Now in its third year, the ‘Uswitch Green University Report’ highlights UK universities' commitment to sustainability, and has awarded Bedfordshire a gold tier position in the 2022 rankings.

Some of the report’s key sustainable credentials achieved by the University of Bedfordshire include its green energy tariff for electricity; the use of cross-campus electric vans by maintenance and staff and for deliveries; the number of renewable installations used on campus (such as solar panels and an air source heat pump); a variety of accessible recycling facilities for books, plastic, tin, cardboard, paper and batteries; and sustainable travel initiatives for staff, from cycle and car-sharing schemes to annual rail season ticket loans.

Upon receiving the news, Professor Andrew Church – Pro Vice Chancellor and sustainability lead for the University – commented: “We are delighted to receive another award in recognition of our commitment to combatting climate change and for living and learning sustainably. Educational institutions like our University play a key role in influencing change in students, staff and local communities around important issues such as the environment, and long may it continue.”

This achievement follows a successful year for Bedfordshire after it was awarded second place in the UK and first in England in the 2022 People & Planet University Green League, as well as achieving Platinum EcoCampus status for the fourth year running.

Adam Higgin, Head of Sustainability at the University of Bedfordshire, added: “The recognition we achieved in 2022 for our work around sustainability is the culmination of more than ten years’ worth of commitment by our students and staff. It’s fantastic that what we’ve been working towards as an institution has been acknowledged in multiple ways.”

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, was impressed with the latest Green University Report results. He said: “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.

“From producing their own energy via renewable installations on campus, to having electric car fleets, and doing what they can to protect local wildlife, it all shows that they are leading by example in trying to achieve net zero carbon emissions.”

For further information on how the University of Bedfordshire is committed to sustainability, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/sustainability