A NEW student-led project to encourage greener living has been launched at the University of Chester.

The Big Green Makeover aims to increase awareness and inspire students and staff to lead a greener life.

It promotes reducing the carbon footprint of both residential and non-residential students by looking at the ‘five greens’ of water, resources, travel, waste and energy.

The project has been developed by student James Taylor, who worked on the project as an intern at the university over the summer.

James said: “The mission of the Big Green Makeover is to engage with as many students and staff at the university as possible. It attempts to redefine sustainable lifestyles as a smart, fashionable and fun way to live.”

The Big Green Makeover was unveiled to students during induction week with a video created by student volunteers and the university’s media services.

It compared the day-to-day behaviour of two students – with one leading a greener life than the other. Following the video, recycled bags were handed out to reinforce the message and encourage students to use fewer bags.

The project has now been split into two parts, for residential and non-residential students.

The residential project will encourage students on campus to remember their ‘five greens’ in a number of ways with posters reinforcing the message.

The campaign will help the University meet Higher Education Funding Council for England carbon reduction targets. It will also educate students about their behaviour when they move from campus and into the community.

Non-residential students wishing to get involved will receive a home visit from a trained student volunteer on how to save money and how to have minimal impact on the community in which they live by thinking in a more ‘green’ way.

An audit will be carried out by the student volunteer, who will be trained by James, the Big Green Makeover project leader, and specialists including Cheshire West and Chester Council and Blacon ECO house project advisers.

Activities will take place to reinforce the message supported by Chester Students’ Union and the university’s Health4All team, including awareness talks, community clean-ups and a sustainable living forum.

University vice chancellor Professor Tim Wheeler said: “I’m very pleased with the work James has done to set up this project. By giving information to our students about how green living can benefit both themselves and the communities in which they live, we hope to make the university an even more environmentally aware institution.”