Thumbs up for green credentials

The University of Wolverhampton’s commitment to improving its green credentials have been recognised in a new survey ranking all UK universities by environmental and ethical performance.

Wolverhampton achieved an impressive 2:1 grade in the People and Planet Green League 2012 and was ranked in 53rd place, compared to 80th in 2011 and 126th place in 2010.

As part of its commitment to be more environmentally friendly across its campuses, the University has invested £3.4 million in a Carbon Management Plan, which aims to reduce its carbon footprint from 16,000 tonnes to 12,000 tonnes by 2015 - a reduction of 25%.

The University has responded to initiatives to reduce the overall volume of waste generated by 25% and improving the recycling rate to 82%, from the previous year of 18%.

An additional combined heat and power plant was installed at the Walsall Campus as part of the new Performance Hub building which makes a significant contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

The University has worked closely with the Students’ Union to raise awareness of green initiatives, including jointly organising Green Week activities, a ‘Switch Off’ campaign and a British Heart Foundation recycling scheme.

Wolverhampton is a Fairtrade university, promoting the use of Fairtrade products in its catering outlets and participating in Fairtrade fortnight.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Recruitment, Jane Nelson, is the Chair of the University’s Carbon Management Group. She said: “We are delighted to have gained a 2:1 grade in the latest Green League, recognising our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure our campuses are as environmentally friendly and ethical as possible.

“I would like to thank all the staff members and students who have worked really hard and with great enthusiasm to achieve this, but we still have a lot to do and remain focused on achieving our carbon management and environmental goals.”

For more information about the University’s carbon management policies and activities, please visit www.wlv.ac.uk/carbon

The full People and Planet table can be viewed here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2012/may/28/university-green-league-greenwich-environment#data

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736