THE University of Worcester has become one of the first five universities to gain a silver award under the national EcoCampus scheme.

The award follows the university’s introduction of strict pollution prevention standards, including the installation of sub-metering to identify where energy can be used more effectively, increasing the number of cycle racks on campus and improving insulation.

Other plans that are currently being developed include composting schemes, a new recycling compound, allotments for student and staff use and biodiversity action plans.

Students have been encouraged to play their part, with part-time student EcoReps helping to raise awareness and get involved in recycling and energy-saving measures both on and off campus.

The University of Worcester’s head of sustainability and development, Katy Boom, said: “This award demonstrates that the university is truly committed to managing its environmental impact.

EcoCampus provides a framework to develop a challenging and coherent strategy in all environmental aspects.”

The University of Worcester vice chancellor, Professor David Green, said: “We became the highest climber in this year’s People and Planet’s Green League in July.

“The silver award is further recognition of our successful environmental initiatives.

“The university is very committed to this work and is ready to share our expertise with local businesses and organisations who are trying to go green and to save valuable and increasingly expensive energy.”

The University of Worcester was selected as one of 10 pilot universities to take part in the EcoCampus scheme, which was launched by the Higher Education Funding Council for England in 2005.

EcoCampus encourages, rewards and provides tools to assist universities in moving towards environmental sustainability and good operational and management practices.

The University of Worcester aims to be eligible for the gold award next summer.