Harper first to win sustainable development funding

Posted 8 June 2010

Harper Adams is the first Higher Education institution to secure funding to help the sector reduce its carbon footprint.

The University College has been awarded the funding under the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)'s Leading Sustainable Development in HE initiative.

It will receive approximately £75,000 to work with partner universities and colleges in “Developing carbon management strategies for HE institutions with extensive landholdings”.

The project is based on the expertise Harper Adams has already developed both in carbon footprinting its own campus and farming activities, and in developing effective carbon reduction and renewable energy strategies.

This will focus on providing leadership and guidance on carbon management through seminars and workshops both for specialist HE agricultural colleges, and for universities with extensive landholdings, including farmed land.

Professor Brian Revell, Director of International Policy, said: "We are delighted that we have been awarded this funding because it further recognises both the long term commitment Harper Adams has been making, and the success it has achieved in its research, development and knowledge transfer into sustainable technologies in agriculture.

"As landowners, institutions will have a degree of responsibility for the carbon footprint of their assets. This project aims to encourage a consistent and standardised approach to carbon emissions measurement across the sector, and to share best practice and experience in reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

The project will be led by Professor Brian Revell and Dr Andrea Humphries. For more information:
http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/sustainability/