Green Party leader visits University of Northampton to see sustainability in action

The University of Northampton welcomed Natalie Bennett, Leader of the Green Party to Park Campus yesterday, to meet with staff and students and discuss the University’s sustainability and future plans.

Natalie met with members of the Green Party Society, who had a stand at the University’s Freshers’ Fair. Victor Agboola, President of the Students’ Union and Suzi Rees, a member of the Green Society, introduced Natalie to her fellow members and students involved in the Planet Too initiative. Planet Too, a two-year student-led programme designed to transform thinking and behaviours around sustainable development and sustainable business ethics at the University, has launched a variety of sustainable activities on campus, including an allotment, reusable water bottles for sports teams and a bike rental scheme for students.

A discussion with Terry Neville, Chief Operating Officer, gave Natalie the opportunity to hear more detail about the University’s various environmental initiatives and sustainability plans, both current and for the new campus – including the Uno Buses social enterprise.

The visit concluded with presentations from Sustainability Manager Paul Taylor, Planet Too Project Co-ordinator Simon Pope, Head of Schools Engagement Jane Badger and Colin Moses of Moses Cameron Williams, who are the appointed architects for the new campus.

At the end of her visit, Natalie commented: “I was very impressed to see the efforts made by the University to engage students in understanding the need for social and environmental change, and I think the way you have tied both togeth​er is brilliant.”

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Pictures:

Top: Victor Agboola, Terry Neville, Natalie Bennett​​, Suzi Rees, ​​Tony Clarke
Below: Victor Agboola, Natalie Bennett, Simon Pole, Tony Clarke, Suzi Rees.