles:

First Bus age classifications:  

Child age: 6-18 

Adult: 19 +  

Children under 5 travel for free 

Tap-on-tap-off fares: 

The standard tap-on-tap-off rates are below if you are travelling within the Falmouth/Penryn zone. More information on the new standard rates if you are travelling Cornwall wide (including non-students and staff).  

Adult (19+): £2.50 per journey 

Child (18 and under): £2 per journey 

Bundles & deals travelling in the Falmouth/Penryn Zone (Opens in New Tab):

These deals can only be purchased by using your university (student and staff) email address. To purchase a bundle, first download the app and register for an account using your university email address, and authenticate it as instructed.  

Once you’re registered and are signed-in, you can locate the Falmouth/Penryn Zone bundles using the same instructions as those detailed in the First Bus: Penryn and Falmouth Spring Term Bundle Deal article relating to purchasing the Unlimited Travel Penryn/Falmouth Term Time Bundle. 

Penryn & Falmouth Term Student & Staff Bundle (£110) 

If you are travelling frequently within the Falmouth/Penryn zone, this deal gives you unlimited travel for three months. Ensure you purchase this bundle as soon as it is issued to gain the full value of the money before expiry. Ensure you sign up and verify this bundle using your student or staff university email address. You can travel with this bundle on all First buses. For more information, view this deal on the First Bus app.

Penryn & Falmouth Annual Student & Staff Bundle (£280) 

If you are travelling frequently within the Falmouth/Penryn zone, this deal gives you unlimited travel from September to July. Ensure you purchase this bundle as soon as it is issued in September to gain the full value of the money before expiry. Ensure you sign up and verify this bundle using your student or staff university email address. You can travel with this bundle on all First buses. For more information, view this deal on the First Bus app.  

Cornwall Travel Commuter Club (CCTC) (£100 – was £65) 

Signing up to the Cornwall Travel Commuter Club gives you access to purchase the Falmouth and Kernow network deals (more information on these bundles below).  

Penryn Campus – Falmouth Zone (deals vary) 

You can purchase 5-day, 20-day, weekly or monthly bundles using your student or staff university email address. This deal can be used on any First bus service. Ensure you sign up to the Cornwall Travel Commuter Club prior to purchasing any of these bundles. For any more information, visit the First Bus app or contact their customer service team.  

Penryn Campus – Cornwall Kernow Network (deals vary) 

You can purchase 5-day, 10-day, 20-day, weekly or monthly bundles using your student or staff university email address. This deal can be used on any First bus service. Ensure you sign up to the Cornwall Travel Commuter Club prior to purchasing any of these bundles. For any more information, visit the First Bus app or contact their customer service team.  

Transport for Cornwall App logo
Transport for Cornwall App Download

Transport for Cornwall Deals: 

Transport for Cornwall have launched a new app that includes deals for 19–25-year-olds. Child tickets (under 19s) are set as the same price. These can be purchased by downloading the Transport for Cornwall app.  

19-25 year old bundles: 

Unlimited one day travel on buses across Cornwall: £5 

Unlimited 7 day travel on buses across Cornwall: £20  

Adult bundles: 

Adult bus bundles are available on the app based on the standard rates, however you may find bundles available via the Frist Bus app better value for money.  

Young Persons discount
Young Persons discount
Young Persons discount

About FX Plus

Falmouth Exeter Plus (FX Plus) delivers shared services for Falmouth University and the University of Exeter in Cornwall to ensure a top quality experience for students, staff and all users of Falmouth and Penryn campuses.

Our vision is to provide ‘Exceptional environments that enable talented and creative minds to thrive’.

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Travel Survey 2025

February 26, 2025

Falmouth University and the University of Exeter are delivering a campus wide travel survey to gather insights into how staff and students are travelling to and from their Cornwall and Devon campuses.

Why your Opinion Matters

Each year we survey students and staff about their experiences traveling to and from campus whether they are working there or studying. If a student, this also includes how you get to campus from your non-term-time address. This information helps us understand how we can make sustainable travel more convenient, sustainable and accessible to everyone. That means looking beyond buses and trains etc. We’re also interested in hearing your views on walking, cycling routes and what services you have access to.  

Survey responses will provide valuable information for campus planning, services and infrastructure improvement. Responses will also help improve our carbon profiling as part of the university’s net-zero strategies.  

By filling out this survey, you’re helping us understand what works and what needs to be done better. This is your opportunity to have your say and influence our future plans. 

This survey is relevant to: all staff and students at the University of Exeter, Falmouth University, FX Plus, Exeter Students’ Guild and Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union.  

The more responses we receive, the more influential the data can be so please take a few minutes and fill it in.  

Staff Survey Link 

Student Survey Link 

For students completing the survey, twenty £50 Amazon vouchers have been allocated, split between University of Exeter, Devon campuses and Cornwall campuses including Falmouth University. 

Thank you for helping us improve our travel and transport programs

About FX Plus

Falmouth Exeter Plus (FX Plus) delivers shared services for Falmouth University and the University of Exeter in Cornwall to ensure a top quality experience for students, staff and all users of Falmouth and Penryn campuses.

Our vision is to provide ‘Exceptional environments that enable talented and creative minds to thrive’.

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First Bus: Penryn and Falmouth Spring Term Bundle Deal

December 20, 2024

The First Bus Spring Term bundle deal will be available for purchase from the 23rd of December. The bundle will then be activated for usage from the 6th of January through to the 4th of April 2025 and is priced at £110. The bundle provides unlimited travel between Falmouth and Penryn using the U1, U1A, U1E, U2, U3, U1X and the U4.

This deal is available for both students and staff, please ensure you use your student or staff email address to activate the deal via the First bus app.

Standard bus fares and other bundles are expected to rise from January 2025 onwards based on national subsidised bus fares expiring.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to purchase the bundle. Please email our team at sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk for any other questions.

N.B. Due to a processing error, we were made aware that students and staff with Falmouth and FX Plus email domains were unable to validate their tickets. As of Friday 24 January 2025, we received confirmation from First Bus that this issue has now been resolved, and you are now able to validate your ticket. Please do this now, and within the 30 days from when you purchased the bundle. Although you will have been able to use your ticket from 6 January, failing to validate it within the 30 days will result in your ticket being cancelled. If you have any further issues, please contact First bus customer services via the online form on the website. 

Step 1:

Download the First bus app and ensure you use your student or staff email address (otherwise the bundle will not be activated).

Step 2:

Select the ‘Tickets’ tab at the bottom of the screen and then select ‘Buy’ at the top of the screen.

First Bus map

Step 3:

This will take you to a ‘select region’ option, select ‘Cornwall’.

First Bus county selection

Step 4:

Select ‘Penryn Campus’.

First bus County

Step 5:

Select ‘Student Tickets’ (this is also applicable for staff).

Student Ticket

Step 6:

Select ‘Penryn and Falmouth Spring Term’.

A screen shot of step 6 within the First Bus app where you need to select the Penryn and Falmouth Spring term bundle.

Step 7:

Purchase the bundle using your student or staff email address. Please note, the description includes bus titles ‘KUL, KUL1A etc’. Please ignore this as these will be getting updated to U1, U1A, U1E, U2, U3, U1X and the U4.

A screen shot of step 7 within the First Bus app where you can purchase the Penryn and Falmouth Spring Term bundle.

About FX Plus

Falmouth Exeter Plus (FX Plus) delivers shared services for Falmouth University and the University of Exeter in Cornwall to ensure a top quality experience for students, staff and all users of Falmouth and Penryn campuses.

Our vision is to provide ‘Exceptional environments that enable talented and creative minds to thrive’.