Oxford Green Action Week 2024 runs from 19th-23rd February, and the Jesus College community is once again involved with activities aimed at raising awareness of green issues.
Oxford Green Action Week (OGAW) provides an important opportunity to demonstrate the progress the College is already making towards carbon neutrality, and showcase just some if the sustainability initiatives that Jesus members are undertaking.
In 2023, Jesus launched a five-year Environmental Sustainability Strategy as part of its new Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The strategy sets out an action plan towards the College becoming net zero carbon by 2035, in line with the University of Oxford’s target. The challenges of reducing the College’s carbon footprint across all aspects of its estate, infrastructure and operations range from effectively managing waste and recycling to better conserving energy, and enhancing biodiversity. To oversee this work, an Environmental Sustainability Working Group was established in Michaelmas 2023, and comprises Fellows, staff and students.
Jesus’s OGAW activities kick off on Wednesday 21st February (17.00-19.00, Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub) with a forum on the College’s Environmental Sustainability Action Plan. Hosted by the Environmental Sustainability Working Group, the forum gives College members the chance to learn more about the steps the College is taking to become more sustainable, and discuss ideas for further action. Topics will include improvements to the College fabric, divestment and the OxFarm2Fork initiative, of which Jesus is a partner. All College members are welcome to attend.
To coincide with the forum and following previous feedback to the Working Group, the Accommodation, Conferences and Catering Department is rolling out a new labelling system across College to help all current members separate their waste more efficiently.
The College’s Catering Team already prioritises sourcing ingredients from sustainable sources wherever possible, but on Thursday 22nd February they’ll be going one step further with Sustainable Lunch Day. Head Chef Anand Dube and his team will be offering wild venison (sourced from a local butcher) as the main meat dish, alongside regular vegetarian dishes. Venison is the UK’s most sustainable meat choice, and also a great source of protein, and incredibly low in fat. It contains minerals that are good for health, including iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc as well as vitamins B6 and B12. Elsewhere, a selection of handcrafted beers from the Church Hanbrewery in West Oxfordshire will be on offer in the College Bar all week.
Jesus students are also keenly involved in OGAW, and will be hosting the following events:
- JCR Plant pot painting and pizza
Thursday 22nd February, 17.00 – 19.00, Cheng Cafe.
A fun evening of painting flower pots and planting seeds which students can take home and grow. All materials supplied, and free pizza and drinks.
- Talk by Rosemary Gillespie
Friday 23rd February, 17.30 – 18.30, Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub
JCR-organised talk by Professor Rosemary Gillespie, Visiting Senior Research Fellow in Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity on the effects of climate change on biodiversity loss. Includes fairtrade wine tasting.
Ahead of OGAW and the upcoming Jazz Ball, the JCR also held a formal dress swap which encouraged students to share and/or hire dresses as a sustainable alternative to buying new outfits.
OTHER EVENTS
- CLOC: In Conversation with Colleges
Friday 23rd February, 12.30, Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub
The Digital Hub will also be hosting a Climate League of Oxford and Cambridge (CLOC) event which brings together a panel of sustainability experts and college bursars to discuss and showcase sustainability initiatives in Oxford colleges. More details can be found here.
- ESG Panel event with Hogan Lovells
Thursday 22nd February, 17.30-18.30, Dorfman Centre at St. Peters College
Oxford Women* in Law Student Society (OWLSS) is hosting a panel event open to anyone and everyone, interested in a career in law with a focus on environmental impact. There will be a partner and associate from Hogan Lovells’ ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) team who will talk about current cases they’re working on in the renewable energy industry, as well as tips for students to enter into the sector.
Speakers: Julia Cripps (Associate) & Rita Hunter (Partner)