The JPC works closely with both the college and undergraduate body to help reduce our environmental impact.
This page contains information and advice for current students to improve their environmental impact.
If you have any questions or suggestions, you are encouraged to get in contact with the JPC.
Sustainability in Pembroke
Pembroke College is committed to becoming more environmentally friendly and sustainable. In 2024, we ranked 8th in the Climate League of Oxford and Cambridge (CLOC), a ranking of Oxbridge colleges based on their climate policies and sustainability efforts. Furthermore, Pembroke won 1st place in the student-run Sustain-a-ball initiative for 2025, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability within the student community.
Advice
Recycling and Waste Management
Many college rooms and kitchens are equipped with mixed recycling and general waste bins. Please take the time to properly sort your recycling, as these bins are emptied by housekeeping staff.
Pembroke follows Cambridge City Council’s recycling guidelines (see our guide above). Remember: even a single incorrect, contaminated or soiled item in the recycling bin can cause the entire bag to be sent to landfill.
Compost Bins: Compost bins can be emptied into the large yellow food waste bin in Bin Court. These bins are the responsibility of students to be emptied regularly (ideally 2-3 times a week) and cleaned.
To request a compost (or recycling) bin, please speak to your bedder or email Housekeeping
Sustainability in the Servery
Pembroke is fortunate to have Vegware and compostable containers/cups in the Servery. However, it’s important to dispose of these items in the food waste bin for proper biodegradation.
If you’re taking food out of Hall, please remember to dispose of these containers correctly. Alternatively, you can bring your own reusable containers or travel mugs for a 20p discount.
Other Bins
External bins around college are general waste. However, recycling bins are available in the JP and Hall.
Gardens and Plant Care
Pembroke’s Garden Team often offers a plant hotel over the short breaks.
Utilities in College
Heating
To reduce energy consumption, try wearing an extra jumper or using an additional blanket instead of turning up the heating. Reduced periods and temperatures of heating are simple but effective ways to save energy.
For your information: Dolby Court is fitted with a heat pump, adhering to the BREEAM sustainability framework, which ensures a higher standard of environmental performance. Pembroke has also divested from fossil fuels as of 2023.
Water Conservation
Save water and energy by taking shorter, cooler showers, turning off the tap when washing dishes, and only boiling the amount of water you need.
Laundry
Washing clothes at a lower temperature and air-drying them instead of using dryers significantly reduces energy usage. It’s also more energy-efficient to wash a large load of laundry at once rather than several small loads.
Transport is also a very important thing to consider when trying to reduce our environmental impact. Have a read of our advice on Getting Around.
Green & Ethical Opportunities
In Pembroke
Allotments and Gardening: As well as its lovely gardens on college site, Pembroke has its own allotments at the Pembroke College Sports Ground. The Gardening/Allotment Society was somewhat neglected post-COVID, but the current Green Officer is working to revitalise it. The Pembroke Orchard Green Society is also being revitalized.
Pembroke House: located in Walworth, South London, is the college’s social action centre. Founded by a Pembroke student over 100 years ago, it offers students a chance to engage in social action during the vacation periods.
To learn more, visit Pembroke House’s website.
Uni-Wide
- Cambridge University Society of Ethics and Philosophy
- Cambridge Climate Society
- Cambridge University Vegan Society
- Cambridge Zero
- Cambridge Zero
- Refugee Action Society
- Palestine Solidarity Society
- Local charities that appreciate student help