Green Gown Awards 2015 – Student Engagement - University of Stirling Students' Union - Finalist

The Green + Blue Space: The University of Stirling’s Environmental Heart

The Green + Blue Space is the Union´s hub for environmental engagement. Starting each semester with a buzzing home and kitchenware give away, it hosts a wide variety of facilities and activities throughout the year, providing an effective platform for peer-to-peer learning around sustainability and the environment, with a particular focus on waste and sustainable, healthy food.

The hub features a donation and reuse area, recycling station, creative corner, social area (so comfortable that on a quiet day you may be lucky enough to spot a sleeping student), library and storage area. Recently, a food cooperative was added to the mix. Outside a community garden and orchard complement the indoor space.

With a wide variety of activities and high engagement, The Green + Blue Space combines a significant improvement of the student experience, wellbeing, life skills & employability with community outreach, while building awareness and minimising the impact of our university community.

Top 3 learnings

1 Having a visible presence is crucial to success

2 Students are unpredictable, so be flexible

3 Food is the best universal engager. It´s like a strong social glue.

Videos

• The Green + Blue Space: The University of Stirling’s Environmental Heart (click to hide)