The University of Greenwich has achieved a Gold rating from USwitch for its outstanding commitment to sustainability, further cementing its position as a leader in environmental responsibility. This prestigious award, announced in February, recognizes the university’s concerted efforts across multiple sustainability initiatives on its campuses.
Key Highlights of Greenwich’s Sustainability Achievements:
- Renewable Energy Investments: The university boasts solar panels, solar thermal systems, and the ongoing installation of an air source heat pump.
- Electric Vehicle Fleet: Four electric vehicles are in use as part of the university’s delivery fleet, cutting down on emissions.
- Sustainability Awareness: Residence Assistants are trained to promote sustainable practices among students living in university halls.
- Net Zero by 2030: Greenwich is on track to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, demonstrating a long-term commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
- Renewable Energy Tariff: The university exclusively sources its electricity through a renewable energy tariff, further supporting its eco-friendly initiatives.
These efforts align with Greenwich’s broader sustainability strategy, which spans student behaviors, staff engagement, and campus operations. The university’s comprehensive approach was recently recognized in the Times Higher Impact Ranking, where it ranked joint 86th globally for its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Leadership in Sustainability
Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of Greenwich, expressed pride in the recognition, stating: “This external acknowledgment of our sustainability efforts is a great honor. Sustainability is central to our mission, and we will continue to push forward in this area.”
Greenwich has also been consistently ranked among the top 20 UK universities for sustainability by People and Planet since 2012. The university has been a Fairtrade institution for over a decade, emphasizing its commitment to ethical trade and improving conditions in the developing world.
In addition to these accolades, the university has earned the Silver Hedgehog Friendly Campus award for its dedication to preserving natural spaces and holds an ISO 14001 certification for excellence in environmental management.
Greenwich’s work continues to make a tangible impact on both local and global sustainability efforts, as detailed in its Annual Sustainability Report.
