The University of Plymouth has won a fifth Green Gown Award, confirming its status as a pioneer of sustainability in higher education.
At a ceremony last night, Plymouth was named the winner of the Sustainability Reporting category, which assesses the quality and relevance of publicly available information provided by institutions.
It is the latest accolade the University has received in recognition of its wide-ranging sustainability initiatives, and the fifth time it has earned a Green Gown Award since 2011.
Plymouth’s commitment to sustainability runs across its operations, from reducing energy consumption and providing renewable sources of power to promoting the use of sustainable produce in its restaurants and cafes.
Attention to sustainability is embedded within its research agenda, led by the Sustainable Earth Institute, and its academic programmes, with the University recognised as a global pioneer in sustainability education. Societal engagement, impact and outreach are also core to its research and education.
Professor Judith Petts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, hailed the latest award, saying:
“This award further enhances our reputation as an international leader in sustainability research, education and campus management. It recognises our commitment to sharing our sustainability story with stakeholders, and to inspiring and helping others to become more sustainable.”
This latest award, judged by PwC UK, follows Plymouth’s fourth Sustainability Report, which was produced by Dr Samantha Price, Sustainability Manager in the Estates and Facilities directorate.
Aimed at those with an interest in the University’s sustainability performance, it was based on the Global Reporting Initiative, an internationally recognised framework for sustainability disclosure.
It reflects the whole institutional approach to sustainability incorporating operations, research and teaching and learning and provides a review of sustainability performance over two years from July 2013 to July 2015.
The Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world, and are organised and delivered by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC). Its Chief Executive Iain Patton says:
“Every year the excellence recognised by the Green Gown Awards shows the business alignment and value of sustainability. Sustainability makes business sense and this year’s inspiring initiatives prove that sustainability benefits staff, students, the wider community and of course the bottom line.”
