Another First for Bangor University’s Environment!

L-R: Robert Williams, Green Dragon Auditor for Groundwork Wales, Professor John G Hughes and Ricky Carter.Bangor University has become the first organisation in Wales (and indeed the UK) to achieve Level 5 of the new, 2016 version of the Green Dragon Standard for Environmental Management. The new Standard was only launched in July this year, and certified organisations are being given 12 months to satisfy the more stringent criteria set out in the 2016 version.

Ricky Carter, Environmental Manager, Property and Campus Services explains, “Our Environmental Management procedures are audited annually by Groundwork Wales, who closely examine our energy and water conservation measures, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste and travel management. Rather than wait another year for the new Standard to become compulsory, we elected to be assessed against it immediately after it was launched.

Vice-Chancellor Professor John G Hughes added, “I am delighted with this news. Achieving the award so early after it was introduced is a credit to the many staff and students who are actively involved in protecting and enhancing the environment in and around Bangor University. I am particularly pleased with the way we are reducing our carbon footprint year on year through a range of initiatives from LED lighting and heating system upgrades to binless offices and electric vehicles. In addition, energy use in the majority of our buildings is now monitored every half hour through our Automated Metering System, and this is becoming invaluable in helping us understand where even further efficiencies can be made”.

Gareth Jones, Green Dragon Quality Manager at Groundwork Wales said, “Bangor University has been certified to the Green Dragon Standard since 2009. To achieve Level 5 certification so soon after the Standard has been revised is commendable, and clearly demonstrates their ongoing commitment to reducing their environmental impacts and promoting sustainability within the University. We congratulate them on all of their hard work.”

Publication date: 1 September 2016