READING has been revealed as the UK’s greenest university in the 2023/2024 People and Planet University League table.
Compiled annually by the Uk’s largest student campaigning network, the survey ranks universities by their environmental and ethical performance.
Places of learning were judged by criteria including: environmental policy, auditing and environmental management systems (EMS), carbon management, sustainable food, and ethical investment.
Other areas scrutinised included: sustainability staff, workers’ rights, engagement, education, energy sources, waste and recycling, carbon reduction and water reduction.
Based on their scores, universities were awarded a first class, a 2:1, a 2:2, a third, or a fail.
The University of Reading scored 81.8% the highest mark of the 151 educational establishments graded.
Reading did especially well in the areas of auditing and EMS, sustainable food, sustainability staff, and education, achieving 100% in all four areas.
Engagement and carbon reduction earned it 90%, followed closely by its carbon management, energy sources, and environmental policy
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “As a University we have a long history of leadership in environmental and agricultural science, as well as social and political issues.
“We’re nearing our centenary as a university and have always aimed not just to educate people and do research to learn about the world, but to do something about it as well.
“We’ve developed a position as one of the leading scientific institutions on weather, climate and agriculture, but our commitment to sustainability can be seen across all our subject areas – from the built environment to business and computer science to law.
“Our commitment to address climate change and be a leader in global environmental sustainability came from the ground up – it was what our students, academics and local community told us that they wanted to do.
“It is wonderful to top the People & Planet league, but we must continue to drive forward.
“We’ve cut our carbon by 60% but have much to do to achieve our commitment to Net Zero carbon.
“We are working towards ensuring students of all ages have a good climate education, within the University and within schools and colleges.
“We have inspired countless conversations about the climate, and need to see these turn to greater action.
“As thrilled as I am that we have been recognised as the greenest university in the country, there is still much we must do to reduce our carbon footprint, to inspire our community to play their part, to inform best practice and work towards the solutions we so urgently need.
“I hope we can share our experience and inspire other universities to commit to maximising their contribution to addressing these challenges.
“As the COP28 conference closes, it is clear that the impacts of climate change will be far-reaching and we all need to work faster together to avert the worst consequences.”
For more information, visit: www.reading.ac.ukand peopleandplanet.org
