A Clean, Green(wash) at the University of the West of England?

bristol | the environment | news report Tuesday November 18, 2008 11:39 by Hype o crit

After three months of transport crisis at the University of the West of England, its “green” credentials are in question.

The Green VC's Preferred Mode of Hypocrisy

After three months of transport crisis at the University of the West of England, its “green” credentials are in question.

Earlier in the year the University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Steven West, introduced a flat parking fee for students and staff, regardless of income, to raise funds for a new Travel Plan.

However, after much fanfare, the Travel Plan has done little more than leave students stranded waiting for delayed busses in the cold and rain day after day. Despite having bought-off the Student Union Presidents, the University has faced ordinary students being up in arms about the high-fee, low-service Travel Plan.

Prior to the introduction of the Plan, Dr. West had noted that “Environment and sustainability is an integral part of the University”. However, the exactly what he means by this is uncertain.

In response to another UWE initiative, the “Bloodhound” rocket car with a “design speed” of 1050 mph, Dr. West proclaimed, “We are proud that UWE is leading the Higher Education programme that will be developed alongside Bloodhound”. Although the project will release more than 53,000 kilograms of CO2 into the environment during its life, Dr West added, without a hint of irony, “there are huge engineering challenges that face us globally as we all strive towards a conversion to low carbon living”.

Perhaps the Bloodhound is a mere blip in the University boss’s environmental commitment? Perhaps his personal choices better reflect his credentials as he puts his money where his mouth is and leads by example? May we see Dr. West cycling to work, utilising the near-invisible cycle investment? Might we see ourselves scrambling across the road to avoid his super-quiet zero-emission car?

Having enquired as to the UWE Vice Chancellor’s choice of low-emission vehicle, it seems not. We found that he has opted for one of the most polluting vehicles on the road, a 5 door Land Rover Discovery TDV6 HSE, CO2 output: 270g/km and given the lowest rating, “G” on the government’s Energy Efficiency Scale!

When asked about his choice of Vehicle, the Vice Chancellor didn’t tell us, “my Land Rover is a necessary mode of transport for negotiating the rough terrain I am facing here at UWE”