Pitt Building - Sustainable
Key sustainability initiatives
Facilities and Waste Management
- We do not use single-use plastics at the Pitt Building
- Throughout the building, we provide separate bins for mixed recyclables and for compostable items
- We provide recycling facilities for crisp packets and milk bottles through ‘Procycle’
- Bins are provided for recycling batteries
- Glass bottled soap dispensers used in bathrooms and kitchens are re-filled on site using eco-friendly Fill products
- Drinking water is provided in re-usable glass bottles filled on site
- Taps are aerated in order to reduce water usage
- Paper is shredded and recycled
Energy Usage and Carbon Emissions
- As part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, we’re committed to reducing our Scope 1 & 2 (energy-related) carbon emissions to zero by 2048, and by 72% by 2030
- Lighting schemes throughout the building are being replaced with LED energy efficient lamps
- Occupancy sensor lighting has been installed in appropriate areas
- Controllable heating and air conditioning are a feature of the meeting rooms
- Rooms are heated only from October to March
- Lights are turned off when rooms are not in use
Catering
- We source locally from independent businesses
- Our caterers will always commit where possible to source local, seasonal produce, sustainable fish and British meat
- We cater for the majority of dietary requirements and provide healthy eating options, including a wonderful selection of plant based menus
- We use Vegware compostable packaging for our packed snacks and takeaway boxes
- We source fair trade tea and coffee
- Water fountains are provided to encourage visitors and delegates to refill their own water containers
Meetings and Events
- Our pens are made from recycled CDs
- Recycled paper stationery is available upon request
- We provide whiteboards rather than flipcharts
- Brochures are printed on sustainably sourced materials from FSC certified sources
- We market via digital channels where possible
- Correspondence is conducted online
- We operate a paperless invoicing system
- Discounts are offered to environmental groups and charities
Biodiversity
- The stunning Virginia Creeper covering the rear of the building is carefully pruned on an annual basis. It provides berries for birds in late Summer and Autumn, the thick foliage provides cover for numerous insects and it is the larval host for several species of the Sphinx Moth
- Peregrine Falcons have nested at the Pitt Building for several years. Their nest site is carefully protected and managed by experts on an annual basis
Transport and Travel
- We encourage all staff and delegates to cycle, walk or use public transport to the Pitt Building
- Details of train and bus timetables, Park and Ride sites, a walking map of Cambridge and the use of VOI scooters can be found on our Getting Here page
- Secure bike storage is provided for staff and visitors
- Electric bikes are provided for staff to travel from the Pitt Building to the main Cambridge University Press & Assessment site
Educating Staff
- Quarterly departmental meetings focussing on environmental initiatives, updates and ideas, enable the team at the Pitt Building to monitor sustainability commitments and continuously improve best practice
- We are proud to be part of Cambridge University Press and Assessment. For company wide initiatives and achievements see our Environment Initiatives.
Awards
- We are proud to have been accredited with a Bronze Green Meeting Award by Green Tourism. This is a new industry wide standard for sustainable meetings and events and demonstrates to our staff, visitors and clients that we are actively contributing to a sustainable future
- We are ISO14001 certified, and receive regular internal and external audits as part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment’s Environmental Management System.
