Cardiff University is being honoured for its efforts in encouraging reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and leading by example.
The university has become the country’s first Welsh higher-education institution to receive the Carbon Trust Standard recognising the school for its efforts to cut its carbon footprint. The university decreased its emissions output last year by 1.3 per cent, and by 14 per cent since 2005.
According to university execs, a total of £1.7m has been spent on energy reducing schemes over the past three years. It has become one of the UK’s first institutions to receive the prestigious award from the Carbon Trust Higher Education Carbon Management Programme.
Energy-saving investments have included university-wide energy and water saving technology, as well as installation of heating and lighting controls. A new system designed to power down PCs in just 15 minutes was also purchased, saving 700 tonnes in carbon emissions each year.
At least 100 staff were brought on board to implement these eco-friendly changes. They brought in new technology and worked with students and faculty members to minimise waste production, water consumption and increase recycling. Cardiff University managed to jump 67 spaces from its ranking last year among green universities, earning the 17th place from 84th.
The Carbon Trust Standard is the first in the world to require organisations to manage, measure, and reduce their emissions across all operations in order to receive awards. General Manager at Carbon Trust, Harry Morrison, said that his compnay congratulates the university for its efforts, leadership, and achievements.
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