The University has been commended for a variety of eco-friendly credentials, including the use of solar panels, setting up the SustainNET network and schemes to promote car sharing and cycling to work.
Steve Igoe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are committed to managing the environmental impact of our activities, encouraging students and staff to help us reduce our carbon footprint and working together towards the national net zero target.
“To be ranked gold in this study by Uswitch is encouraging and means that we have been successful in reducing our environmental impact, although we certainly won’t rest on our laurels and will continue to do all we can to be a greener university.”
The fourth annual study by Uswitch involved a Freedom of Information request which asked 132 universities about procurement of energy and green policies. Edge Hill scored highly thanks to its commitment to using green energy such as solar panels, solar thermal panels, heat pumps and the fleet electric vehicles used for getting around campus.
Edge Hill’s sustainability initiatives were also highlighted including its campaigns to reduce food and energy waste, to increase recycling, the introduction of Sustainability Champions, and the creation of SustainNET, a network community set up to advance sustainability.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, commented on the positive news of universities: “It’s great to see that some universities are going above and beyond in attempting to become green universities. The ways in which becoming greener and existing more sustainably can be achieved are numerous, and the steps that some of these establishments are taking are commendable.
“Everything from producing their own energy via renewable installations on campus, to having electric car fleets, and doing what they can to protect local wildlife, shows that they are leading by example in trying to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
Edge Hill University has a series of policies, strategies and plans in place to improve its environmental performance and is working hard to contribute towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more at www.edgehill.ac.uk/sustainability/.
Read the full study by Uswitch at www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/green-energy/green-universities.
November 21, 2022
