UCLan Students’ Union is officially one of the greenest in the country.
Earlier this month the Union was awarded the Gold Sound Environmental Impact award.
The purpose of the Awards is to encourage, nurture, reward and celebrate environmental best-practice in Students’ Unions.
The scheme is based on a list of 192 criteria, with each comprising a different action that will help the Union to reduce its negative impact on the environment.
Having won the silver award in the last two years, UCLan Students’ Union has worked hard to improve its impact or lack of on the environment. The Union was awarded with a prestigious hand-made sculpture made from recycled car window glass.
UCLan SU was one of 79 Students’ Unions to take part from across the UK. To receive gold standard, Unions must meet twenty-two Bronze and eleven Silver essential criteria as well as gain an overall score of 400 points – UCLan SU received 609.
Mayor of Preston and University ward Labour Cllr. John Swindell did not hesitate to express his delight.
The former Preston City Council Cabinet Member for the Environment & Sustainability said: “It’s wonderful to see that the Students’ Union has reducing it’s impact on the environment at the top of it’s agenda.”
“The students can make a real difference to the environment and once they leave Preston they can take them into their future employment and lifestyles which will make a difference for all of us in the future.” He added.
Anna Heywood, Project Founder and Sound Impact judge, said: “The Unions have really stepped up a significant level this year and have surpassed themselves”.
Chris Lowden, President of the Students’ Union, said: “It is a great achievement for UCLan Students’ Union to be nationally recognised for our commitment to our environmental and ethical values. Winning gold is a true reflection for all the time staff and sabbaticals have been spending on our values and ensuring that this is always at the top of our agenda.
“We have been fighting for three years to win the prestigious title and to win gold is a fantastic achievement. I think the important thing to look at is the importance of the award and the national significance it holds.”
