Coventry University's Carbon Challenge wins prestigious Green Gown award

Coventry University's environment team has been presented with a national Green Gown award by the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) in recognition of its innovative inter-building Carbon Challenge competition.

The Carbon Challenge has empowered staff and students across campus to take responsibility for their own electricity consumption by placing each building on campus in friendly competition with each other.

Since the project began in 2009 monthly consumption reports have shown the scheme to have reduced electricity consumption at the University by over 2,000,000 kWh - which translates as a £213,000 saving - preventing 1100 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Hosted by Channel 4's Kristian Guru-Murthy, this year's Green Gown award judges praised Coventry's winning entry, highlighting it as "an excellent example of a wide staff/student awareness campaign."

The judging panel added: "Excellent incentives and competitions give real drive for building occupants to change behaviour, returning 50% of savings to departments. A cost-effective way of making real savings in cash-strapped times."

Elise Smithson, Deputy Director of Environment and of the Low Impact Buildings Centre at Coventry University, said:

This award represents a lot of hard work by many across the University. People have generated and implemented ideas and continue to support efforts to reduce carbon footprint through managing local activities. It's excellent recognition and I'd like to thank the students and staff supporting our environmental initiatives.

The award follows the recent launch of the University's Low Impact Buildings Centre, which has become the base for its Low Impact Buildings Grand Challenge – an industry-led research programme dedicated to fostering energy-efficiency in the built environment.

For further information, please contact Alex Roache, External Press & Media Relations Officer, Coventry University, on +44 (0)24 7679 5050 or email alex.roache@coventry.ac.uk.