University celebrates two Environmental awards

As a University we strive to change the world through our research, education, innovation and enterprise. Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our work, including reducing carbon emissions and minimising our environmental impact.

We are currently implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) following the EcoCampus model. In December we achieved an EcoCampus Silver Award.

An EMS provides a systematic way for the University to manage its activities to minimize harm to the environment from, for example, chemical spillages or waste production.

EcoCampus is the leading national EMS and award scheme for the higher and further education sectors. The scheme enables universities to systematically identify, evaluate, manage and improve their environmental performance and practices. It breaks down the implementation into four phases: Bronze (Planning), Silver (Implementation), Gold (Operating) and Platinum (Checking & Correcting). Platinum is equivalent to the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems, ISO14001.

We started implementing our EMS in October 2011 and achieved the Bronze award in March 2012. Now that we have achieved Silver we will be starting to work towards the Gold award.

As well as recognition for our EMS, we also received a Highly Commended Green Gown Award in the student initiatives and campaigns category for the Blackout project.

The Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK. With sustainable development moving up the global agenda, the Awards are now established as the most prestigious recognition of sustainability excellence within the tertiary education sector, as well as the environmental sector.

University Environment Manager Neil Smith commented: "Winning a Green Gown Award is sector-wide recognition of the collaborative relationship between the Students Union and the University on a fun project, raising awareness amongst students and staff across all faculties. Such recognition provides impetus to hold a national event in 2013."