Manchester Metropolitan University has moved up 7 places in a “Green Universities” League Table” released today.
The Green League Table, run by People and Planet, “the largest student network in Britain campaigning to end world poverty, defend human rights and protect the environment.” Following last year’s 17th place, MMU has taken further action which no doubt they will talk about in their press release tomorrow (they were under the impression that the results weren’t being announced until tomorrow…).
We spoke to Mary Heaney, MMU’s director of services who is tasked with leading the environmental agenda, and she said she was absolutely delighted with the news. She added that despite the steps that the university is taking, it is never certain that the university will move up as universities are moving around significantly on the league every year. “The criteria for the table are also more stringent every year, however, we are trying to improve and I’m glad that was reflected in our ranking this year.”
Heaney also added that to keep university improving they are looking at their investment policies and are exploring ethical investment and ethical procurement strategies. “Ethical investment and procurement is a big area but colleagues have drafted documents which are being exchanged and we are actively looking to do something about it,” she said.
By the way, University of Manchester – home of the Sustainable Consumption Institute and Tyndall Manchester – came joint 59th (up from 89th last year), behind the totally wonderful Salford University in 51st (down from 37th last year).
Other reading
MCFly covered the awards ceremony of their Green Impact scheme in April.
MCFly interviewed MMU Director of Services Mary Heaney recently
Release of “Big Tent” Communique on on Sustainability, Knowledge and Higher Education
http://pascalobservatory.org/pascalnow/pascal-activities/news/release-big-tent-communique-sustainability-knowledge-and-higher-edu
(hat-tip to Erinma Ochu!)
::This article was updated to include a comment from Mary Heaney on Tuesday 28th May.
