Participants in the Green Impact Awards
University of Exeter staff recognised for environmental improvements
A unique awards ceremony, called the Green Impact Awards, recently took place at the University.
The initiative is part of a two year project in which 20 teams are working towards ‘greening’ their working practices. The ceremony was hosted by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Mark Overton.
Green Impact is run at a local level by the University but is part of a broader scheme managed nationally by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC). It is also part of the wider, NUS-led Degrees Cooler Programme.
Professor Mark Overton remarked ‘As a University, Exeter is well known for its academic leadership in the fields of sustainability and the environment. We were delighted to participate in this important initiative designed to encourage us to practice what we preach.’
Karen Gallagher, sustainability manager commented ‘All the staff amazed us with their creativity, enthusiasm and the delivery of significant improvements in their environmental performance. However the Education Enhancement Team are worthy winners of the Innovation Award, by introducing a wormery into their office.’
The International Office and the Education Enhancement Team both achieved coveted ‘Gold’ status. The Streatham Farm team were given an award for the best energy saving idea and Heather Browning and Tamsin Kilner O’Byrne were crowned environmental heroes for their personal achievements.
Heather was even moved to poetry by the awards:
The team at the Sports Park
Have strived to be green
And all our achievements
Can already be seen
We promote alternative travel
To staff and customers alike
From using the local bus service
To getting on our bikes
We have changed the way we work
To be environmentally aware
Now all of our workforce
REALLY DO CARE!!!
Silver status was achieved by Event Exeter, Planning and Executive Suite, Procurement and Student Administration and Policy.
Bronze status was achieved by Biosciences, the Business School, School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Alumni Relations, Finance, Food Services, Geography, Personnel, the Sports Centre, St Luke’s Campus Services, Streatham Farm, Northcote House Lower Floor and Lopes Hall.
Estates and Development are currently working towards Bronze accreditation and were presented with a certificate.
More information can be found on our Sustainability website.
Date: 5 July 2010
