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ISSUE 865 MARCH 17 2008 CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972
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GOING GREENER
Last week’s Student Council passed two motions to reinforce Cardiff University Students’ Union’s environmental agenda
Amy Harrison gair rhydd Editor Last Tuesday, Student Council passed two environmental motions that reveal a continued commitment to Cardiff Students’ Union’s environmental policy. The first of the two motions set out to introduce a Domestic Air Travel Policy that would see domestic air travel banned in matters of Students’ Union business. The second environmental motion passed at Student Council resolved that the Union President should lobby the Vice-Chancellor to employ a full-
time environmental manager. The motion to implement a Domestic Air Travel Policy was brought to Student Council in the Autumn semester, but an inquorate meeting meant the motion could not be passed. The motion was, however, discussed at the inquorate meeting and on this instance the prime concern was whether Northern Ireland would be included in the policy. At last week’s meeting it was formally decided that Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland would both be covered by the policy. But the quorate meeting on Tuesday March
11, the motion faced further critique. Student councillors, who are also active members of societies, expressed concerns for societies who would have to comply with the policy. The point was raised that societies have a limited budget and air travel can often be a cheaper alternative to travelling by rail, bus or car. There was a strong consensus in the room that societies shouldn’t be exempt from the policy, and that sacrifices need to be made for the sake of the environment. An amendment was accepted that the Students’ Union would look to support societies and clubs financially
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if necessary. Time and financial factors were considered critically during the debate. After lengthy discussions one student called for the issue to be put to a vote. The motion passed with an overwhelming majority. The motion mandating the Students’ Union President to lobby the University to employ a full-time Environmental Manager was met with fewer questions and the majority voted that this motion should be passed. Last month the Students’ Union ran its first Go Green campaign. The campaign sought to educate students
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further on environmental issues and aimed to promote a shared goal of working towards a green future. The motions passed at student council illustrated the willingness of students to become more environmentally friendly. Students’ Union President, Jonny Cox, commented: “We were disappointed when we couldn’t pass the motion last term, so it is absolutely fantastic that these motions have now passed. I think the results of last week’s Student Council make a strong statement to the University and wider community as they reveal our shared commitment to going green.”
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