The University of Glasgow is now named the most energy efficient higher education institution in the UK by the Higher Education Funding Council (Hefce).

Glasgow's award is for its lighting system, which, through the use of glass walls, is not needed during the day, but at night is controlled centrally to use as little electricity as possible. Hefce has stipulated that universities need to address their energy consumption in a bid to become more 'green', and Glasgow is leading the way.

Albert Young, Energy Conservation Officer with the University of Glasgow, said: 'This award recognises Glasgow's pioneering and innovative approaches to energy conservation and keeping Scotland 'green'. The University of Glasgow is committed to ensuring a better environment for students and staff and beyond. We now take nearly 50% of our electricity supplies from green sources, resulting in massive reductions in CO2 emissions associated with activities.'

Glasgow was the first University in Scotland and amongst the first in the UK to achieve Energy Efficiency Accreditation status. The University has a framework agreement with the Carbon Trust to support its actions in reducing carbon emissions. Higher education is very much an expanding sector and Glasgow is making great efforts to extend sustainability into all of its Estates operations including transport, energy efficiency and sustainable construction.

The HE sector collectively spends £200m on its energy requirements and the funding council, Hefce, has stipulated that universities need to address their energy consumption in a bid to become more 'green'.

In his foreword to the awards brochure, Hefce's chief executive, Sir Howard Newby, said: 'Our stakeholders are already demanding that we take more action in this area, and this is backed up by increased regulation. Making universities and colleges more sustainable can also make business sense, by protecting and enhancing our reputation, connecting us with the concerns of our future markets - tomorrow's societies and students - and, sometimes, by improving our operational efficiency.'

For more information contact: Jenny Murray, Press Officer, University of Glasgow, Tel: 0141 330 8593

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

First published: 23 March 2005