UON reaches the next level at national awards

The University’s commitment to combating climate change by becoming net zero carbon by 2030 has won a national award.

The Levelling Up Universities Awards recognise those higher education institutions and their staff that are committed to boosting opportunity and being truly purpose-led. The categories are based around the Levelling Up Goals launched earlier this year by former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening, and provide a benchmark for activity focused on driving equality of opportunity.

The University received the award linked to Goal 13; “Harnessing the energy transition” for our pledge to eliminate or offset 5,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by the end of the decade and deliver net zero carbon by 2030.

Environment & Sustainability Manager Victoria Blake from the University of Northampton accepted the award on behalf of the Estates and Campus Services team, and said: “The Government will be looking towards universities to provide solutions that enable the UK to meet its commitments to climate action and net zero targets. This award is proof that we are at the vanguard of ambition and resolve to do what is right for people and the planet.”

Justine Greening said: “Following on from the success of the Levelling Up Awards earlier this year, we wanted to specifically focus on the amazing work being done in universities across the UK.

“Accelerated by the pandemic and the challenges that this has brought us, we are seeing a real shift in expectations of universities and their role as anchor institutions with communities. The Levelling Up Goals are a powerful new framework for organisations to map their own impact and identify where more can be done.”