A Glasgow Caledonian University sustainability policy has been shortlisted for a prestigious Green Gown Award. 🏆 👏 As part of its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040, the University's Climate Conscious Travel & Expenses Policy encourages all staff to minimise the overall number of journeys taken on behalf of the institution and specifically discourages flying to destinations that can be reached by train in six hours. Since its launch in 2022, the policy has delivered a 660 tCO2e reduction in the University's carbon footprint and cut 27% from business travel emissions − smashing the target set for 2025-26 by 400 tonnes. The policy has been shortlisted in the Creating Impact category as part of the UK and Ireland, the Green Gown Awards, meaning Glasgow Caledonian will join 133 finalists representing 84 institutions. Established in 2004, the awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges. The awards are administered by EAUC and each region is governed by a local cross agency steering group. The judging panel are representatives of sector organisations relevant to each region. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on November 13. Paulo Cruz, the University's Head of Operational Sustainability, said: "I’m delighted the policy has been shortlisted for a Green Gown Award. Travel is a significant component of our carbon footprint and everyone at the University is focused on doing their part to address the climate emergency. Choosing more sustainable modes of travel is essential to this and the University's commitment to openly and transparently reporting its travel emissions helps everyone make informed decisions about how to travel." Transform Scotland, which brings together public, private and third sector organisations from across Scotland, has already praised Glasgow Caledonian's approach to sustainable travel in a report published in May this year. The University was acknowledged by the report Fight or Flight, which collected data from extensive Freedom of Information requests. The report investigated the travel patterns and policies of more than 150 Scottish public bodies, which included: local authorities, NHS trusts, colleges and universities, police and fire services, and a wide range of organisations working in the environment, science, the arts, social care and other sectors.
Congratulations! Great news! Sustainability has come to stay in Glasgow Caledonia University and beyond.
Keep growing!
Student at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), London Campus - looking for part- or full-time summer work in London relevant to upcoming MSc in International Management and Business Development. #sustainability
3moCongrats to my uni! And I’m hoping to travel to the main campus from my London location, and I will def be taking the train!