Plymouth Marjon University has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Climate Action’ Green Gown Award. The awards recognise sustainability projects being undertaken by universities and colleges in the UK and Ireland.
Marjon has been recognised for its Marjon Zero project. The £5.3 million initiative has seen the installation of around 2,000 solar panels and one of the largest non-domestic Ground Source Heat Pump projects in England, driving the University forward towards its 2030 carbon neutrality goal.
The project funding was provided by the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which funded the 98 boreholes and 55 ground source heat pumps across the University’s campus in Plymouth.
Vice-Chancellor at Plymouth Marjon University, Professor Rob Warner, said: “We are delighted that our determined efforts to become one of the greenest universities in the UK are being recognised by such a prestigious nomination. This shortlisting recognises the Marjon passion for sustainability and improving our planet for future generations.”
Alongside Plymouth City Council in 2019, Marjon declared a climate emergency. The University held a forum with students, staff, and guests, to talk about ways the University could collectively become a more sustainable institution.
The next phase of the University’s Marjon Zero project will see improved campus buildings, an expansion of their green social spaces, and a development of biodiversity across the site.
Plymouth Marjon University has been shortlisted alongside six other higher education institutions, including DeMontfort University, King’s College London, and the University of the West of England, Bristol. The awards take place on Tuesday 8 November at Loughborough University.