British Colleges to Go Carbon Neutral by 2016

The BBC reports that all new or partially built colleges in England will have to be carbon neutral by 2016. The ambitious goal will involve installing lots of green-energy technologies and retrofitting buildings to be more energy efficient; that work will have to be done by local workers.

“I would also like to see colleges sourcing their needs locally where possible, stimulating the local economy, and developing green transport-to-work plans and other initiatives with college staff unions, students and the local community,” said Linda Newman, president of the University and College Union. “UCU is also encouraging the greening of the curriculum: colleges and universities must become key players in informing and equipping the public to respond to climate change.”