An unused smokers area in the grounds of our Steven’s Close annex site has been transformed into a new space for wild flowers. Caretaker Malachi Rimmer created the space, which includes wild seating made from tree logs, to enrich biodiversity on the North Oxford site, and recently sowed wild seeds which should produce an abundance of insect-friendly flowers in the summer.

Malachi says, “This was an old smoking area that was no longer used, so it made sense to take give it a new purpose. A wild seating area was the best way forward. It’s also an area I can control, so no mowing or garden machinery will disturb it.”

As part of Jesus’ environmental sustainability action plan, the Housekeeping team are introducing some new eco-friendly hygiene products to College facilities. Tissues, toilet paper and hand towels made from recycled materials are being rolled out across the main site, as old stock is used up. The products are high-quality, and cheaper than those currently used.

The team is also trying out a new range of cleaning products that replace traditional chemical-based cleaning agents with low aquatic toxicity, sustainable, bio-renewable and plant-based alternatives. The cleaning liquids come in small concentrated pod form (like a laundry liquid pod), which significantly reduces packaging and transport requirements, and eradicates the need for plastic bottles. The pods dissolve in water, so existing cleaning containers can be reused time and time again. Housekeeping Manager Michele Turner says, “The team is always looking for new solutions to make our work as environmentally friendly as possible. We are especially excited to trial the new cleaning liquid pods, as these will transform our cleaning processes, and end the reliance on plastic dispensing bottles.”

Jesus College has joined the OxFarmToFork initiative, which provides local, ethical, seasonal and sustainable food directly to Oxford institutions. The initiative supports farmers to work the land agroecologically, and shortens food supply chains by supporting local farms and businesses, thereby reducing food delivery miles and packaging.

Students at our Steven’s Close annex site are now enhancing their culinary skills thanks to a herb-planting initiative. Old flower pots have been repurposed as miniature herb gardens, which the students can take cuttings from when they’re cooking meals, saving both the time and cost of having to purchase herbs from a supermarket. The pots are located at the bottom of each staircase, and contain sage, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano and fennel.

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February 2023 – Green Action Week 2023 inspires sustainability initiatives  

Hugh Price Fellow honoured with Leverhulme Prize for Engineering

Sustainability is key for new Cheng Yu Tung Building 

Jesus College’s hidden eco-treasure – Herbert Close

Oxford University approves new Environmental Sustainability Strategy