How green is my University?

Efforts to improve the University's green credentials have been officially recognised in the latest rankings.

The People and Planet University League, published this week, isthe most comprehensive and independent assessment of 151 UK universities ranked by their environmental and social impact on the world.

Cardiff finished in 46th place, a rise of 39 places from 85^th in 2013, securing a 2:1 award for its efforts.

"As a research-intensive University with many old buildings we continue to face many environmental challenges," according to Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Treasure, who chairs the University's key Environmental Management Strategy (EMS) group.

"It's against this wider context that it's so pleasing to see we have recorded such a significant rise in the latest People and Planet University League. Alongside our research, staff and students across the University are working hard to ensure our day-to-day operations are generating less waste and are more efficient," she added.  

The People & Planet University League ranks 151 UK universities according to environmental policy, management and actual performance in areas such as carbon reduction, waste recycling, student engagement, green curriculum, energy efficiency, transport emissions, sustainable food, ethical procurement and water consumption.

Professor Treasure adds: "What we've achieved is something to be proud of, but as a University we need to take the next step.

"We must work hard to ensure sustainable practices and principles become embedded in our everyday culture.

"There is still a lot of work to be done, by all of us. Our aspiration must be to become one of the greenest universities in the UK, one that sets the standard for other institutions and organisations."

The ranking combines data obtained directly from universities through the Freedom of Information Act with Estates Management Statistics data obtained from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

The key highlights for the University include a 100 per cent ranking for environmental policy; audit and management; and impact.

The University's results, in full, are available at:http://peopleandplanet.org/university-league/2015/tables?uni=11283