Manchester Met rated as leading university for green initiatives and renewable energy

Manchester Metropolitan University has been rated as one of the leading universities in the UK for its green initiatives and renewable energy use for the second year running.

The Eco-Friendly University League by Uswitch, which launched last year, places Manchester Met in the highest tier of UK Universities, who are leading the way in terms of green initiatives and renewable energy and are taking the necessary steps to reduce its own footprint on the planet.

The ranking further endorses the University’s credentials as a green university, ranking in the top three of the People and Planet University League since 2012, and more recently, ranked 66th globally in The Times Higher Impact rankings.

Helena Tinker, Head of Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “It is great to be recognised as a leading university for sustainability. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges faced by the world at the moment, and while we know there is much more to do, we are proud of our achievements so far and aim to build on our position, becoming a global leader.

“Creating an energy-efficient campus and progressing towards our zero carbon targets are a priority and engagement from our staff and students play a huge role in supporting the University in achieving its sustainability goals.”

Uswitch obtained information through a Freedom of Information request to 132 universities, asking questions about its procurement of energy and green policies and initiatives.

Manchester Met scored positively in all three requirements, recognised for its installation of solar PV panels, solar thermal panels, ground source heat pump, air source heat pump, and combined heat and power units.

It was also recognised for initiatives such as its Carbon Literacy programme for staff and students, student sustainability ambassador scheme, sustainability workshops and University-wide recycling scheme.

Sarah Broomfield, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “It’s great to see that some universities are going above and beyond when it comes to sustainability.

“Having renewable installations on campus and schemes in place to produce more of their own renewable energy shows that they are leading by example in trying to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

“While not every university will have the same financial resources to generate their own power, it’s good to see that they are willing to “go green” by choosing a renewable energy tariff from their supplier.”

The full study can be found here.