ESG Group Update: Clean Air Project
At Surrey Research Park, our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals are more than just commitments, they are the foundation of actionable change. A key initiative from our ESG group is the Clean Air Project, launched in collaboration with the University of Surrey’s Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE).
What is the Clean Air Project?
This innovative project focuses on monitoring air quality in and around the Park, leveraging the expertise of GCARE. It also examines the various modes of travel used by people commuting to the Park, aiming to identify and address key areas for improvement. By understanding these patterns, the project will provide actionable insights to promote sustainable transport choices and healthier air for everyone who works here.
Why This Matters
Air pollution remains a critical global challenge, and by taking proactive steps locally, we can contribute to broader efforts to tackle this issue. The Clean Air Project is just one part of the ESG Group’s dedication to creating a more sustainable and environmentally responsible community at Surrey Research Park.
Want to Get Involved?
The ESG Group welcomes contributions and collaboration. If you’d like to support this project, share ideas, or ask questions, feel free to reach out to Kat Mack, Head of Engagement, via k.mack@surrey.ac.uk.
For more details about the Clean Air Project and other ESG initiatives, read more below.
Published - 19 Nov 2024
Surrey Research Park's ESG Working Group, which formed earlier this year with representatives from companies in the Park community, have been doing some fantastic work to enhance the Park's environmental, social and governance performance, for everyone here.
The group has a current focus on several key environmental areas:
- Improving air quality at the Park
- Sustainable travel options
- Reusing and recycling – Including sharing resources and promoting the Guildford ‘library of things’ to encourage use by the Park community
- Support for charitable initiatives
Check out below for more details of activities and opportunities that the ESG Group have helped create.
Want to get involved?
We'd love you to join our ESG group and help grow the positive we can make to the SRP community. If you would like to join, please email k.mack@surrey.ac.uk. Meetings are bi-monthly on Mondays at 3pm.
Improving Air Quality
The ESG Group are exploring introducing air quality targets for the Park, to encourage everyone to contribute to enhancing air quality across out 70-acre site. The ESG is looking to leverage the expertise at the University of Surrey for support with this. We'll bring you more on this next month.
Sustainable Travel
Reducing the number of petrol and diesel vehicles on the Park is one way to significantly contribute to improved air quality.
eBikes
To help with this, we're looking forward to the arrival and availability of the Guildford eBikes at the Park.
As part of phase one of the eBike rollout, the cycles are now available to hire in the town centre and across the campus, including at nearby Manor Park.
We're looking forward to having eBike geo-fenced drop-off/pick-up points established at the Park in the next few months. We'll keep you updated as we hear more.
Liftshare - Ride Sharing Tool Promoted by the University of Surrey
If you drive to the Park, you may want to take a look at the Liftshare platform. The site is the UK’s leading car share provider, connecting people traveling in the same direction to share journeys and reduce costs. As a social enterprise, it aims to solve mobility problems and reduce environmental impact through organised car sharing.
You can register without any obligation to see if there's anyone along your route you could offer a lift to are share a ride to the Park with. Check out: https://liftshare.com/uk
Waste Reduction and Recycling
We know Park companies will often refresh their kit or find they no longer need certain office, lab or industrial items as needs change. This means there's a lot of waste or unused items that are at risk of going to landfill.
To help prevent this, the ESG Group is establishing a way to help rehome items for free on the Park.
They're also eager to raise awareness of Guildford's Library of Things among everyone at the Park. The Library is public resource that can help save you buying (and disposing) of more niche or expensive items -they have everything from tools to tents - for temporary loan.
Plus, you don’t need to be a Guildford resident – just able to collect and return the item(s) you borrow.
More info here.
