Category: Uncategorized

March 19, 2025

In celebration of our Sustainability Fairs taking place, on Wednesday 19 (Penryn campus) and Thursday 20 (Falmouth campus), we thought it worthwhile speaking to the various FX Plus teams to find out about some of their sustainability highlights. As of March 2025, here is what we have achieved together so far:

Waste & Recycling

This academic year (2024-25), Food waste recycling increased by 68.5% in November, December and January compared to the same period last year.  This uptake has been driven by improving the signage and bin provision in Glasney Halls and at Packsaddle. Mixed recycling is up by a whopping 51.1% on the same quarter last year. Unfortunately, general waste on campus has also increased by 7.1%, and this has been attributed to an increase in onsite activity. Dylan Jones, Recycling and Waste Officer at FX Plus, said:

“The small increase in general waste is offset by the much larger gains in food and mixed recycling, so the recycling ethos on campus is improving. We need to go further with this however, please think before you buy and think before you bin!”

At Glasney Halls of Residence, a trial has started to provide better storage for mixed recycling, which will hopefully reduce the amount of recycling that is scattered across the site by seagulls.  

The team are in the process of replacing an aged compactor with two new compactors for our onsite waste compound. This will allow for the onsite compaction of recycling for the first time, which brings significant cost and environmental benefits – reducing the associated transportation carbon emissions by an estimated 65-80%. It is hoped the new compactors will be installed by Easter 2025.  

The ‘Litter Lotto’ educational posters on recycling bins had nearly 1,000 interactions (where users scan their waste to check it is appropriate for recycling) in the first year (March 24 – Jan 25). A new phase of Litter Lotto is in the works that will introduce new local (Falmouth/Penryn) prizes along with the national £1,000 prizes, and more bins covered.   

The first full box of medicine blister packs was sent for recycling in November 2024, with the help of ReFactory, who turn them into the likes of childrens’ chairs, planters and picnic tables.

In the academic year 23/24 Facilities recycled the highest amount of tetra pak (e.g. soya milk, passata, pringles packaging) since it was established – almost 20,000 cartons.

The ‘Swap Shops’ continue to prove to be a popular resource and have been held in more locations across both campuses this academic year (2024/25). The Autumn term saw a total of 298 items rehomed and many more items donated. At least 112kg of resources and waste, and around one third of a tonne of carbon emissions have been saved. Since May 2023 when the Swap Shop first started, we have successfully rehomed 1,300 items in total, saving at least 411kg of resources and nearly two-and-a-half tonnes of carbon emissions!

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Energy & Emissions

As of March 2025, our latest emissions (electricity and gas) per GIA data shows around a 66% reduction at Penryn campus and a 61% reduction at Falmouth campus when compared with our 2005/06 baseline.
Projects contributing towards this success include the installation of solar PV panels, LED and electrical upgrades, analytics, and sub-metering upgrades.
A new project to replace the entire heating system across the SERFS and Stella Turk buildings at Penryn campus is currently underway and is expected to complete in May 2025. The Replacement Boiler Project will see a total of 5 boilers replaced with air source heat pumps and is expected to achieve even greater savings.

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Biodiversity

In 2024 we planted 3,010 wildflower plugs. So far in 2025 (as of March), our Gardener Alasdair Garnett has recorded planting 568 and is aiming to beat last year’s record:

“568 planted so far, so it’s coming on nicely, and the rabbits seem to be mostly leaving them alone at the minute. My fingers are crossed they’ll do well,” he said.

In July 2024, Penryn campus was honoured with the coveted Green Flag Award for the seventh year in a row. The Green Flag Award, administered by Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, is a benchmark of excellence for well-managed green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Bioblitz Penryn 2024 recorded 551 species, including the famous Tremough Jumper, a new species of spider.

In January 2025, birders recorded 14 species of bird at the Big Garden Bird Watch. A Song Thrush was seen here, which is wonderful news given the counts have declined by 85% since the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979!

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Food & Drink

As part of the Veganuary Campaign (January 2024),the Sustainability team offered a 25% discount on plant-based hot main meals at the Stannary (25 January) and at the Fox Café (29 January). This promotion led to a remarkable sixfold increase in the number of plant-based main meals sold on that day compared to a previous week. At the Fox Café, the vegan meal was so popular that it sold out in just 30 minutes!

On 31 January, the SU’s Vegan Society and Asian Society teamed up with the catering team to present a special vegan Indian feast on the global menu at the Stannary. The meal was warmly received by students, staff, and visitors alike.

On 21 March, the Sustainability team joined forces with the Vegan Society and Launchpad start-up @99pfilms to host a screening of What The Health. The event featured a community discussion and free local food for attendees.

In April 2024, the Sustainability Café gained Vegetarian Society accreditation for its new vegetarian and vegan menu. This accreditation marks a significant milestone in our commitment to offering sustainable and ethical dining options on campus.

In celebration of World Earth Day on 22 April, with the theme “Plastic vs. Planet,” the Food & Drink team supported the cause by giving away 150 reusable cups at the Sustainability Café and Fox Café with the purchase of a hot drink.

In 2024, the Circular Cup Scheme was extended to the Fox Café at the Falmouth Campus to offer an alternative, sustainable option to disposable cups.

2024 also saw the launch of ‘The Good Cup’, a new eco-friendly disposable cup which has been introduced in the Stannary and Fox Café. The Good Cup is made entirely of paper with no plastic lining or lid, they are fully recyclable and home compostable.

If you have any questions about sustainability on campus, please feel free to contact the Sustainability team on sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.

February 28, 2025

Starting Monday, 3 March, the Catering team, in partnership with the Students’ Union, is launching a trial Meat-Free Mondays Lunchtime Menu in the Stannary, available from 12pm – 2:30 pm throughout the month. 

This initiative, driven by student feedback, aims to expand plant-based options on campus while gathering insights and sales data to assess its long-term feasibility. 

Marketa Carruthers, SU Vice President, said: 
“I’d like to thank FX Plus for their open-minded and collaborative approach to trialling Meat-Free Mondays as we all face the climate emergency together. The menu looks great, and I’m excited about the delicious food on offer!” 

Jennie Hosken, Marketing and Engagement Manager, FX Plus, added: 
“We’re always looking for ways to engage students and provide the food and drink choices they want on campus. The Students’ Union highlighted a strong demand for sustainable, plant-based options, and this trial is a direct response to that.” 

How to Get Involved:

Your feedback is essential! We’ll be assessing participation and food sales, and you can share your thoughts via the feedback form in the Stannary. The trial period will end on Monday 31 March, and the feedback form will close at the end of the day. 

Check out the Meat-Free Mondays Lunchtime Menu. 

Let us know what you think—especially if you try the menu! 

January 15, 2025

The Stannary Bar has officially been recognised as a Safe Space for the transgender and non-binary student community, earning membership of the Transparent Presence Business Ally Scheme. This initiative, led by Transparent Presence CIC, is a plaque-based recognition program for UK businesses that are either nominated or self-refer to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and safety for transgender and non-binary individuals.

As a member of the scheme, The Stannary Bar has committed to the following principles:

• Serving everyone respectfully and inclusively, regardless of gender identity or sexuality.
• Respecting everyone’s names, identities, and pronouns at all times.
• Using gender-neutral language when unsure of an individual’s pronouns (e.g., using “they” instead of “he” or “she”).
• Challenging discriminatory attitudes, including LGBTQ+ phobia, to ensure a safe environment for all.

The Bar hosts numerous inclusive events, such as Strut the Plank with House of Damnation last April, featuring live performances by drag artists. These events aim to foster a sense of community and celebration while upholding inclusivity and diversity.

Elliot Kenton, Co-Founder and Director of Transparent Presence CIC, expressed gratitude for the support during Strut the Plank:

“Thank you for the teamwork and effort that made Strut the Plank such a fantastic night. It was a privilege to feature such talented performers! The event was a safe and welcoming space for everyone, including those with neurodivergent needs and guests from a wide range of age groups. The free drinks were much appreciated, the bar staff were exceptional, and the professionalism of sound engineer Skye received high praise.”

The Stannary Bar is proud to lead by example, ensuring its environment remains welcoming to all.

Stay updated with upcoming student events by visiting the campus events calendar at www.fxplus.ac.uk/events.

Celebrated Strut the Plank Performers:

January 10, 2025

Construction work has commenced at Camborne School of Mines (CSM), on two projects, part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund*. 

The Critical Minerals Equipment Hub will provide a new and nationally unique facility for the Geo-Resources sector, providing state-of-the-art and green mineral processing and analytical equipment and expertise, which will be accessible to the region’s business, research and development sectors. 

The pioneering Geotracer Facility, part of the Entrepreneurial Futures project, will also be established to trace river and marine pollution, land contamination, and groundwater sources using a new multi-collector facility and clean laboratory. This facility will open up entirely new areas of development and innovation for the region. 

The CSM Museum entrance will remain open, although access to affected lab spaces and other areas will be restricted while refurbishment work takes place.  

As you may have noticed, the building compound has now been installed near to the Deep Digital Cornwall entrance in car park E on the site of the old disabled parking bays. This will be in place for a period of three months until the project’s expected completion date, on 4 April 2025. Please use the diversion signs.  

Thank you for your patience while this work takes place to enhance the CSM research space. Any queries regarding the works should be directed to the Estates Helpdesk on 01326 255686 or EstatesHelpdesk@fxplus.ac.uk . 

* Cornwall Council has been chosen by the government as a lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

October 28, 2024

It is spooky season and bonfire night celebrations are just around the corner. Bonfires and the use of fireworks are prohibited on campus, as well as beaches, and we encourage you to attend a licenced display instead. The advice from Falmouth Fire Station is to not attempt your own bonfire or firework display within the community, particularly not on beaches. Here’s why:

Reasons not to have a fire on the beach:

• Local byelaws (you can be fined, and the beaches have CCTV)
• Fires leave hot ashes on the sand and remain hot for 48hrs when buried (young children and dogs will be using the beach the next morning and they both like to dig in the sand)
• Nails and screws within the wood will become exposed and buried (children and dogs love to dig)
• Other people may stumble or trip into the fire

Reasons not to fire fireworks from the beach:

• Unsafe/untrained firing of fireworks (without a fixed firing station you cannot control the direction it launches)
• Behind the beaches are people’s homes and businesses (the wind direction may take the fireworks into these areas and cause fires)
• Large numbers of people gather around the beaches on bonfire night (an uncontrolled firework may go into a crowd of people and cause life threatening injuries)

Instead of attempting your own, check out these licenced bonfire and fireworks events within the community below.

Local Bonfire and Firework Displays:

Falmouth

Tuesday 5 November – 6pm – Falmouth Cricket Ground

Falmouth Firefighters Social and Welfare Club, and members of Falmouth Cricket Club will be hosting this year’s event at Falmouth Cricket Ground, Trescobeas Road on Tuesday, 5 November.  Gates open at 6.00p.m for a 7pm start. Entry is £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Cash only. Follow the link for full details.

Truro

Tuesday 5 November – 5pm – Tremorvah Playing Field

Truro City Council is hosting this year’s annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Tremorvah Playing Field on Tuesday, 5 November.  

Gates will open at 5pm. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30 pm, followed by the fireworks display at 7pm.

Entry is £3 per adult and £1 per child (under 16). Follow the link for more information.