17 February 2009 - Oxfordshire’s Green MEP Caroline Lucas spoke on the steps of Oxford University’s Clarendon Building on Valentines Day in front of a giant heart shape woven out of 1000 postcards signed by Oxford University students and employees.

The postcards, which were later delivered to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, made three demands:

- Appoint a senior environmental manager whose sole responsibility is overseeing the University’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact across all sectors: energy, water, waste, transport, biodiversity, sustainable procurement, construction & refurbishment and emissions & discharges. Invite the senior environmental manager to sit on the Planning and Resource Allocation Committee (PRAC).

- Adopt a comprehensive waste management system. Oxford University is one of a shrinking number of UK Universities that does not have a central database tracking its waste. The University does not currently know how much waste it produces, nor where this waste ends up.

- Implement an external environmental management system, such as ISO14001 or EcoCampus. This will ensure that the University maintains a certified level of environmental accountability.

Each of these demands has already been met by Cambridge University, according to People and Planet’s Green League Table. The table awards the University of Cambridge a First Class, ranking it 5th in the UK, while Oxford receives a 2:2 and ranking of 50th. The only categories in which Oxford outperforms Cambridge are in renewable energy, carbon emissions and investment policy. This follows People and Planet and OUSU Environment and Ethics Committee’s successful 2006 campaigns for the University to adopt a five-year renewable electricity contract and a socially responsible investment policy.

The Vice-Chancellor was invited to attend the Valentines Day event in order to receive the cards, but his office declined the invitation.

Niel Bowerman, ex-Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) Environment and Ethics Officer said, "Oxford University conducts world-class research on environmental impacts. It is time for the University to listen to its own researchers on this issue."

Sophie Lewis, campaign manager and student regional representative for People and Planet said, "Failing conscience, we appeal to the ivory tower’s pride: dear VC, if there were a Green Varsity, Oxford would certainly lose!"

Oxfordshire’s Green MEP Caroline Lucas commented: "I was delighted to take part in this creative initiative to demand the University takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. We need a profound social, economic and cultural shift towards a more sustainable economy if we are to stave off the worst impacts of climate change and protect our natural world for future generations. Higher education establishments can play a key role in setting a good example."