SPRING HAS sprung, and while our surroundings are getting progressively greener, so too is our University. In an attempt to reaffirm its green status, the University signed yet another ‘wind of change’ document.
Currently signed by 37 institutions, the declaration details a proposed reduction of carbon emissions by at least 80 percent in the next 40 years, and is designed to urge the Government into taking some environmental responsibility. Although it still remains to be seen whether the aforementioned changes will actually be carried out, the move does illustrate the University’s good intentions towards bringing about positive environmental change.
If the University is genuine about its pledge to be green, it only need glance over the road to the Students’ Union for inspiration of how to achieve its targets. In a recent ceremony UMSU picked up a Bronze Sound Impact Award in recognition of its green credentials. The Union also won the Award for Innovation for the recently opened Academy 1, one of the greenest buildings in Manchester.
Student politics in this Union tends to be turbulent, with people, policies and priorities changing every year. However, all recent Executive Committees have been committed to environmental sustainability and can take a share of the praise for turning this Union into an environmentally friendly institution. It remains to be seen whether the University will stick to its word and do the same.
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