University Raises Flags in Support of Climate Emergency Action Day
Friday, 20 September 2019
Flags are flying at the University of Worcester today as part of a global day of action to raise awareness of the climate emergency.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals flag is flying alongside flags that represent ‘WE’ (in maritime signalling), which are being used in a campaign to press world leaders to work together to combat Climate Change.
University of Worcester Pro Vice Chancellor, Ross Renton, said: “The University is committed to working towards reducing our carbon footprint and our staff and students, along with the Students’ Union, work hard to increase sustainability on campus and raise awareness of the issues. From sustainable development projects, to piloting innovative transport schemes, to community awareness initiatives, we are always looking at ways the University can make a difference. We know there’s always more work to do and we’re determined to do all we can to ensure the wellbeing of future generations.”
The University of Worcester has for more than a decade ranked among the most sustainable universities in the country. The University was once again awarded ‘First Class Honours’ and remains in the top five most sustainable universities in the country in the latest student-led People and Planet University League. The University is also shortlisted in three categories of the national Green Gown Awards, including Sustainability Institution of the Year.
The University of Worcester and Worcester Students’ Union both signed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Accord, pledging officially to work towards a more sustainable future and supporting the United Nations’ internationally agreed 17 SDGs.
And earlier this year, the University of Worcester was named number one in the UK for Quality Education in the Times Higher Education’s (THE) University Impact Rankings, which are based on the contribution made by universities around the world to achieving the United Nations’ internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals.
Ross added: “We are very strongly supportive of the United Nations and the globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals. Global warming is a reality. We need to act together now to avoid a climate disaster. We are deeply committed to playing a positive part in the great global movement which has seen the UN adopt these ambitious, most positive goals for the people of the planet.”
The University is involved in a number of sustainability initiatives, including Woo Bikes, a city-wide electric bike share scheme it is piloting with staff and students. The partnership scheme is now being widened out to other employers in the City. The University has also been undertaking research with Worcester Bosch on how to improve heating decisions in shared student housing. It runs a Go Green Week on campus and in the City annually, raising awareness of sustainability issues and beneficial changes people can make to their daily lives.
The University also works with developers to ensure our future building plans always aim to create a sustainable campus, and with our contracted caterers to reduce food waste and source food more sustainably. It has also invested in a fleet of electric vehicles.