Your Program at the Castle - We Listen to Your Ideas

You have many options for exploring sustainability ideas and practical applications at the Castle. Specific course offerings change each term, but we are forging links and sustainability content in many of the courses offered in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

Sustainability in Action

You can also take part in a hands-on, dedicated sustainability programme to help determine the operation of the Castle, and to understand and promote sustainability at the regional, national, and global levels.

Our 15th century castle and its 550-acre grounds provide a unique setting and opportunity for sustainability found nowhere else in the world.

You will create and present proposals to Castle administration on how to be more sustainable, and many are adopted. Here are some of the excellent ideas from students to date:

• Implementation plans for solar and wind energy production to run the Castle
• Innovative sustainability courses and natural science field studies at the Castle
• Proposals to reduce cafeteria waste, implement worm composting and increased recycling
• Plans for more self-sufficient food production on Castle Grounds

Summer Term 2012

ENSC 390: Sustainability
Prof Steven Moore, Queen’s University
smoore@business.queensu.ca

This course will focus on the principles of sustainability, using the mid-15th century Herstmonceux Castle for practical applications. Students will form teams to study not only the historic building itself, but the entire 600 acres of vegetable and formal gardens, forest, and fields to determine how to make current Castle systems more sustainable. Investigations will conclude with specific sustainability recommendations presented to Herstmonceux administration and staff for comments and potential application. Participation will include classroom lectures and preparation, behind the scenes study of the Castle systems, and excursions to sustainable sites in the U.K. Course suggestions and activities will be in consultation with BISC Administration. What do you need, how can this class help? Also, combine assignments and content where possible with other BISC courses.

Research solar, wind, and biomass energy  • Research and make suggestions for energy efficiency, waste reduction, composting, vermicomposting, food security, and community involvement • Help streamline the dining facility • Implement new programmes and activities • Plan and participate in the vegetable garden • Develop your own sustainability ideas

ENSC 502: Research Project in Sustainability
Prof Steven Moore, Queen’s University
smoore@business.queensu.ca

This is an interdisciplinary research project related to environmental sustainability, with supervision and training in appropriate research methods by faculty members of the School of Environmental Studies. The course includes supervised research including a research proposal, a presentation, a final thesis, and an oral defence.

So, if you have a passion for sustainability, the Castle is the place for you. We are listening.