News | Tuesday, 16th July 2019

Manchester Metropolitan named as one of the UK’s greenest universities

Ranked second in this year’s People and Planet university league table

The University has been ranked in the top three for the past six league tables
The University has been ranked in the top three for the past six league tables

Manchester Metropolitan has once again been named as one of the UK’s greenest universities, ranked second in this year’s People and Planet university league table.

It continues the University’s recent success and is recognition of the ongoing work to cut carbon emissions, increase recycling and embed carbon literacy in the curriculum.

Manchester Metropolitan has now maintained a top three position for the past six league tables.

The People and Planet university league, published today in The Guardian (July 16), is the only comprehensive and independent league table of all UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical performance.

Manchester Metropolitan has increased its score by 2.3% from 77.6% to 79.9% since the last time the league table was released in 2017, demonstrating improved performance at Manchester Met and in the sector.

One key improvement saw the University sign up to Electronics Watch, a collaboration of public sector organisations working to create an ethical IT supply chain.

This is in addition to continuing to significantly reduce water and energy use, improve recycling rates and ensure sustainability is embedded within the formal and informal curriculum.

Manchester Metropolitan Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press said: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges faced by the world and we as a University recognise the importance of creating a sustainable society.

“Manchester Metropolitan is working to tackle the issues, whether it is developing next generation green energy in our Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, providing students with the skills and knowledge to rise up to climate challenges, or creating a zero-carbon campus.

“We’re delighted to once again be ranked in the top three in the UK: testament to the dedication of our staff and students.”

Helena Tinker, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan, added: “I am thrilled that we’ve improved our performance over the last two years. It is our students and the young people of Manchester who are currently leading the debate on climate change, challenging the University to continue to reduce our carbon emissions. The University’s staff and students have played a huge part in supporting this journey so far. However, there is still a lot to do as we transition to zero carbon.”

Some of the key highlights for Manchester Metropolitan:

For more information on the University’s performance in 2017/18, see the Environmental Sustainability Statement.

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