Category: Uncategorized

July 11, 2025

Since January 2025, the Grounds and Garden team have installed over 300m2 of wildflower turf in numerous areas around Penryn campus. Many of these spaces are in bloom, attracting a variety of pollinating insects, supporting wildlife and boosting biodiversity on campus.
Some of the spaces in flower to check out include:

• An 80m long strip along the hedge between Reception and the Porters lodge.
• Next to Peter Lanyon, where concentric circles of wildflowers have been planted amongst short mown turf with a mown circular space in the middle. This will, in time, have a tree in the centre with a circular bench around it.
• Wildflower planting directly opposite the bus stops has more than doubled.
• Areas by the main entrance roundabout and the corner near the wooden Information Building and barriers (as you drive onto campus), have all been expanded.
• A section of dead box hedge between the School of Film and Television building and the Chapel Lecture Theatre, has been replaced with wildflowers.
• A small patch of wildflowers has been introduced the other side of the Heart Reception, near the shop.

The team have also continued to plant potted wildflower plugs, which are grown on campus by our gardeners and introduced into the designated wildflower areas. Last year (Jan-Dec 2024) a total of 3,010 individual wildflower plugs were planted and this year (since Jan 2025) we have increased that number by 1,700 plants. This means we are on track to beat last years’ total by the end of the calendar year.

Across the Tremough Estate, over five acres of grassland is cut annually in a wildflower friendly way. This is means it is cut only once or twice a year, at the end of summer or autumn, so that wildflowers have time to flower and set seed. After cutting, all the cut material is gathered up and removed to prevent the build-up of nutrient levels in the soil.

This area size is a conservative estimate, and “actual figures are likely to be much larger than this. Some of these areas can be more long grass than wildflowers as our soil is quite nutrient rich. Hopefully managing the land in the right way and continuing planting, when possible, will increase wildflower diversity and abundance over time”, said Alasdair Garnett, Gardener at FX Plus.

July 7, 2025

In June (2025), we completed a project to replace an aging and inefficient waste compactor by installing two new compactors – one for general waste and one for Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR).  

The additional compactor for DMR is a first for Penryn campus and the investment will help to generate significant cost savings and reduce the carbon footprint related to waste transport, as DMR collections will reduce from once a week to once every 4 or 5 weeks.  

Lynn Storey, Head of Facilities Management, said:  

“The new compactors are welcome additions to our waste compound facilities. The two machines will benefit our hard-working waste team and will also cut our waste carbon footprint, as well as deliver significant cost savings.” 

If you have any questions or would like more information about Waste and Recycling on campus, please contact the Sustainability team on sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.  

June 30, 2025

A project to install additional solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of SOFT and replace the dated PVs on the DDM building will begin in July – August 2025. The aim of the project is to increase the efficiency of our PV systems and to generate more renewable energy for the Penryn Campus.

The existing PV panels were first installed in 2012, when the technology at the time was expected to generate clean energy over the next 12 years and was chosen as a greener alternative to reduce carbon emissions, rather than a way of achieving any significant financial savings.

However, 13 years later and the advance in technology means that it is time to invest in upgrading to the latest PV panels to increase efficiencies and generate far greater cost savings.

Fergus Chan, Carbon & Energy Manager at FX Plus, said:

“I find joy in seeing how far technology has come since 2012 when the current PVs were first installed. In their day they were cutting edge, but today’s PV panels can achieve much more for us.”

It is estimated that the new PVs will generate approximately 193 MWh annually, which amounts to over 40 tCO2e carbon saving.

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

June 13, 2025

Glasney Village, a significant carbon emitter, is the focus of an Eco-Block Pilot Project, starting with Glasney Parc Block A.

As part of our combined efforts to decarbonise campus, the pilot project, which is the first of its kind, sets out to explore the feasibility of implementing a district heating system using air source heat pumps, which in the future could see us move away from using natural gas to heat student residences.

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

Initially, the pilot project will begin this summer (July-August 2025) with Glasney Parc Block A as we start to replace gas boilers and install a standalone air source heat pump and PVs onto the roof of the building.

The project is 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 Park Block A) of the project has been awarded a £55k grant towards the £114k total project cost.

In the future, 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.

Other plans to continue to improve the fabric of our buildings, such as improved insulation, windows and doors, as well as LED lighting upgrades, would also improve the energy efficiency of the buildings and help us achieve even greater carbon savings. If you have any questions about this project or would like more information about decarbonisation on campus, please contact the Sustainability team on sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.

June 11, 2025

Decarbonisation efforts continue on campus as we progress to explore and implement new ways to heat our buildings, by moving away from natural gas and transitioning to greener alternatives.

In May (2025), a major milestone has been reached with the completion of the SERSF and Stella Turk Replacement Boiler Project. Five gas boilers have now been replaced with four air source heat pumps.

We are pleased to report that the new heating system is now fully operational. The hot water and the heating (in the months that we need it) in SERSF and Stella Turk, is supplied by the heat pump system which has been successfully installed onto the roof of the SERSF building.

The complex operation to install the system involved lifting the heat pumps into place by crane, fixing them to the roof with a base bracket and laying new pipework and connections for the two buildings.
The project is a direct result of feasibility studies carried out in 2021 by WSP, which identified moving away from gas heating as one of the key areas to help the Universities of Exeter and Falmouth achieve their ambitious net-zero decarbonisation targets by 2040.

A conservative estimate predicts that the system will deliver annual savings of over 102 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. However, it is likely to be more than this due to the potential efficiency gains and changes we have made in replacing the heating system, which could further improve performance.

The Replacement Boiler Project is the first in a series of other significant decarbonisation projects taking place on campus, as we strive to innovate and adopt new technologies to help the Universities reach our shared sustainability goals.

Other ongoing projects include the LED Lighting System Upgrades, a Pilot Eco-Block Project at Glasney Park Block A (the first of its kind), the continued replacement of dated Solar Photovoltaic panels and an expansion of the Electric Vehicle charging facilities on campus.

If you have any questions or would like more information about decarbonisation on campus, please contact the Sustainability team on sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.

May 27, 2025

Whether you are cycling on or off campus, it’s important to ensure you keep your bike safe and secure. Following the recent campus visits from Sustrans, the charity making it easier for everyone to walk and cycle, we’re sharing some useful advice, links and practical tips to help prevent your bike from being damaged or stolen. You can read them below, and don’t forget that Sustrans will be back for Falmouth University’s Community Day, on Saturday 31 May at Falmouth Campus, offering FREE Bike Repair, Maintenance & Security Tagging.

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Secure your bike

When leaving your bike, always remember to secure it using a chain or padlock. If you are on campus, please secure and store it in the designated bike racks nearer the centre of campus, where there is CCTV and more people passing by, so thieves would find it harder to go unnoticed and have further to travel before leaving campus grounds. These same principles apply when securing your bike in town.

Security marking

You may want to also consider other security measures, such as bike security marking. BikeRegister marking ensures your bike remains traceable in the unfortunate event it’s ever stolen. Visit the Sustrans website for more information about bike locks and security.

More bike security tips

Visit the following websites for more useful bike security advice:

1. Sustrans Bike Security Advice – short advice video as well as eight key points to locking up your bike safely. 
2. Police UK’s 10 step guide and practical tips how to keep your bike safe and secure.
3. Road Safety Devon & Cornwall – FAQ’s to Operation Snap which is a submission platform for video and photographic evidence of members of the public committing driving offences.

Download our campus safety app!

Using our campus safety app, SafeZone, you are only one button away from receiving assistance from our Safety & Support team. If you have any security concerns whilst on campus, please do not hesitate to report them using SafeZone or by calling the 24/7 emergency line on 01326254444.

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For any direct queries about sustainable travel, cycling, bike security and safety information, please email our Sustainability team on sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk. 

May 8, 2025

The universities and FX Plus are collaborating with Falmouth Town Council by pulling together a team of waste warriors – students, staff members, and local people who are keen to help improve local recycling habits and reduce wastage!  

We’re seeking volunteers to join our ‘Bininfluencer’ event which will take place on Monday 19 May, from 5:50pm to 7:00pm. Participants will join the council’s Environment Officers, our Sustainability Team, and other like-minded people to speak with residents around Falmouth about the new recycling and waste collections, educating people about the changes and encouraging better practices. 

Recycling and waste collections in Falmouth and Penryn changed in March 2025, and since then it has been reported that many students, staff and the wider community are still getting to grips with these changes. The new food waste, recycling and rubbish service in Cornwall now consists of weekly food waste and fortnightly rubbish collections.

By joining forces with the Council to help tell people about the food waste and recycling changes, it is hoped that local recycling habits will improve and general waste will reduce. Educating everyone about the correct disposal of waste using the new bins and seagull-proof sacks provided by the Council is essential to avoid litter and Keep Cornwall Clean.

The Bininfluencer event is open to all – university students and staff, FX Plus and SU staff, and members of the local community too! Please reserve a free ticket here to help us understand approximate numbers joining us on the night.

For more information on the new recycling and waste collections in Falmouth and across Cornwall, head to the council’s webpages.

May 7, 2025

In aid of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 (12-18 May), our Senior Library Assistant has taken inspiration from our ‘Wellbeing Collection’ to bring you these five book recommendations.

Reading is known to positively impact mental health and offers a gentle way to relax and unwind. It can also improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression, and studies show that reading can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve sleep quality. These are all important for good mental health and wellbeing.

Take a look and pick up a book!

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1. Nature Therapy: How to Use Ecotherapy to Boost Your Sense of Well-Being, by Rémy Dambron

Nature therapy is the practice of reconnecting with the natural world – whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve your physical health or simply spark more joy and meaning in life, this book is the ultimate guide to unlocking the transformative power of nature.

2. This Book Could Help: the Men’s Head Space Manual, by Rotimi Akinsete

Developed in partnership with Mind, the mental health charity, This Book Could Help is filled with straightforward expert advice and simple techniques to help you shake off what other people say you ought to be, prioritize yourself, meet challenges and develop new strengths, in areas such as dealing with stress, motivation, work and life goals.

3. Reasons to Stay Alive, by Matt Haig

Aged 24, Matt Haig’s world caved in and he could see no way to go on living. This is the true story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over an illness that almost destroyed him, and learned to live again and appreciate the little joys and moments of happiness that life brings.

4. University – The Autistic Guide: Everything You Need to Survive and Thrive, by Harriet Axbey

This helpful, informative and friendly handbook is a guide to starting university for autistic young people, including accessing mental health support, dealing with burnout, finding your people and experiencing new opportunities.

5. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr Julie Smith

Drawing on years of experience as a clinical psychologist, Dr Julie Smith shares all the skills you need to get through life’s ups and downs. Written in short, bite-sized entries, you can turn straight to the section you need depending on the challenge you’re facing, and immediately find easy, practical solutions that might just change your life.

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All these titles are available to loan from our Penryn and Falmouth Campus libraries. You can find the Penryn Wellbeing Collection on Level 1, near the Student Helpdesk, and our Falmouth Library Wellbeing Collection is next to the Illustrated Book Collection.

Check out our full collection through the Resource List, where you can also request items to be collected from either campus library: https://tinyurl.com/ynzvnbdn If you need any further Mental Health and Wellbeing support, visit the relevant student support pages for information on services available to you:  https://fxplus.ac.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support/.

April 24, 2025

The First Bus Summer Term bundle deal is now available for purchase. The bundle will then be activated for usage from the 22^nd of April to the 22^nd of July and is priced at £110. The bundle provides unlimited travel between Falmouth and Penryn using the U1, U1A, U1E, U2, U1X and the U4.

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

Step 1:

Download the First Bus app and ensure you use your student or staff email address (otherwise 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.

Step 3:

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

Step 4:

Select ‘Penryn Campus’.

Step 5:

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

Step 6:

Select ‘Penryn and Falmouth Summer Term’