514% increase in recycling sees University scoop national ‘Great Green Star’ award

The University of Northampton has been recognised in the 2016 Investors in the Environment Awards for efforts to improve its environmental performance. The Investors in the Environment scheme supports businesses to help them improve environmental performance.

The ‘Great Green Star Award’, received at a gala dinner on 2 February, was awarded to the University for going above and beyond for environmental improvement and exceeding the requirements of the top level Green Award. Energy efficiencies, accuracy of reporting, sustainable management of resources, and the creation of the sustainable travel plan were all areas where Investors in the Environment felt the University had exceeded.

Simon Pole, Environment Advisor said: “Over the last ten years, the University of Northampton has been working extremely hard to make improvements to the way in which we use and manage our resources and widen the variety of opportunities for staff and students to be involved in environmental improvements and projects. I’m delighted that efforts across the University have been recognised by Investors in the Environment.”

Across all campuses and halls of residences, the total building area of the University estate has increased by eight percent since 2005. However, through the work of the Safety, Health and Environment team and colleagues across the University and Students’ Union, environmental performance has shown positive trends. Highlights include:

• 514% increase in recycling of food waste and glass
• 15% decrease in Gas usage
• 4% decrease in electricity consumption
• 17% decrease in water usage
• 100% decrease in the amount of waste being sent to landfill

For more information on the University’s Environmental Policy or sustainability projects please contact the Safety, Health & Environment Team by emailing environment@northampton.ac.uk.