August 20, 2018
Recent years have seen many universities in the UK become increasingly envormently conscious. Realising the importance of conserving and encouraging research in sustainable technologies, universities are beginning to invest more in the cause.
They are also introducing greener practices into the university fabric, in a way that engages and educates students and staff. Numerous value-adding green projects, events and practices are finding their way into the day to day activity of university campuses.
People & Planet, the UK’s largest student network, working for social and environmental development, has recently released a list of UK’s top 50 universities, which have been ranked on the basis of different green parameters. This include parameters such as environmental policy, carbon management, waste & recycling, water reduction, energy sources, carbon reduction and seven other factors.
Each university is ranked under the parameters and then the final score is expressed in percentages – rankings are assigned based on the final score.
1. Manchester Metropolitan University tops the People & Planet list of green universities with a total score of 77.6%. The University scored a 100% for Environmental Sustainability, Policy and Strategy. Having a policy in place, reviewing and updating it regularly and following it up with a plan of action are some of the factors that fetched the University the maximum score.
2. The University of Gloucestershire came second with a total score of 76.3%. The university scored a 100% for Carbon Management, which tests universities for the measures they take to identify and control their carbon footprint.
3. The Nottingham Trent University stands 3rd with a total score of 74.5%. The University appeared in the top 10 of the University League Table for the 4th time with this achievement. It scored a 100% for Sustainability Staff, which measures the extent of staff involvement in a university’s sustainability initiatives.
4. With a 72.2% score, the University of Worcester stands 4th. The University scored a 100% for Carbon Management. With its short-term strategies and long-term plan of action for identifying and controlling carbon emissions from transport, accommodation and waste and procurement activities, the University aced this Category.
5. Aston University stands 5th with a 70.9% score. The University has an efficient plan of action to check its carbon footprint, including encouraging walking, cycling, public transport usage and car sharing for its staff and students.
6. The University of Bedfordshire is 6th with 70.7% total score. The University scores 100% in the Water Reduction category, which measures total water consumption and the amount of rainwater used for the purpose.
7. With 69.4%, the University of Brighton is 7th on the list. It scored a 100% in the Energy Sources category. The use of renewable energy sources for electricity, self-generation of some amount of electricity and use of CHP – Combined Heat and Power – energy, are reasons for the top score.
8. Cardiff Metropolitan University is in 8th place with a total score of 67.3%. It scored 75% for Waste & Recycling. Total waste and the amount of waste recycling and reuse are calculated as part of this scoring.
9. At the 9th place, Swansea University has a total score of 67%. Result-oriented sustainability events, carbon management plan, active student and staff engagement and sustainable travel and parking are some reasons for this ranking.
10. The City University of London is in 10th position with a score of 65.8%. It scores 100% for Auditing & EMS. Audit of a university’s sustainability practices by a certified external agency is needed for maximum scoring.
For the complete list of universities and analysis of different categories for each, see here.
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