Bradford University has been named as the greenest university in the UK for the second year running.

The university won The Times Higher Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development at a ceremony in London.

The university’s institutional-wide Ecoversity policy represents an attempt to combine the social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainability.

The programme has won numerous awards over the last few years, including an International Sustainable Campus Award.

Deputy vice-chancellor Prof-essor Geoff Layer said: “It is fantastic to have won this accolade for the second year running.

“It represents the hard work by our staff and students as we progress our journey of sustainability.

“We are proud to be a sector-leader in sustainability and our unique approach is something which attracts students to Bradford.”

Award judge Patrick Finch, bursar and director of estates at Bristol University, said: “Ecoversity stands as an exemple of how a commitment to sustainability in practice can bring about transformational change in a higher education institution.

“The project commenced in 2005 and has delivered outstanding results year-on-year, which continue into 2010 and hopefully will continue for many years to come.”

In 2004, Bradford’s main campus was seen as run-down with its poor student accommodation. It was then decided to embark on a sustainability programme linked to health, well-being, sociability, biodiversity and ecological landscaping.

This led to the demolition of 1,500 inefficient student bedsits and a massive investment from 2005 to 2010.

Highlights now include a space known as the Atrium, sustainable conference centre, refurbished sports centre which has attracted a 640 per cent rise in membership, a more spacious and energy-efficient students’ union and the Peace Garden, designed by staff and students and an apiary with 60,000 bees.