University of Derby's First Class Performance on Environment
29 May 2012
(L to r) Anne Downes, University Energy Officer, and Lynn Richards, Environmental Manager, at a recent Go Green Week at the University.
Lynn Richards, University Environmental Manager.
The University of Derby has held onto its 'First Class' ranking in the annual People & Planet Green League, assessing the environmental performance of UK universities.
The League table sees universities awarded degree-like 'Firsts', '2:1s', '2:2s', 'Thirds' or 'Fails', according to the level of their environmental commitment.
In the 2012 rankings, published today (May 29) in The Guardian newspaper, the University of Derby has retained the 'First' status it achieved last year; putting it in the top third of the 145 universities ranked.
Universities are assessed on their different environmental aspects including reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (a by-product of energy use and related to global warming), waste and recycling, staff and student engagement, having a green curriculum, energy efficiency, transport emissions, sustainable food, and ethical buying.
Rankings are arrived at by combining data obtained direct from universities and the national Higher Education Statistics Agency.
Derby's own environmental efforts include:
- annual Go Green Weeks, with activities such as 'car free' and 'switch off' days in order to encourage staff and students to think how they can lessen their environmental impact
- millions of pounds invested in on-site wind turbines, solar panels and recladding of buildings for better heat and energy retention
- a Carbon Reduction Management Plan with aims including one of a 27% overall reduction in carbon emissions by 2020 (based on the University's 2005 carbon figures)
- a network of more than 100 Environmental Champions among University staff and students, actively spreading 'greener' practices.
Lynn Richards, Environmental Manager at the University of Derby, said: "We are delighted to have retained our 'First' status in the prestigious People & Planet Green League rankings.
"The University of Derby takes its environmental responsibilities seriously, as can be seen by this result and previous successes through other national schemes such as EcoCampus and the Green Gown Awards. We are lucky to have such enthusiastic and supportive staff."
Louise Hazan, People & Planet Green League Manager, added: "Congratulations to all the staff and students at the University of Derby for their role in creating one of the greenest universities the UK has ever seen. Their success in finding creative ways to engage staff and students in the transition to sustainability is exemplary."
The People & Planet Green League has invited senior staff from Derby and other First Class award winners to a 'graduation ceremony' on Thursday June 21 at Portcullis House, Westminster, London, to personally receive their awards, to be presented by environmentalist Jonathon Porritt.
For more media information about the University of Derby please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email s.kirby@derby.ac.uk
For more information about the People & Planet Green League contact Louise Hazan at its Press Office on 01865 264183 or email: greenleague@peopleandplanet.org
