East Midlands Universities measure up to take the lead on carbon footprinting

8th April 2011

All of the nine regional universities have joined forces to use a carbon calculator to encourage their staff and students to measure their own carbon footprints. This sector-leading approach has been coordinated through a network of environmental and sustainability officers from each institution who are keen to get staff and students to understand how much carbon dioxide their lifestyles create.

Dr Emma Fieldhouse, Environmental Manager from University of Leicester says, “You can only manage what you can measure. Measuring your carbon footprint is the first step in learning how to reduce it”.

The carbon footprint calculator – initially developed by WWF – can measure the carbon impact of our lifestyles, including the food we eat, how our homes are heated, how we travel and the things we buy. It also gives practical suggestions as to how you can reduce your own impact.

Participating universities are; Bishop Grossteste University College (Lincoln), De Montfort University, Loughborough University, Nottingham Trent University, University of Derby, University of Leicester, University of Lincoln, University of Northampton, and the University of Nottingham.

Throughout 2010 and 2011, events to raise awareness of carbon and sustainability issues are happening at the universities. At Big Green Week in October 2010, nearly 1,400 staff and students completed their own carbon footprints.

To measure your own carbon footprint go to: https://universityofleicester.footprint.wwf.org.uk/


Press Office Contact:

Ather Mirza
Press Office
Division of Corporate Affairs and Planning University of Leicester
tel: 0116 252 3335
email: pressoffice@le.ac.uk