News and Events

BU moves up the Green League Table

25 June 2009

Green initiatives help BU make progress in this year’s environmental league table for UK universities

BU has moved up the UK universities Green League Table reflecting its strong commitment to effective environmental management and performance.

Compiled by People & Planet – the largest student campaigning network in Britain – this year’s table saw BU rise seven places to joint 31st out of 131 institutions. The ranking means that BU is given a degree-style award of ‘Upper Second Class Honours’ based on a wide range of criteria.

BU scores a rating of ‘Excellent’ in this year’s table for its corporate environmental policy, staffing levels and comprehensive auditing practices linked to its environmental performance.

BU also receives full marks for its status as a Fairtrade University, as well as the Students’ Union’s achievement of a Bronze standard in this year’s Sound Impact Awards.

The University now recycles 41% of its waste – up from 35% last year – thanks, in part, to increased awareness amongst students and staff coupled with the introduction of new campus-based recycling bins earlier in the current academic year.

BU’s green travel plan was also re-launched earlier this year calling for students and staff to take further advantage of opportunities to use public transport, car-sharing, walking and cycling as a means of getting to and from University in an effort to reduce traffic and associated carbon emissions in the community.

For the future, BU is implementing the EcoCampus environmental management system (EMS), a higher education specific award scheme which is equivalent to the internationally recognised standard ISO14001.

BU is also developing a detailed Carbon Management Plan, which will include an ambitious carbon reduction target, as participants in the Carbon Trust’s Higher Education Carbon Management Programme.

BU’s Environmental Officer Amanda Williams said: “We’re pleased that BU’s efforts to address the many issues related to the environment have been reflected in our progress in this year’s Green League Table.

“We have a number of initiatives underway to reduce further the impact of the University on the community and the environment, involving the work of many students and staff who share in our success.”