People & Planet collected information directly from universities for criteria 1-4 (on environmental management), up until 30 May 2007, when we computed the table according to the best information available. For criteria 6-8 (measuring performance), data was given to People & Planet on 8 May 2007 from Estates Management Statistics (EMStats), by HEFCE. We have relied upon this information for the league table.
In the following few cases, for EMStats data, we have removed and marked ‘no information available’ obviously anomalous data:
Both Hull University and the Royal Veterinary College (London) imply that they have a 100% recycling rate. This is impossible.
Our calculations show that London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine emits only 2kg CO₂ equivalent per head, and Middlesex University less than 1kg. This is impossible. [The average is 991kg per person.]
Cranfield University states that 100% of its total energy comes from renewable energy. Yet this cannot be the case given that it also states it emits 2.2 million kg CO2e from oil and 3.2m kg CO2e from gas. It has since told us that it has a 100% renewable electricity contract.
In the following cases, universities have since provided us with extra/updated information as follows. This has not been included in the table:
On 4 June 2007, Wolverhampton University updated the information it provided our researchers: it employs a part time member of staff dedicated to environmental management, and has completed a partial environmental audit. This now means Wolverhampton would score 19 points (not the previous 10).
Information about which universities are officially accredited by the Fairtrade Foundation’s Fairtrade University scheme was supplied by the Fairtrade Foundation on 11 May 2007. Since then Cardiff University has gained Fairtrade accreditation (congratulations!). Unfortunately news of this new development came in after our calculations were computed. Additionally, in a phonecall to Cardiff University on 8 May 2007 we were informed that the university employs no-one responsible for environmental management. People & Planet has since learnt that the university employs a member of staff for Occupational, Safety, Health & Environment (part environment management). So Cardiff would now score 25 points (not the previous 18).
Imperial College informed P&P on 1 June 2007 that the data it provided Estates Management Statistics on energy consumption was incorrect. The accurate figures, it tells us, reduce Imperial’s total energy consumption by approximately one third.
Durham University, Kings College London, and Bradford University all provided no information to EMStats on the percentage of total energy consumed from renewable sources. All have since informed People & Planet that they have contracts sourcing most or all electricity from renewables (though this is not a total energy calculation).
Birmingham University and York University provided no information to EMStats on recycling rates. Birmingham has since informed People & Planet that in 2006 they recycled 25% of waste, and York 38%.
Bristol University provided no information to EMStats on the data P&P required, and was marked as ‘did not sit exam’. The university has since informed us that the relevant information on recycling rates, renewable energy use and carbon emissions are available on its website.
Dundee University informed People & Planet on 12 November 2007 that they have a publically available environmental policy on their website. So Dundee University would now score 27 points (not the previous 19).