Mansion Student Green Policies

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment and in particular, climate change. It
relates to the amount of greenhouse gasses produced in our daily lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating
and transportation etc.

The carbon footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of tonnes (or kg) of
carbon dioxide equivalent and is made up of the sum of two parts:-

1. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning
of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car use). We have direct control of these.

2. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use – those
associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put very simply – the more we buy, the more emissions will
be caused on our behalf.

Mansion Student endeavours to reduce, wherever possible, its own carbon footprint, and actively encourages its staff and
students in its care, to do the same.

• We maximise the use of electronic communications and booking systems saving on paper and carbon postage.
• We recycle wherever possible. Our head office actively recycles paper, tins and plastic whilst at our developments, we utilise agents who will recycle all rubbish.
• We source building materials and furnishings from sustainable sources where possible.
• We proactively encourage our student tenants to take responsibility within their own living spaces, by issuing a helpful guide as part of their check in pack.
• We are in the process of converting our properties to energy efficient light bulbs.
• We are in the process of conducting energy efficiency ratings on all our accommodation.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint - Mansion Student would like to encourage you to think about your primary carbon footprint
and the ways in which you can help to reduce the impact caused by your daily routines.

• Turn it off when not in use. (Lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, computer etc.)
• Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees)
• Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees makes a significant difference)
• Always fill your washing machine with a full load – this will save water, electricity ... and washing powder!
• Set your washing machine to a lower temperature – 30 degrees will wash efficiently
• Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need
• Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it’s finished charging
• Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly
• Fit energy saving light bulbs.
• Don’t leave the tap running when you brush your teeth.
• For short journeys – why not walk and get fitter at the same time.

Your secondary carbon footprint can be controlled to a certain extent:-

• Drink the tap water – it’s perfectly safe! Bottled water will often have been shipped in from considerable distance.
• Buy local fruit and vegetables at your local markets - if you buy foods out of season at the supermarket, then these will have either been flown or shipped in from considerable distance – adding to your carbon footprint.
• Don’t buy over packaged products.
• Recycle as much as possible.