Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has found itself at the top of the class when it comes to energy efficiency.

In the People & Planet Green League, a system which ranks universities on how energy-efficient and environmentally friendly they are, MMU was sitting pretty in the number-one spot, claiming 59.5 points out of a possible 70.

Some of the factors which affected the rankings, include environmental policy, carbon management, waste recycling, transport emissions and water consumption.

MMU's Business School and Student Hub were developed in a £75 million project, and include carbon-reducing features such as a borehole heating system and rainwater recycling.

Furthermore, solar panels have been added to the All Saints campus on Oxford Road, complementing the building's green roofs.

Vice-chancellor of MMU Professor John Brooks said that the establishment is "thrilled" with its top ranking.

"We firmly believe that a strong ethos of sustainability not only strengthens the university's appeal to students but improves the experience in so many different ways," he said.

"In partnership with our students, we are working to create a sustainable university which goes beyond being carbon neutral and actually has a positive environmental impact."

MMU scored perfect marks in areas such as Environmental Policy; Environmental Management; Environmental Auditing and Management Systems, and Carbon Management. The scoring system was based on the People & Planet League's 'Policy & Performance' criteria.

Other establishments at the top of the leaderboard include the University of Plymouth and the University of Gloucestershire, scoring 59.0 points and 58.0 points respectively.

The former has recently installed a Combined Heat and Power System (CHP) to supply heat and power to at least 50 per cent of its main campus, meaning that the establishment is on track to reach its target of cutting emissions by 350 tonnes of CO2 per year.

A solar thermal array will help to provide power when the CHP system is not required.

The University of Gloucestershire, on the other hand, has been increasing its teaching and learning experiences in regards to energy efficiency.