Can you describe your role within the sustainability team and how it contributes to Queen’s overall sustainability goals?

My role involves working with staff, students and our wider community to drive positive, lasting change within Queen’s campus which addresses a range of sustainability challenges. This includes implementing programmes and events that aim to inform, and inspire, sustainability action across a range of areas – engagement, biodiversity, energy, travel, waste, research and education.

I’m also responsible for key reporting outputs, including the Annual Sustainability Report, surveys, and accreditations that help track our progress and impact.

What projects or initiatives are you currently working on, and what impact do you hope they will have on the campus community and beyond?

I’m currently implementing the new Local Sustainability Action Plan which assists Schools and Directorates in creating an action plan that drives positive sustainability change, whilst addressing key sustainability impacts.

This project aims to drive change within a range of areas, research and education, energy, buildings, travel, waste and engagement.

The idea is that any actions committed to in the plan will have a trickle-down effect – directly influencing all staff and students associated with that area and creating a positive collective impact.

What does sustainability mean to you personally, and how do you integrate it into your daily work or lifestyle?

When I think about sustainability, I think about creating a healthier, and happier, society. To achieve this, we need to think about fixing our damaged environments, ensuring our society celebrates diversity and equality whilst our economic systems enable us all to afford a healthy lifestyle.

A key way I work towards this within my lifestyle is by identifying volunteering opportunities I can get involved in – I volunteer a lot with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful to help them protect our parks and green spaces.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most? – any events or big changes you’ve been part of?

I work alongside Queen’s amazing Grounds and Gardening Team to identify projects to enhance nature onsite. This has resulted in over 7063m2 of ‘No Mow’ area forming across seven sites – this provides a vital habitat for our bees and insects.

The Gardening and Sustainability Team also host a range of volunteering events, from tree planting, bulb planting to undertaking citizen science surveys. These events are great fun with the added benefit of enabling our staff and students to leave a lasting positive impact on our campus.

What is one thing you find that people often misunderstand about sustainability?

If you want to lead a sustainable lifestyle, you don’t need to strive for perfection. Even investing in one small change can collectively have a big impact.

What small changes can staff, students, and the public make to support sustainability?

• Reduce your car journeys by taking the train or bus – gives you more time to read, chat with colleagues or even have a nap! Great for your well-being.

• Think before you buy – when it comes to giving companies my money, I want to make sure it goes to organisations who are paying their staff fairly and providing good working conditions. That means I avoid organisations like Shein and Boohoo.

• Replacing three meat dishes with veggie alternatives will lower your carbon footprint – I love a curry, and my favourite veggie dish is halloumi and cauliflower curry: https://www.coop.co.uk/recipes/halloumi-curry