University of Gloucestershire retains first class placement in Green League

The University of Gloucestershire has once again received first class honours in the annual ‘Green League’, after the results of the 2016 People & Planet University League were published yesterday.

The University of Gloucestershire came in as the 8th best overall university in the UK for its sustainability performance and innovation across the organisation. First class status was awarded to just 30 of the country’s 150 higher education institutions assessed.

The University scored particularly highly on its sustainability policy, environmental management systems, education change programmes, carbon management and sustainable food initiatives.

Dr Alex Ryan, Director of Sustainability at the University of Gloucestershire, said: “We are delighted to have maintained our first class status and to be placed 8th out of 150 institutions in the UK universities’ sustainability league. “This acknowledgement from People & Planet as a sector leader and centre of excellence is more meaningful than ever, as their new ranking criteria reflect the way sustainability has advanced in the higher education sector over recent years.

“The University of Gloucestershire is proud of its long-standing commitment to transformational change for sustainability, which shows in the experiences we provide for our students, as well as our core academic activities, business operations and community partnerships. We see sustainability as the big challenge of the 21st century – it offers our students and staff the opportunity to become change-makers and professional pioneers, who can help to build healthier, happier societies whilst protecting planetary resources.

“We have an international reputation for sustainability which is grounded in our innovative approach to learning and change, as well as our intention to serve as an anchor institution for our local and regional communities. Our new sustainability strategy will take this work to the next level, as part of the University’s Strategic Plan for 2017-22.”