Rate My Professor Petra Knights

Petra Knights serves as the Coordinator Projects within the Information Technology Services Division at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. In this role, she coordinates various IT projects across the university.

Demonstrating strong environmental commitment, Petra Knights initiated a coffee pod recycling program in her building's tearoom. Driven by her belief in recycling and passion for sustainability, she addressed the issue of aluminium coffee pods being discarded into landfill. Knights researched recycling options in Dunedin, consulted the University’s Sustainability Office, and established an efficient collection process starting in October. She encourages colleague participation, collects Nescafé and Starbucks pods on school runs for local drop-offs, and uses free TerraCycle labels for other brands. Prior to Christmas, she recycled one and a half buckets of pods, saving two large bags from waste. Knights personally avoids coffee pods, preferring plunger coffee due to concerns about packaging, manufacturing, and shipping waste. Her manager, IT Project Manager Rasha Abu Safieh, praised her initiative. Colleagues like ITS Administrator Lucy Gray commended her leadership. University Head of Sustainability Ray O’Brien noted it as a prime example of staff-led solutions aligning with institutional values. Knights aims to extend the program university-wide.