Green Gown Awards 2015 – Continuous Improvement - University of Reading - Highly Commended

Reading, Steady, Green!

Since 2008, the University’s holistic approach to environmental management has enabled staff and students to come together and deliver significant and quantifiable environmental improvements. 

The University has delivered a 23% absolute cut in its carbon emissions, meaning it is on track to meet its 35% carbon reduction target in 2016. 

The University has increased passenger numbers on buses to and from its main campus by 20% each year since 2011, has reduced waste produced by a third and has almost completely eradicated waste sent to landfill.

Together, this work has saved £7.4million and 32,155 tCO2, and in 2014/15, the University achieved certification under both ISO14001 and ISO50001.

Top 3 learnings

1 We’ve recognised the importance of communicating both the environmental and the non-environmental benefits of projects

2 We always look to build on successes to provide a momentum

3 Producing a strong business case for environmental projects ensures the support of senior managers.

Videos

• Reading, Steady, Green! (click to hide)