‘Highly Commended’ for university-wide sustainability

The University has picked up a Highly Commended Green Gown award for its institution-wide work around sustainability.

The Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges Green Gown awards highlight exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK.
The award was received in the ‘Continual improvement: Institutional Change’ category, which recognises HE or FE institutions that have carried out sustained and successful sustainability initiatives over a number of years, with a whole-institution approach.

Sustainability initiatives led by a large number of staff from across the university were recognised in this award, as is shown in this two-minute video, including:

• The University’s success in reducing carbon emissions per metre squared by 10% since 2011, and increasing recycling rates by 21% since 2012.

• The c-change campaign’s success in engaging with students and staff to encourage energy reduction, waste reduction, and sustainable travel – through initiatives such as the Green Impact scheme for staff, and the halls recycling competition and Reuse Project for students.

• The Environment Team’s installation of 893 solar panels at Falmer and Varley, in addition to the 132 already on the Cockcroft building, cutting carbon by 114 tonnes per year in total – the equivalent to the emissions of 23 UK homes’ annual energy consumption.

• Hospitality Services work to embed sustainability throughout their practices, achieving the highest possible score of 3 Stars in the Sustainable Restaurants Association’s Sustainability Rating, and a Bronze Soil Association Catering Mark.

• Estate and Facilities Management’s upgrading of light bulbs in Falmer and Aldrich libraries to energy-efficient LEDs, cutting carbon by 73 tonnes per year – the equivalent to the emissions of 14 UK homes’ annual energy consumption.

• The University’s Ethical Investment policy, committing to not investing in companies or funds directly involved in environmentally or socially unsustainable activities.

• The work of the Centre for Learning and Teaching, CUPP, Values and Sustainability Research Group, and the Environment Team, to embed sustainability across teaching and research.

• The Green Growth Platform’s work to provide business support and advice for local green businesses.

• The Waste House at Grand Parade, Europe’s first permanent public building made almost entirely from material that would otherwise have been thrown away.

Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Sustainability is, and will continue to be, a core value of the University of Brighton, and as such a consideration in all that we do. This important award recognises our commitment, and the continuing success of our students and staff, in reducing our carbon emissions from all areas of the university.”

For more information on the sustainability at the University of Brighton, visit our Sustainability in Action page here.