Green philosophy

The folks at the Department of Philosophy take their recycling seriously. So everyone makes sure that paper is printed on both sides before it's dumped. They also have a regular pick-up of such paper, which earns the department a few rands in petty cash. Still not content, all staff - including the aptly-named Shamiela Green of Supercare, who pounces on any stray paper or other recyclable goodies in the office, which staffer Cindy Gilbert hauls off to Pinelands North Primary for her kids' Friday morning recycling competition.

Bin it

UCT produces up to eight tons of waste a day. All bins on upper and middle campus have been grouped into stations and people are expected to discard waste in the correct bins. Waste is taken to a sorting facility and UCT receives some of the revenue from recycled goods.

Easy riders

Ridelink seeks to reduce carbon emissions from the UCT community by promoting carpooling, cycling and public transport. A key component is the Campus Carpooling system - an online database that matches interested students up with others who live in their area. Campus Carpooling saves petrol, reduces parking congestion - and you make new friends.

Light up

In partnership with Eskom, the GCI promotes energy saving and efficiency. Residences compete to reduce their total energy consumption. The GCI also works with house committees to raise awareness about environmental issues within the residences, such as using energy-efficient globes. Electricity meters are being fitted to each building.

Putting down roots

Properties and Services' clearing programme, to rid the campus of alien vegetation, is part of overall maintenance. "The entire value of our botanical biodiversity is taken into account, along with the diverse range of heritage trees and historic planting," says senior horticulturist Noelene le Cordier. "With respect to future tree planting we do not only plant indigenous trees as it's important to maintain the style that has developed over the last 100 years on campus. From a conservation point, some of the trees that are classic to the university environment are Stone Pines, Mediterranean cypresses and Outeniqua yellowwoods, which need to be kept and replanted."

Waterwise plants

The Campus Biodiversity Project aims to make UCT's gardens more representative of the Cape's unique flora, such as fynbos. This provides a number of benefits such as water-use efficiency, providing a refuge for rare and endangered species and showcasing floral delights for the botanist and the layman alike, as well as boosting UCT's eco-friendly image.

Soak up the sun

The Graça Machel and Cadboll House residences lead the way in solar power systems that work with heat pumps. Residence maintenance manager John Peters said the heat is absorbed from the sun and trapped between the flat plate panels and the glass. That heats the pipes, which heat cold water, providing between 20% and 35% of hot water for both residences.