From recycling to using greener energy, Coleg Gwent’s staff and students have been working hard to do their bit for the environment. Now in recognition of its environmental efforts the College has been awarded a ‘highly commended’ accolade at a glittering ceremony hosted by Channel 4’s news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
The awards, organised by the Environmental Association for Universities & Colleges (EAUC), recognise the exceptional initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK to become more sustainable.
Coleg Gwent recently retained its Level 5 Green Dragon Environmental Standard – the highest Green Dragon Standard awarded for continuous environmental improvement. Some of the Colleges green achievements over the past year include:
- 85.7% of all waste produced by the College from August 2010 to July 2011 was recycled and prevented from being sent to land fill sites
- 100% of all paper and cardboard disposed of via a blue bin scheme was recycled
- 82% of all paper used by the College is recycled paper
- 15% reduction in direct CO2 emissions
- All campuses use low carbon electricity from eligible Good Quality Combined Heat and Power (GQCHP)
- Developed sustainable travel group and travel plans for all campuses
A judging panel selected the Green Gown Awards shortlist from more than 240 entries across the 13 categories.
EAUC Chief Executive Iain Patton describes the Green Gown Awards as a shop window for environmental and suitable best practice, stating: “Although it is a challenging and anxious time for universities and colleges, this year’s winning and commended entries demonstrate not only that innovative institutions are taking successful action to minimise their environmental footprints and enhance their social contribution, but also that this is often accompanied by other organisational benefits.
“The financial savings from many sustainability actions are certainly compatible with the belt tightening that seems inevitable in future years. It is therefore all the more important the whole sector learns from the successes of the Green Gown Awards’ winning and commended entries.”
