11 July 2010

Kingston University boosts its green credentials
Students are nervously awaiting their final degree results, but Kingston University can already boast a first.

The university has leapt from 46th to 15th place in the People and Planet's green league table, placing it joint first among London universities.

People and Planet, a UK student campaigning network, grades universities according to policy and performance-related criteria.

This year's green league also looked at efforts to get staff and students involved in reducing carbon emissions, awarding colleges with degree grades from first to fail - with a did not sit exam, no award, category.

The green agenda is one which is shared by students and staff alike at Kingston.

>From fruit and vegetable plots in the university grounds and ethically-sourced food in the cafeterias, to the cross-university recycling policy, a practical approach to sustainability is one everyone at Kingston has signed up to, according to sustainability facilitator for the university, Nicola Corrigan.

She said: "Staff and students who have supported environmental issues at Kingston will be delighted with the result.

"Although there is always more that can be done, we have launched a number of sustainable and Fairtrade initiatives including clothes recycling, pond clearance by student volunteers, a reusable mug scheme and the cycle to work challenge - to name but a few."

Kingston's eco-credentials have also been recognised in Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges 2010 Green Gown awards, with the university picking up an award for its commitment to continuous improvement.

At the Green Guardian awards, the university featured highly for its work with an eco-motorbike, sustainability hub and a scheme for sustainable living for the elderly.

Director of the sustainability hub, Dr Ros Taylor, said: "The new rating in the Green league table recognises the hard work of both staff and students.

"Sustainability is a very important part of the curriculum for all students at Kingston.

"From 3D design students creating products made from sustainable materials to business students considering the impact of green policies in industry, the university's sustainability-geared courses were striving to create the green champions of the future."

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