June 26, 2015, by Michael Jennings

Nottingham named among world’s 10 best green universities

The University of Nottingham is ranked among the 10 best green universities in the world, according to DesignCurial.

Out of a survey including thousands of universities across the globe, the University was ranked 9th in the world, with the ranking taking into account green architecture, innovative green technologies and other green initiatives a university takes part in.

A ‘strong architectural history and sustainability policy’

DesignCurial singled out the Gateway Building as encompassing the ‘strong architectural history and sustainability policy’ of Sutton Bonington Campus. The Gateway Building was completed in 2011 and houses extra facilities for the Schools of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine and Science. A particular feature of the building is the use of straw bales harvested from University farmland, which forms the infill to the external walls and effectively provides insulation reducing heat loss. The Gateway Building also features a number of other energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives, including an air source heat pump, localised heating units for hot water and highly efficient lighting and controls.

Students sitting in the Gateway Building, with glass panels showing straw infill in the background

Students sitting in the Gateway Building, with glass panels showing straw infill in the background

Chris Jagger, Chief Estates and Facilities Officer, said: “We are delighted to be ranked in this world’s 10 best green universities listing. The Gateway Building is a great asset on our Sutton Bonington campus and demonstrates our strong commitment to the very best green building practice and our wider sustainability agenda.”

Future projects

Sutton Bonington Campus will see more green initiatives in the near future, with a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system planned to generate electricity for the campus which will reduce campus emissions by 26 per cent.

The University was recently ranked number one in the world for sustainability for the third time in the Greenmetric Ranking of World Universities 2014, and is regularly recognised for its green initiatives, with University Park and Jubilee Campuses having received Green Flag Awards.

For more information and the full list of the ‘World’s 10 Best Green Universities’, visit the DesignCurial website.

Posted in Awards and accoladesEngineeringSchool of Veterinary Medicine and Science