BOURNEMOUTH University has hailed its 'Green Rewards' behaviour change programme as a success.

The project, which offers staff prizes for recycling, avoiding waste and activities like walking to work, was started in January.

The university says it has 40 per cent of staff signed up, and it has so far "avoided over 400 tonnes of CO2 emissions and seen over 515kg of disposable cup waste avoided".

Staff have also taken part in nearly 10,000 hours of exercise, covering 130,000 miles "sustainably" to and from the university.

Dr Neil Smith, sustainability manager, said, “Right from the start, the Green Rewards programme has allowed us to achieve fantastic levels of engagement from staff and has been excellent in supporting our university sustainability and wellbeing initiatives.

"It’s great to see so many staff getting involved and receiving prizes for their positive actions.

"A survey of participants found that the majority thought Green Rewards supports the university in reducing its environmental impacts, and over two thirds felt they had improved their sustainable behaviours at work showing that the programme has made a real, long-lasting impact.

"We’re looking forward to seeing some exciting redevelopments of the programme and new activities for staff to take part in, in September."