Green Gown Awards 2017 - University of the West of England - Finalist

The International Water Security Network, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, brings together the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) with other universities around the world to investigate water security issues at local, regional and global scales.

Research is grounded in real world concerns, and experiences, solutions and best practices are widely shared for the public good. For example, knowledge gained from the associated ‘Student Village Water Behaviours Observatory’ has altered procurement and facilities maintenance practices at universities, saving water, energy, carbon and money.

The IWSN-associated capacity building programme has seen over 60 students at all levels receive funding for their research, improving their personal skills and their employability. For example, between 2013 and 2017 the Global Water Security Project has seen UWE students travel to seven developing countries to work with local organisations and communities on water and sanitation issues (e.g. rainwater harvesting, handwashing in schools, efficient irrigation, etc.) benefitting all involved.

Top 3 learnngs:

1 University-based networks can help improve water security through teaching, research and sustainable facilities management.

2 Sustainable water management needs to be a more central part of overall sustainability planning.

3 University-based networks can be useful tools for supporting sustainability outside academia.

CO2t savings over the life cycle of the project:

5000 kgCO2e (estimated over 5 years to August 2018)