A high degree of environmental sustainability
29 May 2012
The University of Manchester has been awarded an Upper Second for its environmental and ethical performance by the People & Planet Green League 2012.
Manchester is one of 36 institutions to achieve an Upper Second 'degree' in the Green League 2012 – the UK's only comprehensive and independent green ranking of universities - which was published in today's Guardian.
The Green League assesses the environmental and ethical performance of all universities annually, awarding First Class and 2:1 'degrees' to the greenest and Fail to those doing the least to address their environmental impacts.
After scoring nine points more than last year, Manchester has risen to 59th out of 145 universities (from 89th in 2011) - and sixth out of the 19 Russell Group universities featured in this year's league table.
The University performed well across most of the areas under assessment, and achieved full marks for its environmental policy, environmental management staff, staff and student engagement, and curriculum.
Key factors which contributed to the University's improved score were:
- The broadened scope of the University's policy, which now goes beyond carbon to cover all aspects of environmental sustainability, including (to name a few) research, education, biodiversity, communications, student experience, procurement and catering;
- The establishment of a governance system to manage all of these areas;
- The sterling work done by the Cultural Assets on environmental sustainability: for example, The Manchester Museum's allotment and its heavy involvement in biodiversity work;
- The highly effective support provided by the small but dedicated Environmental Sustainability Team.
Louise Hazan, who compiled the People & Planet Green League, said:
"Congratulations to all the staff and students at Manchester for their role in making the University greener year on year. Their success in implementing their environmental policy, appointing highly-qualified staff to key environmental management posts, integrating sustainability throughout the curriculum, and engaging their staff and students creatively in the transition to sustainability is to be commended.”
The 2012 results show major improvements nationally and overall carbon reduction across the higher education sector:
For more information about environmental sustainability at the University or to find out how you can get involved:
- Contact Lucy Millard, Environmental and Sustainability Officer, at Lucy.Millard@manchester.ac.uk or 0161 275 5563
or - Visit Sustainability