Kingston University scooped two gongs at the Council's annual Green Guardian Awards on January 25, in recognition of its exceptional efforts in building a brighter future for the borough.

Senior engineering lecturer Paul Brandon won the Green Concept award for the development of an electric motorcycle which competed at the 2009 Isle of Man TT race, while the University’s Sustainability Hub was “highly commended” in the same category.

Mr Brandon said: “I’m very surprised to receive the award but there has been a lot of hard work put in with the team involved, so it is great recognition.”

The team is currently developing a commuter vehicle based on the race-prepared machine which, Mr Brandon claims, could be complete within a month with the help of his students. He is also planning another assault on the TT race where he hopes the electric bike will average 100mph, just 35mph, on average, slower than the leading-class super bikes.

KU’s Sustainabilty Hub - an organisation set up within the University to drive eco-friendly activity - was acclaimed for its work within the University to cut carbon emissions and promote the importance of managing the world’s resources. It has also designed three new undergraduate courses, which, it says, is set “achieve and probably exceed” its target of 25 students per course.

Elise Toogood, outreach officer for the Hub, said: “The award is a fantastic achievement and it shows that there is recognition in the local community for all of the initiatives we are currently co-ordinating in the University.”

"The Green Guardian Awards play a really important role if we are going to persuade people to change their lives" - Edward Davey

The Hub is currently running the 10:10 Campaign - the goal of which is to reduce carbon emissions by ten per cent in 2010.

Its other projects include Lunch and Learn seminars for students, the Student Switch-Off Campaign encouraging better energy efficiency in halls of residence, and the Middle Mill Garden Project, promoting home-grown produce.

Carlos Queremel, Community Environment Officer for Kingston Council, said: “The Awards really gives a boost to what the council is doing, giving people a little pat on the back to say ‘well done and keep going’, and what they are doing is recognised.”

MP for Kingston Edward Davey also applauded the achievements of all the nominees and winners, stressing that these must be upheld as an example to follow for the rest of the borough.

Mr Davey said: "The Green Guardian Awards play a really important role if we are going to persuade people to change their lives. We need to see the winners and nominees as champions and give them the praise and status they deserve." 

Students can assess their individual carbon footprint using the Council’s new eco-calculator, which can be found at www.kingstonfootprint.co.uk.