The University of Oxford’s new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities set out to be the most sustainable education facility in Europe. To meet such a high bar, we knew that they needed a waste management solution to match.
There were many different spaces to consider within the centre, including public performance spaces, seminar rooms and classrooms, each with their own needs.
We jumped at the challenge to find the right bins for this centre that meet its high standard of aesthetics, while aligning with the project’s sustainability goals. Read on to learn how we created a waste management solution to suit this innovative new space at one of the world’s leading universities.
Finding the right waste management solutions
To identify the facility’s needs, we visited the site on a number of occasions to nail down exactly what the team envisioned for the space. As part of our consultative approach, we carried out a ‘waste walk’ audit to identify key waste generation points in the facility. By understanding what types of waste were being generated and where, we could create a waste management strategy tailored specifically to the Schwarzman Centre.
Following these assessments and discussions with the team, we decided to use a mix of Configure™, Impressions and Slim Jim® Vented bins across different areas of the site.
Configure™ : A modular waste management system that allows you to combine units for different waste streams, while maintaining a high-end look. Each bin has an easy-access front door so you can easily empty the internal liners.
Slim Jim® Step On: A compact bin that suits front-of-house aesthetics without compromising on durability. Available in sleek stainless steel, or in resin with a range of colours.
Slim Jim® Vented: This bin’s small footprint maximises space, while venting channel make bin liners 80% easier to remove*. Slim Jim® Vented is made with robust commercial-grade materials and available in multiple colours to align with colour-coded waste streams.
The results
The Schwarzman Centre is the largest Passivhaus standard accredited university building in Europe. Passivhaus is an international certification for ultra-low energy buildings that have drastically reduced both heating and cooling energy demands.
Speaking about the project, the university’s Head of Facilities Management Projects said:
"Sustainability and aesthetics were critical to the construction of the Schwarzman Centre. Rubbermaid Commercial Products came to visit site on a number of occasions to really understand what we needed to achieve. We had a number of different requirements including public areas, classrooms, and back of house areas. They gave us a range of options to choose from, all with aesthetics and effective waste separation in mind. They even came to help the team with the implementation and labelling of the products which was very much appreciated!"
Curious about how our waste management solutions could support your own facility? Just contact your regional team and our experts will be happy to help you find the right solution.
Sources:
* https://www.rubbermaid.eu/en/slim-jim-containers/slim-jim-vented-containers/
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