London Metropolitan University has, once again, been named as a leading sustainable university, it has been announced today.
Date: 27 September 2017
London Metropolitan University has been named top in the annual Brite Green carbon reduction report, it has been announced today.
The University Carbon Progress Report, produced by Brite Green, reveals that most universities fell by 7% in the 2015/16 academic year, in comparison to a 10% reduction over the previous 10 years. This is the sector’s best year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions to date.
London Met’s recognition comes after the University has seen a 57% decrease in carbon emission since 2005, topping other universities such as the University of Cumbria, who came second, and the School of Oriental and African Studies, who were placed third.
Rachel Ward, Sustainability Manager at London Met, said: “I am delighted that we have been named the leading university in this report. It comes after our efforts as an institution and shows that what we have implemented is working.
“I want to say a big thank you to not only the sustainability team, but also to the wider university. Everyone has played their part in helping us reach our targets.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, however, and I am looking forward to the next phase of our work.”
Some of London Met’s biggest achievements over the past year include installing bee hives on the roof to accommodate up to 80,000 bees, and subsequently produce their own honey, improving staff engagement with schemes such as Green Impact, and installing 221 solar panels which generate enough electricity to make 2.9m cups of tea a year.
Professor John Raftery, Vice-Chancellor at London Metropolitan University, said: “We believe universities have a duty to play a constructive role in reducing carbon emissions. Climate change and pollution are growing concerns, and we will continue to contribute solutions to these problems.
“There are many reasons why London Met excels in carbon reduction. One of the key factors is that we are fortunate to have committed and innovative staff and students who have designed and led highly successful projects.”
The full report can be viewed on the Brite Green website.
The MSc CSR and Sustainability course and the ADPD CSR and Sustainability course both launched at London Met in September 2017, allowing its students to use the University as a “living lab” to support their studies.
