New eco-code earns college green award

9:18am Sunday 24th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A BASINGSTOKE college that has developed its own eco-code has been recognised for its commitment to environmental issues.

Queen Mary's College, in Cliddesden Road, has been awarded the Eco Schools Silver Award, from the Foundation for Environmental Education, which is supported by the Government, for the work it has carried out to be more sustainable.

As well as introducing an eco-code for staff and students to follow and encouraging better use of resources, the college has an active People and Planet student campaigning group that works to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Dr Chris Carter, the college's sustainable development co-ordinator, said: "The college has made a lot of progress over the last few years and I am very pleased it has been awarded the Eco Schools Silver Award. Next year, the college will be working towards the next stage in the awards programme, and I hope it will achieve Green Flag status.

"The eco-code is going to be publicised to all of the students in September and should encourage everyone to think more about their use of resources."

As well as achieving the award, the college has signed up to the Further Education Sustainable Development Declaration, organised by the Association of Colleges and the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges.

The declaration requires participant colleges to promote sustainable development within communities, ensure prudent use of resources, introduce environmental standards in building design, develop safe, green and accessible routes to college and incorporate sustainability into the curriculum where possible.

Peter Nickell, 18, a member of the college's People and Planet group, said: "It is really good that the college is becoming more green and has signed up to the declaration. It is something a lot of students feel really strongly about."