Essex leaps up national league table for sustainability

The People and Planet University League results are in and the University of Essex has made the largest jump out of all institutions, improving our position from 124th spot to 44th, meaning we've secured a 2:1 for sustainability.

Student campaigning network People and Planet oversees the only comprehensive and independent league table of UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical performance.

The rankings focus on exploring universities’ progress on issues such as staff and student engagement, carbon management and waste and recycling.

The Sustainability Team has worked hard to achieve their goal of developing the University of Essex’s position in the table. In particular, Charles Ballardini, an Essex Intern who had previously studied electronic engineering at Essex helped the team through a systematic review of past and potential future performance. Charles developed a gap analysis and worked with the team, and wider University stakeholders to action any areas that required attention. The placement was created in partnership with the Estate Management team through the Essex Interns Graduate project.

Key areas that have contributed to the University’s latest position include:

• Investing in projects that reduce our carbon footprint to improve energy efficiency, such as lighting upgrades, solar panel installations and boiler upgrades.
• On-going reductions in overall waste production, despite increases in student numbers.
• Dedicated sustainability engagement, focusing on helping to make sustainability considerations ‘business as usual’.
• Development of a dedicated Sustainability team now made up of 8 positions. 
• A commitment to ethical investments.

Head of Sustainability and Grounds, Rob Davey, said: “This is a shining example of the emphasis the University puts on sustainability and its interns.”

Sustainability Engagement Officer, Daisy Malt said: "The work that we have been doing is driven by a passion to reduce our impact on the environment as an institution. We’re so proud of the progress we’re making, and the support we get from across the University.”

Christine Bellamy, from Essex Interns, said: “It is wonderful to hear what a wonderful impact an Essex Intern has had on an organisation like our University. We love hearing about our interns having such such a positive impact as it shows the value of an internship to the host organisation or business alongside the individual.”

To find out more about the work of the sustainability team and how to get involved in projects and events please find our website