'Green' Hat-Trick For University In National Environmental Table

Date posted: 11 June 2013

Environmental efforts at the University of Derby have seen it awarded a First Class ranking in an influential UK universities 'green' table - for the third year running.

The University has been awarded a First in the People and Planet Green League table, which annually awards degree-style rankings (such as a First or 2:1) for universities' ethical and environmental activity. Full details are listed in today's (June 11) The Guardian newspaper.

Derby has been ranked among the top 50 universities in the rankings every year since it first appeared in 2007.

Derby's major green activities this year have included:

increasing recycling rates to over 65% across all University sites
increased student participation in the WildVolunteering Bursary Scheme
greater levels of engagement with staff and students at both our Derby and Buxton campuses during and following this year's Go Green Week (February 11 to 15)
achieving 'Bronze' standard in the Soil Association's Food For Life accreditation scheme
increased the amount of staff pool car mileage travelled in typically lower emission vehicles.

The University of Derby's longer term environmental strategy includes a commitment to a 27% reduction in its carbon emissions (linked to global warming and climate change) resulting from energy usage, transport, water, waste and procurement, by 2020 (based on its 2005 levels).

Lynn Richards, Environmental Manager at the University of Derby, said: "We are delighted to have achieved a First Class award again this year. There are still some areas where we know improvements can be made, and we are working hard with our students and staff to ensure that we make progress year on year.

"Anyone interested in finding out more about the University's environmental activities can log on to our website at www.derby.ac.uk/environment."

Louise Hazan, who compiled the People and Planet Green League, added: "The University of Derby thoroughly deserves its First Class ranking this year. It is helping to drive up environmental and ethical standards for the higher education sector as a whole.

"We congratulate it on listening to its students, who are quite rightly demanding greener degrees and that the University tackles issues like climate change head-on."

For further media information about this press release please contact Sean Kirby, University of Derby Press and PR Officer, on 01332 591891 or email: s.kirby@derby.ac.uk

For more information about the People and Planet Green League contact Louise Hazan, People and Planet Green League Manager, on 01865 264180 or email: greenleague@peopleandplanet.org