Harper Adams First Class in universities Green League

Posted 29 May 2012

Harper Adams University College has achieved a First Class Award in the People & Planet Green League 2012 – the UK's only comprehensive and independent green ranking of universities unveiled today (May 29) in The Guardian. 

The University College will receive the award at a special ‘graduation ceremony’ to be held in Westminster by People & Planet on June 21. 

The People & Planet Green League assesses the environmental and ethical performance of all universities annually, awarding First Class 'degrees' to the greenest and Fail to those doing the least to address their environmental impacts. 

Harper Adams was ranked 38th and is among 46 institutions (out of 145) to achieve a ‘First’ in 2012 - 10 more than did so last year, despite a higher points threshold.

Harper Adams University College Secretary Dr Catherine Baxter said: “Harper Adams puts sustainability at the heart of everything it does.  We are delighted that our commitment has been recognised as First Class by the Green League."

Efforts to reduce carbon emissions are evident across the Harper Adams campus, from BREEAM excellent building design, to extensive recycling of everything from paper to cooking oil, to the production of heat and power from food and farm waste fed into an anaerobic digester. 

Harper Adams University College Environment & Waste Management Officer Karen Hughes said: “I am delighted Harper Adams has received a First Class degree in the Green League in our first year.  This recognition truly reflects our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment and embedding sustainability in all we do”.

Louise Hazan, who compiled the People & Planet Green League, said: "Congratulations to all the staff and students at Harper Adams University College on their role in creating one of the greenest universities the UK has ever seen. 

“Their success in reducing carbon emissions and engaging students and staff in sustainable practices is exemplary. National improvements across the People & Planet Green League results this year show universities are listening to the 70% of students demanding greener degrees and that the university sector is leading the way to a low-carbon and sustainable future."

Nationally, the People & Planet Green League table reveals that the university sector has cut carbon emissions for the first time, recording a 5% reduction compared to 2011 results. 

See the results in the Guardian.