Some staff receive and mark written work by email. But costs associated with the collection, transport and dumping of non-recycled rubbish have fallen relatively little, due to increased landfill taxes. In new and some old buildings, rainwater is collected for non-drinking purposes, and some grey water is recycled for toilets. Water meters are installed in all staff flats and houses. Taps in residences turn off automatically after a given period.
Toilets have a choice of two flush quantities.
The supermarket on campus offers a range of products comparable to that of large supermarkets in Newcastle, at competitive prices. It sells a variety of organic foods, including locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables, and a range of environmentally friendly soaps and cleaners. It is committed to reducing, reusing and recycling packaging materials. It regularly surveys the needs of campus residents, and responds accordingly. The proportion of FTEs in environmentally oriented courses has doubled since 1998.