Aberystwyth University has risen into the UK top 30 in new sustainability rankings for higher education.
In the new People & Planet survey of sustainability and ethics in higher education, the University jumped to 29 out of all the 149 universities assessed.
Its rise up the league table by more than 80 places reflects its ranking as the joint best institution for clean energy.
Over the last five years, Aberystwyth University has invested over £10 million in energy saving and renewable energy projects. Those include new rooftop solar arrays in Gogerddan and Trawscoed as well as a significant development on its Penglais Campus.
The University was also highly ranked for its carbon reduction, ethical careers and carbon management.
Professor Neil Glasser, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Earth & Life Sciences and Executive Lead for Sustainability at Aberystwyth University, said:
“This positive news reflects the University’s commitment to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and cutting our greenhouse gas emissions. Our significant investments in solar energy along with energy savings measures are all milestones towards our aim of decarbonising the University. We are very grateful to all those partners who have been involved in these important developments.
“We are committed to tackling the challenges of climate change in as many ways as possible. We do so not only through our research and teaching but also through our strategic institutional aims. Despite this progress, we are under no illusions that there is much that remains to be done as we tackle some of the underlying challenges society faces and we work to decarbonise our economy for the good of the planet.”
People & Planet’s survey ranked 149 UK universities based on 14 criteria linked to climate and social justice.
