Keenan powers University of St Andrews' net zero journey
Keenan Recycling, a leading provider of sustainable waste management solutions, is proud to strengthen its longstanding partnership with the University of St Andrews, a renowned institution committed to environmental sustainability. Together, they are continuing to reduce food waste, promote renewable energy, and contribute to the University’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2035.
Environmental impact
The University of St Andrews’ partnership with Keenan Recycling has yielded remarkable results. They’ve successfully collected food waste from 19 student halls and accommodation sites, encompassing nearly 400 bins in total.
By diverting over 173 tonnes of food waste from landfill annually, Keenan Recycling has helped the University significantly reduce its carbon footprint. By working with their Anaerobic Digestion (AD) partners, Keenan has transformed food waste into renewable energy.
“Our partnership with Keenan Recycling has been instrumental in helping us reduce our carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment,” said Andy Stahly, Environment Manager in the Environment and Transition Team at the University of St Andrews. “By diverting food waste from landfill and generating renewable energy, we are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.”
This food waste has been transformed into energy through anaerobic digestion, producing enough electricity to power 16 British homes for an entire year. In more relatable terms, this energy could enable 21,000 students to fully charge their smartphones or power 583 laptops for a whole year.
These achievements highlight the University’s commitment to sustainability and its ability to turn waste into valuable resources.
University of St Andrews: A leader in sustainability
The University of St Andrews is a pioneering institution, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability.
The University has made significant investments in renewable energy sources, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner energy grid. By prioritising locally sourced, plant-based options, and reducing food waste, they are fostering a more sustainable food system.
“We are increasing our clean energy supplies by investing in Eden Campus, our biomass district heating network, and launching renewable energy projects in solar and wind,” says Andy Stahly, Environment Manager in the Environment and Transition Team at the University of St Andrews.
By reducing its carbon footprint, promoting biodiversity, and investing in renewable energy, the University is setting a powerful example for others to follow.
Commitment to sustainability
The University of St Andrews is a pioneer in sustainable food practices, prioritising local ingredients, plant-based options, and waste reduction. Their efforts have led to a 60% increase in locally sourced food, a 50% increase in plant-based menu options, and a significant reduction in single-use plastic waste.
Student engagement and education
The University is committed to educating and engaging students in environmental sustainability. “We offer internships, graduate positions, and volunteer opportunities within the Environment Team, empowering students to make a positive impact,” says Andy Stahly.
Challenges and solutions
One of the biggest challenges in managing food waste is reducing contamination. “We are always looking to reduce contamination wherever possible and are using smart technology to do so. Collecting waste data is important for the university, as we require this information for our many reports. Using a customised software allows us to track each vehicle and access live waste transfer notes provided by Keenan Recycling. This has been a useful feature,” confirms Andy Stahly.
Bright future for sustainability
The partnership between Keenan Recycling and the University of St Andrews is a shining example of how collaboration can drive positive change.
“We are proud to be partnering with an esteemed university such as St Andrews University,” said Ritchie Clark, Finance Director of Keenan Recycling. “We are hoping to help them with their sustainability goals and continue to efficiently service their various campuses.”
Keenan Recycling is a leading provider of sustainable waste management solutions. They are committed to helping schools, universities and organisations reduce their environmental impact by diverting waste from landfill and generating renewable energy.