The University of Winchester is celebrating this month after making the finals of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainable Business Awards.

Recycling at the University rose from 14% in January 2009 to 56% in March 2010, and over £180,000 has been invested in energy efficiency measures over the past year.

Last month, Winchester Student Union was ranked by the National Union of Students as the greenest in England in this year’s Sound Environmental Impact Awards.

“We’re delighted that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainable Business Partnership have recognised our outstanding contribution in this area,” said Professor Joy Carter, Vice Chancellor of the University of Winchester.

The winner of the award, announced on 20 May was Southern Vectis. Other finalists in the Large Sustainable Business category included EADS Astrium Ltd, Peek Traffic Ltd, Southern Vectis and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.