Cumbria University wins green award

The University of Cumbria has won a national environment award recognising efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

For the last year five years staff have been encouraged to find alternatives to using pool cars to get between sites.

The university expects to have sold all of its vehicles by the end of this month, travel plan manager Ian Rodham said.

Emissions from staff travel have reduced by 27% since the scheme was introduced.

The Green Gown awards are organised by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges.

Employees of the university now rely on video conferencing for many meetings and use public transport to get between sites.

The university hires cars from a regional sharing firm when they are needed.