Praise for People & Planet's Green League

Help us drive all UK universities to a fair & sustainable future

“Top of the class. A gold star for People & Planet, which has produced an admirably thorough league table that ranks the green credentials of UK universities”

The Guardian

“It’s encouraging to see that universities are continuing to reduce emissions and incorporating sustainability into their teaching. NUS has long worked to help universities and students’ unions to work together to improve their environmental performance.

“Difficult economic times for universities are no excuse to abandon plans for increasingly sustainability and I congratulate those universities that have continued to improve despite potentially devastating funding cuts.”

Dannie Grufferty, NUS Vice-President Society and Citizenship

“The Green League throws a spotlight onto the work being done in universities to cut emissions, and I hope it will encourage universities and students to redouble their efforts in the fight against climate change. It is the students in universities today who will be carrying on the work to build the low-carbon Britain of tomorrow, and it is vital that universities and Government set a good example. (Former Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne)

“People & Planet’s Green League has been instrumental in both measuring and driving the low-carbon transition of UK universities. Coupled with student-led Going Greener campaigns on campus, the Green League’s changing criteria have encouraged environmental managers to prioritise community engagement and support practical ‘Transition’ projects on sustainable food, waste, energy and transport. By drawing out case studies and best practice, the People & Planet Green League creates a much-needed positive vision of a low-carbon and sustainable higher education sector that’s fit for the future we face. We love People & Planet!”

Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition Network

“The Green League succeeded in dragging environmental issues in from the fringes and making them a central concern for many Vice Chancellors. As a result, the judges look forward to seeing a real shift in the environmental performance of universities in the coming years.”

Alistair McGowan, comedian and judge for the BEMA Awards 2007 won by the People & Planet Green League

“The People & Planet Green League is important for anyone - staff member or student - who wants to improve their university’s record on green and ethical issues. Information is power and, by providing clear data and clear comparisons between universities, the Green League is a rich source of evidence, and a vital tool for campaigners and managers alike.”

Sian Berry, author and campaigner

“The Co-operative welcomes the publication of this year’s People & Planet Green League table which provides a valuable source of information for students on which universities are taking their climate change and human rights responsibilities seriously. The Green League is a key driver of environmental and ethical improvements in the higher education sector and we applaud People & Planet and those universities doing well.”

Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals and Sustainability, The Co-operative

“What we eat accounts for up to 30 per cent of our individual carbon footprint so we’re delighted to see the issue of food gaining increased recognition in the Green League. The league now recognises the Soil Association’s Food for Life Catering Mark as a unique guarantee that a university is moving towards serving more sustainable menus. It’s also great to see that this year’s winning university is currently working on achieving the Food for Life Catering Mark, and that they will soon be recognised for serving freshly prepared meals which are free from controversial additives and better for animal welfare. The Soil Association and People & Planet have many aims in common and we hope to see sustainable food play an even larger part in future Green Leagues.”

Rob Sexton, Chief Executive, Soil Association Certification

“The People & Planet Green league is an innovative tool that has challenged Universities to become more sustainable and allowed students to keep an eye on the strength of their University’s commitment to the sustainability agenda. More and more, students are seeking an education which equips them with the skills and knowledge to deal with the global challenges that their generation will face - challenges like climate change and global inequality.

“Given the current funding situation, it would be easy for institutions to see the sustainability agenda as a luxury – in fact, it is more important than ever. The Scottish Government has rightly set the boldest carbon-cutting commitments in the world, but those commitments can only be achieved with the help of Scotland’s Unviersities. Universities are unique places, where communities are built and horizons are broadened, and they must be at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. I know that many Students’ Associations are keen to work with their institutions to make them more sustainable and People & Planet’s Green League provides them with a fantastic opportunity to do just that.”

Robin Parker, President-elect of NUS Scotland

““NUS is pleased to support the People & Planet Green League, a powerful tool which has helped put sustainability well and truly on the agenda of every Vice Chancellor. With hikes in tuition fees next year and students wanting the best value for money, being green has never been more important for universities who are now competing for students. People & Planet’s launch of the Green League 2011 iPhone app makes it quick and simple for students to consider their Universities commitment to the environment when choosing their university.”

Susan Nash, former Vice-President Citizenship & Society, National Union of Students

“The University and College Union applaud the work of People & Planet in producing the 2011 Green League table for the Higher Education sector. UCU Green Reps have reported how important it has been in pushing forward sustainability standards in institutions across the country. As a union we are often suspicious of the use of league tables in education but this is one we can wholeheartedly endorse. The next step is doing one for the FE sector.”

Graham Petersen, Environment Coordinator, UCU

‘The People & Planet Green League has been instrumental in grabbing the attention of university higher managers, and forcing sustainability onto their to-do list’

Jamie Agombar, Ethical and Environmental Manager, NUS Services Ltd

“The Green League is often quoted by the institutions we work with as a strong motivator to improve environmental performance. It’s helped put sustainability onto senior manager’s agendas meaning environmental initiatives and strategies are better resourced.”

Charlotte Bonner, Green Impact Project Manager

“Congratulations to People & Planet on the successful publication of the Green League. I firmly believe that the development of this league table has helped to drive environmental performance to the top of the agenda in higher education establishments. Attitudes to environmental management within my own institution have certainly been affected by the Guildhall School of Music & Drama’s ranking. I can report a determination to enhance our standing in next year’s league, and plans are already in place to significantly improve our environmental performance.”

Professor Barry Ife CBE, Principal, Guildhall School of Music & Drama

‘We are delighted with the news that the University has retained its First Class Award in the Green League despite increasing competition and more stringent assessment criteria. This has been achieved through actions to improve our governance and management as well as the student learning experience in sustainability. We are committed to continue improving our environmental performance and the tougher Green League criteria encourages us to strive for ambitious changes.’

Prof Daniella Tilbury, Director of Sustainability, University of Gloucestershire

“People forget that thanks to the Green League many higher managers are taking more interest in environmental issues. It was certainly influential in my full time job being created here…so many thanks to you and all your colleagues and keep up the good work!”

Jonathan Horner, Environmental Manager, Roehampton University

“The Green League still has some improvements to make but it is certainly getting better each year and has been instrumental at Nottingham Trent University for putting sustainability in the spotlight of our senior management. We were really impressed with the improvements in People & Planet’s Green League data collection process this year. The opportunity to query or challenge any scores was a particularly good improvement and gives us more confidence in the league tably results. It is still a fantastic tool for engaging with our prospective students allowing us to showcase our green credentials.””

Grant Anderson, Environment Manager, Nottingham Trent University

“I think the sector should commend People & Planet for listening so carefully to comments and issues raised by the pan-sector Green League Oversight Group this last six months and how you have managed to improve so many of the practical processes of ranking and rating … However much we all might find them difficult!”

David Somervell, Sustainability Advisor, University of Edinburgh

“This is great news for Alliance universities and is the result of a deeply held commitment to social responsibility. The Alliance approach, both in terms of the way they are run and their teaching and research, is about running efficient and effective institutions that focus on the really important economic, social and global issues we face. We welcome People & Planet’s work in this area to keep the environmental impact of universities to account.”

Libby Hackett (nee Aston), Director of University Alliance, commenting on the 2011 results