Green credentials bring SLAG acclaim

Earlier this month Durham University’s Sustainable Living Action Group (SLAG) won a coveted award at a conference held by the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges. The University-funded group beat 8 other universities to win a ‘Green Gown Award’ for best student-led initiative.

SLAG, formed in September 2006, is a joint venture of elected student officers, Durham Student Union, the 16 Colleges, and the University administration. Its aim is to encourage students to change their lifestyles so that they become more environmentally sustainable. Recent promotions have included the much publicised ‘Plastic-Bag-Free- Durham’ and the eco-friendly ‘Green Move Out’ campaign, encouraging students to recycle more of their rubbish when moving out of University. The group has also been involved with community projects such as the Durham City Fairtrade Partnership and the Durham Peace Festival, to be held at the end of the term.

SLAG’s efforts have already seen environmental improvements across the University including increased recycling rates and reduction in electricity costs. Recently, Grey College formed a new Environment Committee to facilitate the work of its Ecology Officer, proof of a widening interest in green issues across campus.

Anthony Crowther, Durham Students Union Environment Officer, hopes that SLAG “can be a model for other Universities looking at how they can put students at the heart of their environmental improvement initiatives.” On receiving the ‘Green Gown Award’ he says: “We are thrilled to achieve this award. It’s great to have been recognised for all the enthusiasm and effort we’ve put in over the last two years.”

Dr Antje Danielson, the University’s Deputy Director of Sustainability agrees, saying that SLAG students “have worked very hard, putting in many hours and a lot of creativity. [They] are true social leaders!”

However, the team are unwilling to bring their environmentally friendly campaign to a close. Crowther insists that “we are not going to rest on our laurels. There’s so much more we can do and the Green Gown is a great boost to our efforts to make Durham an even greener place!”