Picture Credit: University of Portsmouth

The Student Union president Elle Gray awarded the University of Portsmouth Vice-Chancellor John Craven with a 'Green Degree'.

The degree awarded was a 'first' and was in credit for the university's work to become a more environmentally friendly institution.

The degree was awarded outside the University’s library which itself is seen as an example of the eco-friendly policy that is being honoured. The library’s design included environemental factors such as toilets being flushed with rainwater and the creative use of natural light.

Craven stated that "It is great to see the work of so many dedicated people recognised". This is in part a reference to the Union's People and Planet societies lobbying of the university to invest in eco-friendly practices.

 The university was recently ranked 12th in the country for its environmental credentials in the Green League 2007. The university has achieved much to gain this recognition and as Gray states "The University has a responsibility to lead the way on green issues."

The university needs to continue its striving on environmental issues and move further up the Green League for 2008.