University of Northampton’s pioneering Biodiversity Index wins prestigious Green Apple Gold Award

The Biodiversity Index, an interactive web-based tool developed by the University of Northampton, has been awarded a Green Apple Gold Award by The Green Organisation.

The Green Apple awards are presented annually to companies, councils and communities carrying out projects which enhance the environment. The awards aim to reward best environmental practice, and over 500 nominations were received this year.

The Award was presented to the University at a ceremony attended by businesses and local authorities on Friday 12 July, held at Highgate House in Northamptonshire. Professor Jeff Ollerton, Professor of Biodiversity, accepted the award on behalf of the School of Science and Technology and Department of Infrastructure Services. Professor Ollerton commented: “On behalf of the team that developed the Biodiversity Index I am delighted to accept this Green Apple Gold Award as an acknowledgment of the innovative work undertaken by the University of Northampton. Energy, water and waste are typically the main resources actively managed by businesses and organisations, but there is growing interest in understanding and managing biodiversity as a fourth resource that is critical for society as a whole.”

The Biodiversity Index was nominated for its pioneering content. The Index, believed to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world, enables organisations with little or no knowledge of biodiversity to do a rapid but scientific assessment of the level of plant diversity on their site. After assessment, the index suggests ways to improve each habitat.

Richard Moore, SEED Sustainability Project Manager at the University of Northampton added: “We’re proud to have developed such a pioneering tool which gives organisations a critical insight into the diversity of plant life on site, often raising the profile of biodiversity and empowering positive change.”

The Green Organisation is an independent, non-political, non-profit organisation which aims to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world. Supporters include the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, SAVE Britain’s Heritage, The Municipal Journal and various other professional bodies.