Case Study: University of Northampton

    Growing the right way

    Hailed as a landmark project, the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus officially opened in 2018. Providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and accommodation, it’s a glowing example of the university’s bold ambition to become a world-leading institution for education, research, and social impact.

    With the opening of the new campus, the University of Northampton was left with surplus catering equipment from their old Campus sites. Wanting to find an efficient and sustainable reuse solution, they partnered with Ramco to help achieve their goals.

    Formed in 1999 following a number of training colleges merging, the University of Northampton gained full university status in 2005. Despite being one of the youngest universities in the UK, Northampton has tall ambitions. Wanting to support and encourage students, staff, and the local community to change the world, they’ve already won multiple awards for their work around social impact and in 2012 was the country’s first university to be named as a Changemaker Campus.

    In 2021 they were one of 140 universities to back a new set of commitments on climate action. Drawn by Universities UK, this included a pledge to champion the UN Sustainable Development Goals Accord as well as emission reduction targets.

    Taking action

    In 2018, the University of Northampton officially moved all operations to their new Waterside location on the River Nene, at the heart of the community. Keen to ensure surplus items from their old campus didn’t go to waste, they approached Ramco for help.

    Our work began with the removal of catering equipment from St. George’s Avenue before it grew to cover other assets situated at the Waterside campus. This included large furniture, electricals, and IT equipment.

    So far, hundreds of items ranging from refrigerators, grills, and dishwashers through to large office tables, vending machines, and recycle bins have been given a new lease of life, preventing them from being unnecessarily scrapped or sent to landfill.

    Hundreds of items given a new lease of life,

    helping to promote reuse and sustainability

    Creating a circular economy

    Equipment was sold through Ramco’s online auction to customers and businesses who can ensure each item is given a new home. On-site auctions from the University of Northampton’s facilities were used where possible to reduce the environmental impact of transportation, while items requiring prompt removal were collected and taken back to our specialist reuse facility in Skegness.

    As well as the environmental benefits relating to waste prevention and reuse, our service has helped the university reduce disposal costs whilst also generating a financial return that can be reinvested within the organisation to support its educational offer.

    “Following the announcement that the University would move to a new campus, we needed an efficient reuse solution that both eliminates waste and reduces disposal costs.

    “Our growing relationship with Ramco has enabled us to implement an environmentally friendly disposal solution that ensures our unwanted equipment is given a new lease of life, helping us contribute towards creating a circular economy.

    “We’re pleased to be working with Ramco and look forward to seeing their support expanded across the University in the future.”

    Matthew Waite, Head of Capital Projects and Infrastructure at the University of Northampton

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