EcoCampus Gold Award for Aberystwyth University

Celebrating the EcoCampus Gold Award are (left to right) Chris Woodfield, Residence Life Sustainability Champion; Janet Sanders, Energy Advisor, Estates Development Team; Alastair Johnstone, IBERS Health, Safety and Environment Advisor; Heather Crump, Health Safety and Environment Advisor and Paul Evans, Grounds Manager.

Aberystwyth University has been awarded EcoCampus Gold Award following an independent audit of its environmental management system.

The award recognises the University’s commitment to improving its environment and sustainability, and paves the way for securing the EcoCampus Platinum Award and the internationally accredited ISO14001 environment standard.

Amongst the initiatives undertaken during 2016 is the replacement of old campus street lights with low energy LED lights, which is expected to yield an 80% reduction in electricity consumption.

New bike shelters have been installed as the University seeks to encourage more students and staff to cycle to work, and work on sowing wildflower seeds and planting bulbs – more than 50 different varieties - has been continuing apace to boost biodiversity and encourage wildlife on campus.

Also highlighted as good practice is the upgrading of the C66 Llandinam laboratory which is currently underway.

Covering water, energy, waste, health and wellbeing, and material procurement, the work complies with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor’s SKA sustainable rating for refurbishments.

Rebecca Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer said: “Aberystwyth University offers a exceptional learning and working environment, and we are delighted that the work of colleagues across the institution to enhance this has been acknowledged with the EcoCampus Gold Award. We now look forward to gaining the Platinum Award and to building on what has already been achieved to ensure the future sustainability of the University for the benefit of the environment that all here enjoy.”

In July 2016, the University celebrated a third successful year for the National Union of Students’ Green Impact scheme which sees departments across the University audited by student volunteers.

During August 2016, Llanbadarn was awarded the Green Flag for the first time whilst Penglais Campus retained its Green Flag for the second year running. 

The University is also consulting on its Sustainability Strategy and is seeking the views of students and staff.

Proposed targets include:

• 40% reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions
• increasing the number of electric fleet vehicles
• reducing water consumption by 20%
• reducing by 75% the amount of construction waste going to landfill

The Sustainability Strategy consultation runs until the end of November.

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