The University of Nottingham wins Times Higher Education Award for Sustainable Development

In the 2011 UI GreenMetric league table, Nottingham was named the most sustainable university in the world. A stroll through the institution’s University Park campus demonstrates why. From the 230 bikes hired to students last academic year to the 9,600 PCs that switch automatically to low-power mode, Nottingham’s environmental philosophy filters down into every activity, backed by a £1.5 million-plus Carbon Management Plan.

 

This culture is embodied in the university’s Strategic Plan 2010-15, which seeks to engage all parts of its community to reduce collective environmental impact. It seems to be working, with 87 per cent of waste either recycled or recovered in 2011, among other impressive statistics.

 

But Nottingham’s commitment to sustainable development is perhaps most apparent in new campus buildings. They are all designed to meet the BRE Environmental Assessment Method “excellent” rating as a minimum, and the Gateway Building is insulated with almost 2,000 straw bales harvested from the institution’s own farmland.

 

Patrick Finch, bursar and director of estates at the University of Bristol and one of the award judges, said Nottingham had been a “trailblazer” for environmental best practice, but “there is no sense of resting on laurels… In both the innovative approach to estate development and the determination to embed best sustainability practice across the university, Nottingham has again shown the way.”

Earlier in the month, the University was Highly Commended in the learning and skills category at the Green Gown Awards 2012. This recognised the 'Nottingham Advantage Award: sustainability grand challenge' which aimed to increase the knowledge of its students and staff and help them understand the impact of their actions and values.
 

Other awards at the glittering black-tie event, hosted by David Walliams, included prizes for the most innovative teacher of the year, widening participation initiative, and contribution to innovation and technology.

 

The university’s victory was witnessed by more than 1,000 people, who gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane for the awards last night. Universities from all over the country gathered to celebrate the greatest ideas, the finest practice and the very best researchers and teachers in the sector. 

 

John Gill, editor, Times Higher Education, said: “Anyone looking for evidence of the pioneering spirit, adaptability and sheer quality of our higher education sector need look no further than the winners of this year’s Times Higher Education Awards.”

 

For more coverage of the awards and photos of all the winners, visit www.the-awards.co.uk or pick up a copy of THE, available in newsagents from 6 December.