The University of Nottingham has secured a prestigious Green Flag Award for a second site as Jubilee Campus’ impressive outside space and sustainable credentials are honoured.
Jubilee was established in 1999 on a former industrial site and has been transformed into an environmentally-friendly campus with lakes, sustainable buildings and lots of open green space. The national award scheme is coordinated by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and recognises the best public and community parks and green spaces in the country.
Nottingham was the first university to be awarded a Green Flag in 2003 for University Park , and has continued to rack them up every year since. This is the first time Jubilee Campus has been entered for consideration.
Jubilee Campus
Jubilee Campus covers 65 acres of land and is located just one mile from University Park. Built on an old industrial site, the campus is a model example of brownfield regeneration and has impressive green credentials.
There are many lakes which, as well as being home to a variety of wildlife, provide storm water for attenuation and cooling for the campus’ buildings.
Flowering meadows have been created alongside all new buildings since 2007.
Strong sustainability credentials
Chris Jagger , Chief Estates and Facilities Officer at the University, said: “Jubilee Campus had strong sustainability credentials in its design approach and principles since the first phase of development in 1999 and has received a number of notable national and regional awards recognising this. The grounds have now matured to demonstrate fully the design theory and diversity.
“The best features for me are the natural habitats created with the lakeforms and the buffer zone of landscaping on the western side.”
Mr Jagger believes there are many reasons for prioritising the development and maintenance of green spaces at the University. He said: “We have always valued the contribution that the high quality of landscaping on our campuses makes to our University and to the environment for staff, students and visitors to enjoy. We believe that green spaces make a fundamental contribution to a balanced city environment, promoting diversity and a healthy quality of life.”
Community garden
Desmond O’Grady, University Grounds Manager, said: “The campus has high environmental biodiversity and sustainability standards, and community accessibility is excellent. The Green Flag Award is a measure of quality within landscaped parks and this reflects on the professional management of the campus by the University.”
The Ground Team constantly works to improve all of the University’s campuses. Mr O’Grady said: “In 2012 we created a community garden and sitting area by the Dearing Building and this has proved very popular with students, staff and the community. The campus is a park well worth a visit.”
Jubilee joins University Park in big Green Flag success for Nottingham’s grounds
