Since the beginning of 2024, the University of Salford has successfully reused over £30,000 worth of office furniture through Warp It. 

In just nine months, reusing has also helped the University avoid more than 15 tonnes of carbon emissions, an environmental impact that would have occurred had the items been disposed rather than reused.

Originally launched in 2015, Warp It was implemented to drive environmental benefits by redistributing surplus furniture and office supplies across departments. Over the years, this system has repurposed over 3,000 items, generating total savings of £245,000.

Earlier this year, the University re-engaged with staff to revitalise the Warp It system, and the results have been remarkable.

Zoe Pegg, Environmental Management Assistant, has been responsible for running Warp It since February 2024. She said:

“Running the Warp It system is my main responsibility. I work with the managers across the university’s departments and coordinate items for reuse. The response has been fantastic, with staff claiming everything from cupboards to coat hooks, and even plant pots for their departments and workspaces.”

The refreshed focus on reuse has led to a surge in staff participation, transforming how the University handles surplus supplies. By reusing items such as hospital beds and office chairs, the University is not only cutting waste but also reducing its scope 3 carbon emissions and supporting the circular economy.

Above: The university has reused a wide range of items. 

In addition to internal reuse, the University has expanded its impact through partnerships with local charitable organisations. Donations have included chairs for a community centre, kitchenware for a homeless shelter, and craft items for a kids’ club.

Zoe added:

“We are proud to collaborate with charities and community groups across the North West. Recently, we have sent hospital beds to Ukraine, over 100 chairs to schools in Africa, planters to a neighbourhood garden, and plant pots to our university’s faith centre.”

Looking ahead, Zoe plans to further boost staff participation, and ensure new staff members are informed about Warp It to understand the option to claim items rather than purchasing new ones.

She is also keen to establish a “Show and Tell” room where staff can view available items before claiming them online.

The University of Salford’s renewed focus on reuse underscores its commitment to reducing its environmental impact. As a large institution in Greater Manchester, serving 26,000 students and 2,200 staff across 20 buildings and approximately 50 hectares, its reuse efforts is a key element in fostering sustainability and supporting the circular economy.

Read our guide to reuse.

Start reusing today and register with Warp It.