BNU achieves another gold award for positive CSR impact on environment and communities
Buckinghamshire New University has successfully retained its Gold award in a national scheme which recognises sustainable and ethical businesses. This is the third time the University has achieved the Gold award, having previously received it in 2019 and 2022.
BNU was awarded the highest accreditation, Gold, as 鈥渧isible testimony of its excellence鈥 in corporate social responsibility (CSR), following an independent assessment by an accreditation panel. The University was rated across four areas: environment; philanthropy; community and workplace.
Evidence considered by the panel of BNU鈥檚 positive impact included a report on the strong progress the University has made in the past five years, including new Sustainability, , and Strategies, which outline BNU鈥檚 plans for the future and are all underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Other achievements within the submission include an award-winning package of support for students during the cost-of-living crisis, a number of community-focussed initiatives including the inception of a social prescribing running club, and the achievement of zero landfill for the university鈥檚 waste management system, as of 2024.
Professor Damien Page, Vice-Chancellor at BNU, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased to retain our Gold Accreditation, highlighting our commitment and focus on tackling society鈥檚 biggest challenges. Being a responsible corporate citizen is important to us, and to our students, people and stakeholders. We are proud to lead by example within the higher education sector, and to share our best practice to help others make a difference.鈥
Richard Collins, CEO of CSR-A, the accrediting organisation said: 鈥淲e are delighted to announce that Buckinghamshire New University has achieved an excellent Gold CSR Accreditation. Achieving a CSR Accreditation is a visible testimony of the University鈥檚 excellence in Social Responsibility. BNU were first accredited 6 years ago and his is the 3rd Gold showing that BNU continues to integrate social responsibility initiatives throughout university operations. This shows BNU鈥檚 passion for enriching the quality of lives for all by investing in social value as an essential part of organisational culture.鈥
BNU outlined its future plans in 2024 with the release of its Sustainability Strategy. Within, it outlines how the University plans to support the United Nations鈥 Sustainability Accord, and also details the steps it is taking to reach Net Zero.
Also in 2024, BNU released its first Public and Civic Engagement Strategy to support and give back to the communities within which is resides. The strategy is centred on four main priorities: better health and wellbeing, advancing social inclusion, delivering economic prosperity and promoting environmental sustainability. Read about some of the BNU鈥檚 civic work here.
