‘Going Green’ has
increasingly become important to more than just the average consumer in the UK.
Businesses and Universities have been trying to make changes throughout the
years to do their part for the Earth without compromising the needs of the
staff and students.
This year’s People & Plant awards have been released and
for 2012 they’ve chosen to categorize universities into sub-leagues to compare
by peer group. Our student editor Ashley brings you the results.
Statistics
The 2012 People &
Plant Green League surveyed 145 universities throughout the UK. They were
broken down into subgroups:
47 -First Class Award
37 - Upper Second
Class Award
32 - Lower Second
Class Award
16 – Third Class
Award
14 – Failed, No Award
8 – Did not
participate
Lead researcher for
P&PGL Louise Hazan states, “Despite intense pressures on university
budgets, this year’s results show how universities are increasingly aware that
going green helps save money and enhance the quality of education they can
offer their students.”
Top 5
University of Greenwich
With a score of 55
out of 70, University of Greenwich scored top marks for environmental policy,
environmental management staff, environmental auditing and management systems,
staff and student engagement and sustainable food. Scoring well for the
sustainable food category benefits the students directly as by buying local
they cut the cost on prices and provide healthy diet options.
University of Plymouth
Scoring 54.5 out of
70, University of Plymouth performed better in policy than overall performance,
by providing a curriculum that integrates sustainability issues with
commitment. The university has also been awarded a HEFCE loan for carbon
reductions, as well as providing over 60% of the university’s carbon reductions
targets for 2015. They plan to be a carbon neutral university by 2030.
University of Brighton
Falling behind #2 by
only .5 of a point, University of Brighton scored 54 out of 70, and also
performed better overall in the policy category. The university’s Biodiversity
Action Plan first implemented in 2009 were actually able to be put into action
in March of this year by planting 300 shrubs and trees!
University of Gloucestershire
University of
Gloucestershire scored 53.5 out of 70, again placing a strong focus on policy.
They’ve been awarded £200,000 from the HEFCE for their project ‘Leading Curriculum
Change for Sustainability’ in October 2010, to cover two years ending this year
in September. The focus is on processes that will ensure curriculum development
that’s towards sustainability is up to par with the highest quality in the
Higher Education Sector.
Nottingham Trent University
With impressive
figures for the waste & recycling, they recycle 88.97% of its total waste!
It’s no surprise that Nottingham Trent University reaches number five with a
score of 53 out of 70. Their focuses is on food sustainability and were granted
the Silver Food for Life Catering Mark from the Soil Association for producing
over 2000 meals per day that are 90% freshly prepared with locally sourced and
organic ingredients.
Overall, the awards
are to bring to light excellent projects that not only seek to better their
students, but the planet as whole. In providing a better environment for
students and their studies, the end result passes on life skills to the
university graduates that can assist them in many future situations in the work
force or out.
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