Posted: Friday, 4th May 2012
THE UNIVERSITY’s impressive record in environmental sustainability was celebrated at the annual Green Impact Awards on Friday.
More than 150 staff joined students and a host of external partners to congratulate colleagues who changed the way they work in 2011-12 to better our shared environment.
48 teams from across the university completed this year’s Green Impact scheme – almost double the figure last year, making the University the most active since the behaviour change scheme was launched by the National Union of Students five years ago.
Deputy vice-chancellor Kevin Bonnett joined director of services Mary Heaney, deans, heads, academics, technicians and administrative staff at the biggest award ceremony yet at the new Business School and Student Hub.
Gold winners
Gold aptly went to the Environmental Science services team - Alistair Battersby, Amy Hall, David Groom, David McKendry, Graham Tinsley and Ray Brierley who cut utility bills with new LED lighting, water butts, a rethink on fume cupboards and also took part in events for the RSPB.
The Life Sciences technical team, which comprised dental, environmental sciences, microbiology and physiology, took Gold in the ‘laboratory category’.
Sue Hutchinson, who lines manages both Gold-winning teams said: “It has been a real team effort and has given everyone an opportunity to consider the impact of our activities on the environment.
“We would recommend this scheme to other colleagues as it can help to identify any small changes make which in turn can have a very big Green Impact.”
Silver awards went to:
All awards were made on the strength of a points-based system, audited by a team of students and staff.
Best Communication Award and the Most Innovative Idea went to Crewe Library for its ‘Tasty 10’ edible book fair-trade competition; Best Energy Saving award was won by Rainforest CDT, Best Waste and Recycling went to MMUBS for recycling 100 boxes of books and the Best Procurement award again went to Environmental Science services for its ‘lighting revolution’.
Green Hero
Environmental Hero was won by Amy Hall from Environmental Science Services for her “extraordinary enthusiasm to significantly promote carbon reduction, recycling, local sustainable food and sustainable travel.”
Finally, the Special Recognition Award was won by MetMunch, a student/staff sustainable food network run from Hollings. MetMunch organiser senior lecturer Haleh Moravej said: “This social enterprise prmotes healthy eating and local produce. Thanks to everyone who has been involved, particularly to the Food technicians for their continuous support of students.”
MMU’s Green Impact, run this year by Laura Williams and Robert Croll in the Environment Team is already being hailed a model for other organisations hoping to enact a culture change.
Representatives of Manchester City Council attended including head of climate change, buildings and energy Michael O’Doherty, as did people from Love Food Hate Waste, Carbon Literacy, Friends of the Earth and Action for Sustainable Living.