Coventry University Group’s dedication to environmental responsibility has been significantly bolstered by the impactful success of reusing with Warp It.

Reusing a range of office furniture including tables, desks, tambours, chairs and soft furnishings has resulted in savings totalling £87,145 in just four years.

The initiative has also resulted in £2,170 in waste savings and facilitated donations totalling £3,605 to charitable causes.

Joanne Sharper, Sustainability Advisor at the university, said: 

“Reuse is fundamental to our sustainability and circular economy efforts. We actively address climate change and recognise the immediate and long-term threat it poses. This is why the university has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero carbon.”

The Group recently received a £13 million  grant to install 1,300 solar panels and connect nine buildings to a clean energy network, a move which is expected to slash carbon emissions by more than 1,300 tonnes every year.

Their green efforts haven't gone unnoticed either with the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024 placing Coventry University Group 244th in the global standings and 44th in the United Kingdom.

Joanne said: 

"We know we can make a bigger impact by teaming up with others. Nearly 420 staff members are using the Warp It system, and we're working with the communications team to spread the word, particularly at key times during the academic year.

"A key goal for us is to equip students with the knowledge and skills for a sustainable future. With this in mind, we provide work experience for students, which also gives them the chance to showcase their skills for their future careers."

Above: artwork created by students

Warp It seamlessly integrates into the Group’s portfolio of sustainability initiatives, complementing efforts such as partnering with the British Heart Foundation for clothing donations and collaborating with multiple food banks to combat food waste.

Joanne, who operates within the Estates Department, also works closely with the Storage Department to ensure furniture and other assets are reused in line with their zero to landfill targets. She concluded: 

"Here at Coventry University Group, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. We are deeply committed to managing and minimising our impact on the environment. We have integrated reuse into our waste policies and processes, and it is proving remarkably successful when it comes to achieving our zero-to-landfill targets.

"As we continue on this journey, our next steps will be to incorporate reuse into our sustainability purchasing and procurement strategies, further advancing our green goals and circular economy efforts."

Read more about sustainable development at Coventry University Group.

Read our guide to reuse.

Start reusing today and register with Warp It.