University of Bradford's green credentials boosted by awards shortlisting
The University of Bradford has again been recognised for its pioneering work on sustainability after being shortlisted for three major awards.
The Directorate of Estates and Facilities has been shortlisted for the 2016 Public Sector Energy Champions Awards, recognising excellence in energy management at a national level. The awards take place at the Excel Arena in London on November 17, presided over by Minister of Energy Lord Redesdale.
The directorate has also been shortlisted in two categories of the inaugural CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers) Yorkshire Awards 2016, taking place a day later at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.
The University’s Bright Building, already the recipient of a number of accolades, is contesting the prize for Project of the Year for Public Use and Leisure, while the Estates team has been shortlisted for Facilities Management Team of the Year.
University Head of Estates, Russell Smith, said: “It is extremely pleasing to see the whole team recognised for all their hard work and dedication as a team delivering exceptional facilities management results and services for the University and having one of the most iconic sustainable buildings in the country on the city campus. To be recognised at a national level for our achievements in energy management is testament to the team’s achievement in our profession.”
Additionally the directorate has become one of the first organisations to achieve the new international management standard ISO14001:2015, which ensures full legal compliance and that thorough systems are in place for continual improvement of environmental impacts.
The latest version of the standard has had some significant changes ensuring that these systems are fully embedded into the strategic direction of the organisation.
Ben Tongue, Environmental Programme and Compliance Manager, said: “Achieving this standard shows that the directorate is thoroughly delivering our strategic objective of being a world-leading ecocampus.”
Recent developments at the University, using the system, have included reviews of contractor and project management processes, compliance work around F-Gas (refrigerants) and oil storage, and the creation of improved action plans around energy, travel and biodiversity.