Alexandre Duponcheele, Candidate for Sustainability Officer
As a Sustainability Officer, you’ll have the opportunity to educate and raise awareness among students on a variety of issues, run your own campaigns as well as organise events and training. You’ll work collaboratively with the Executive Officers and staff on sustainability initiatives, engage with local organisations on climate matters and co-chair the Sustainability Committee with the Mile End Sustainability Officer. You’ll also have the option to work on your own projects and perhaps inspire new initiatives! Whether you’re harbouring years of passion or are just beginning your sustainability journey, the Sustainability Officer role is a perfect opportunity to play your part for a greener, kinder planet.
What's your favourite moment from being a student here?
One of my favourite moments was being able to go into clinic and talk to patients with lesser known conditions, to understand their perspective on the health system as a whole. This has been very enlightening to me and is something I hold dear.
What's something you've done that you're proud of?
Something I am particularly proud of is my volunteering with the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker, where as a reviewer I have the ability to confirm government policy interpretations and rectify inconsistencies. Having these greater responsibilities and the trust from my colleagues has been a fulfilling experience.
What is a problem facing students and how do you propose to fix it?
The easy answer is global warming. Too much responsibility has been placed on the carbon footprint of the student as an individual, and not enough on the university as an institution.
The university’s policy to be more environmentally friendly is something that can constantly be improved and worked upon, and with Whitechapel’s proximity to the Royal London Hospital, we have an even greater impetus to our patients and the environment.
One of the ways this can be rectified is through direct communication with the university green staff, proposing several ideas on energy and water sustainability as well as raising issues and accountability on sponsorships from fossil fuel companies and their subsidiaries.
