ENVIRONMENTALLY savvy students have been praised for their efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The University of Reading (UoR) has made the fifth-biggest reduction since 2005 and the second-biggest in 2015/16, according to latest figures.

The installation of energy efficient lighting, effective insulation and increased awareness of energy-saving measures has resulted in savings of more than £17million.

A report from sustainability consultants Brite Green ranked Reading among the top universities in the country for tackling the issue.

The university achieved its own target of reducing carbon emissions by 35 per cent compared to 2008/09 in December 2016.

Dan Fernbank, energy manager at the UoR, said: “The university has made real strides in reducing its impacts on the local as well as global environment and we are committed to building on this success.

“A good mix of support from senior management and the dedication and enthusiasm of staff and students across the university has been integral to our success, ensuring we both lead by example and deliver against our targets.”

The university has been shortlisted for a prestigious Green Gown award for its achievement in reducing carbon emissions by 35 per cent.