Nottingham is number one in the world for sustainability for the third time

13 February 2015

The University of Nottingham has been ranked number one in the world for third time in in a list of the most sustainable universities. Nottingham was ranked first out of 360 universities that took part in the Greenmetric Ranking of World Universities 2014, which is produced by the University of Indonesia.

The rankings take into account a wide range of criteria and there are 62 categories including green statistics, energy and climate change, waste management, transport and education around green issues.

This is the third time that the University has come in at number one in these rankings after coming top in 2014 and also coming in first in 2011 and second in both 2013 and 2010.

Green league

The University has also featured alongside other top universities in the People & Planet’s ‘Green League’. Universities are ranked in the league based on a series of questions which cover 13 topics including carbon reduction, student and staff engagement, sustainable food and ethical investment.

Andy Nolan, Director of Sustainability at the University, said: “Sustainability is one of our top priorities at the University so to be placed at number one in the world for the third time is a fantastic achievement.

“We are continuously looking at ways of reducing our carbon footprint and this is a reflection of this work and dedication. We continue to invest in our energy infrastructure to reduce our carbon emissions with schemes such as the 1000m2 solar project on the Vet School. We have recently committed to developing a Park Arboretum across the 300 acre campus, which will include a period of tree planting over a 10 to fifteen year period, which is one of many initiatives currently taking place here.”

Environmental strategy

The University launched its environmental strategy in 2010 and it aims for achieving excellence in sustainability across all areas. The University reports its performance on an annual basis at www.nottingham.ac.uk/sustainability

The University regularly receives recognition for its green initiatives and once again received a prestigious Green Flag Award for both its Jubilee and University Park campuses in recognition of its green spaces and excellent facilities.