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LANDMARK 2016
International
recognition
The RAU has been awarded the
highest ISO14001 certification for
its Environmental Management
System, showing its dedication to
sustainability across all operations.
The University has surpassed all of its
environmental targets and seen significant
progress across the board. It has
installed solar panels and LED lighting,
introduced smart metering projects,
switched to a renewable electricity
contract, replaced oil boilers with a low-
energy gas alternative, installed waterless
urinals, and introduced a more efficient
halls of residence recycling system.
Named
sustainability
champion
We’re thrilled to have been announced
the winner in the sustainability
category at The Guardian University
Awards 2016 (March 2016).
The Sustainability Project award recognised
‘an outstanding initiative that creates and
champions a more sustainable living and
working environment in the university and
beyond’. Our award entry showcased
how the University implemented its
Environmental Action Plan, and embedded
sustainability into the curriculum.
Pearl Costello, Environmental Officer at
the RAU, said: “This is fantastic news
for the University and recognises the
progress we’ve made in creating a more
sustainable campus and curriculum
– receiving The Guardian University
Award is the icing on the cake!”
The University was also runner up in
the entrepreneurship category.
TOP performer
for carbon
reduction
The RAU is a top performer for carbon
reduction and renewable energy
production; ranked first of all English
universities for decrease of carbon
emissions in relation to income, according
to the University Carbon Progress Report.
Recent results from the Higher Education
Statistics Agency also place the RAU
second for renewable energy produced
per student, and ninth for absolute
renewable energy production. The
University had the 11th lowest carbon
production per m
2
of floor space too.
WWF funding
for edible
garden
The University has been awarded £500
by the WWF to put towards an edible
and sensory garden for the benefit of
students and staff. The WWF ran the Eco
Challenge competition in the run up to
Earth Hour (March 2016) and the RAU was
crowned winner of the university category.
We hope that the new garden area will
become a pleasant and functional space
for everyone at the University to enjoy.
CPRE award for
Rural Innovation
Centre
Our Rural Innovation Centre at Harnhill
Manor Farm has been awarded a
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
Gloucestershire Award for its use of
sustainable technologies and sympathetic
visual appearance within its rural setting.
Named an attractive training centre by
the CPRE awards, the Rural Innovation
Centre is clad in natural cedar boarding
and fits well in the landscape.
It incorporates innovative energy solutions,
including solar panels and air sourced
heat generation, and reduces water
use through rain water harvesting.
Pearl Costello (centre) collects the
award for the sustainability category at
The Guardian University Awards 2016
Rural Innovation Centre
Keeping the
countryside green
At the RAU we don’t just teach and research the
principles of sustainability, we follow them too.