Category: Uncategorized

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’

April 4, 2025

FX Plus is delighted to secure a 5-star hygiene rating once again across all its Penryn Food & Drink outlets, following an annual inspection by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The prestigious rating, part of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, reflects the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness. Customers are now able to view the rating both on-site and online, helping you make informed choices about where to dine.

The inspection, conducted in January, assesses each outlet’s compliance with food hygiene laws, including:

• Food handling practices
• Storage and preparation procedures
• Cleanliness of facilities
• Overall management of food safety

In their report, the assessors commented on how “very clean and well organised” the kitchens were.

Speaking about the achievement, Tristan Gordon, Executive Head Chef at FX Plus, expressed pride in the team’s commitment to consistently upholding top-tier food safety standards.

“The team and I take great pride in ensuring the highest of standards. We are pleased to have maintained our 5-star hygiene rating for another year,” he said.

With over 25 years of expertise spanning high-end dining and contract catering, Tristan leads menu development across our Falmouth and Penryn Campus outlets.

Falmouth campus is assessed separately, and its annual inspection will take place later in the year.

For more details on the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, visit the Food Standards Agency website.

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.