About Dunn School Green Group

The Dunn School Green Group, based at the Dunn School, University of Oxford, is a vibrant and diverse team dedicated to fostering environmental sustainability within the Dunn School and the wider community. Established in Jan 2020 by Anton Van Der Merwe, who chaired the group from February 2020 to September 2020, our collective has consistently been at the vanguard of environmental consciousness and change. Ulrike Gruneberg succeeded him, serving as chair from September 2020 to August 2021. Since August 2021, Saroj Saurya has taken the lead, currently helming the group. Through the steadfast leadership of each chairperson, the group has thrived and expanded its reach in environmental advocacy and initiatives

A Group United by a Common Passion

The Dunn School Green Group is more than just a collective of individuals; it's a vibrant, diverse community united by a common passion for environmental stewardship. Our members come from various backgrounds, disciplines, and roles within the Dunn School and the University of Oxford, but we all share a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. With the full support of our head of the department, Matthew Freeman, our initiatives and vision are elevated, further solidifying our mission. All the Principal Investigators, staff, and students not only extend their support but also collaborate, working together seamlessly as and when needed, showcasing our cohesive drive towards a sustainable future. Our diversity is our strength. Each member brings unique perspectives, ideas, and skills to the table, fuelling innovative approaches to environmental challenges. From researchers leveraging their scientific expertise to understand and solve ecological issues, to administrative staff implementing green practices in our daily operations, to students advocating for sustainable policies-everyone has a vital role to play. Our common passion for the environment goes beyond our professional roles. We are gardeners nurturing biodiversity in our garden, consumers making mindful choices in our purchases, citizens voting for green policies, and educators teaching the next generation about the importance of sustainability. We carry our environmental ethos with us in every aspect of our lives. Through regular meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects, we foster a supportive and inspiring environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued. We celebrate our achievements, learn from our challenges, and constantly strive to enhance our impact. In the Dunn School Green Group, we're not just coworkers -we're a team of environmental enthusiasts dedicated to making a difference. And together, with the continued encouragement from our leadership, we're proof that shared passion can lead to extraordinary change.

Our Purpose

We strive to weave sustainability into the fabric of our institution, influencing research, education, and everyday actions. Our goal is fostering eco-conscious habits across staff, students, and faculty.

Our Aspiration

We foresee the Dunn School exemplifying eco-friendly academia, harmonizing with nature, and leading by example. By ingraining sustainability, we amplify global actions against environmental challenges.

Our Collective

Comprising passionate staff, faculty, and students, our team believes in collective responsibility towards sustainability. Every member's contribution is vital. Meet our team

Our Green Toolbox

At Dunn School Green Group, we harness diverse tools to amplify our commitment to lab environmental sustainability:

Branding: Our logo, an emblem of our green mission, was crafted by Saroj Saurya.

Digital Platforms:

X (formerly known as Twitter): is currently jointly overseen by Saroj Saurya, Muhammad Umair, Jo Peel, and Katherine Ansbro, and shares updates and fosters dialogue on sustainability. The platform was initially launched by Iona Manley and subsequently managed by Lilli Hahn.

Instagram: Curated by Shaked Ashkenazi, this channel encourages environmental conversations.
TikTok: Sarah Langhorne oversees this channel, spotlighting eco-practices through quick videos.

Physical Presence:

Notice Board: Established by Wayne Swan and maintained by Saroj Saurya, it offers real-time updates adjacent to the combination room.
Merchandise: Our flag and T-shirts, designed by Jo Peel and Emile Roberts, bolster our identity and community spirit.

Direct Communication:

Email Correspondence: Our key email communicators are Marion Schuller and Girish Mali, skillfully dispatching updates and information to the Dunn School community on behalf of the Green Group.

WhatsApp: The Dunn School WhatsApp group, a vital channel for immediate communication, is adeptly managed by Saroj Saurya, facilitating dynamic conversations and engagement.

Feedback Mechanisms:

Surveys: Proactive tools to gauge the community's pulse. Key surveys include:

Environmental Survey by Jo Peel (July 2020)
Café Food Preferences Survey by Charlotte Melia (October 2022)
Recycling and Waste Management Survey by Aashna Saini (June 2023)
Community wide food and goods rescue Survey by Saroj Saurya (Jan 2024 and Sep 2024)

These tools expand our reach and strengthen our community, echoing our sustainable ethos across and beyond our institution.

Making a Difference

From our foundation, the Dunn School Green Group has championed projects to minimize our ecological footprint. We've championed waste-cutting actions, energy conservation, and woven sustainability into our curriculum. Discover our initiatives.

Join our mission for a brighter, sustainable tomorrow for everyone.