Ian Rodham, Travel Plan Manager
The University of Cumbria is in the running for a ‘green’ award thanks to their on-going commitment to carbon reduction.
The university is the only one in the North West to be shortlisted in the Carbon Reduction category of the prestigious Green Gown Awards, recognising the project to reduce the need for a large fleet of pool cars.
The university has implemented a number of initiatives since 2007 to help reduce the need for reliance on a pool car fleet, reducing CO2 emissions by 27% between 2009/10 and 2011/12.
Ian Rodham, Travel Plan Manager at the university said: "We are delighted that we have been shortlisted for our work to reduce the amount of car use necessary for the running of the university.
“University of Cumbria cars used to be a common sight on local roads but increasingly we have been able to eliminate the need for them. After this November they will all have gone.
“We provide learning opportunities from a number of campuses and this means we have to undertake a certain amount of travel. A range of IT and travel initiatives have allowed us to reduce the amount of travel that our staff need to do, helping us to achieve a large reduction in carbon and ultimately use our time, energy and money more wisely.
“Initiatives such as video conferencing, desktop communication, use of public transport, car clubs and car sharing have been embraced by staff."
The Green Gown Awards are in their eighth year and they recognise the sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities, colleges and the learning and skills sectors across the UK.
Run by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), the awards are the most prestigious recognition of sustainability excellence within the tertiary education sector, as well as the environmental sector.
The university will now compete in the next round of the awards and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in November 2012.
For more information about the awards and the other shortlisted education providers’ visit:
http://www.eauc.org.uk/green_gown_awards
Posted on Tuesday 18 September 2012