Sustainability
Our Action Areas
Our strategy is focused on six key action areas
Energy and carbon
We’re confident we’ll meet our net zero goal by 2030 – we've already cut our emissions by 62% since 2009. Find out more.
Our buildings and estate
We are significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. We’ve invested in zero carbon heat pumps at Avery Hill campus to cut gas consumption by two thirds. Learn more.
Waste and procurement
From clothing swaps to furniture re-use – we're working to reduce waste in everything we do. Get involved.
Travel and transport
We have a fleet of zero and low carbon buses and we’re aiming for a 50% cut in business travel carbon by 2027. Read more.
Food and catering
The People and Planet League scored us 100% for sustainable food in 2023/24. We're also proud to be accredited as a Fairtrade University and to hold a gold Food for Life award. See what else we’re doing.
Our natural environment
Green spaces on our campuses are the size of 9 football pitches and home to more than 250 species. Take a look.
Courses for a greener future
We are committed to ensuring our students are prepared to make their impact towards a sustainable, greener future by embedding sustainability throughout our curriculum. There are more than 50 programmes to choose from already.
We take our responsibilities seriously and are motivated by the ability to empower change when we act together; from the smallest individual action to life changing research.
We are proud to have maintained our 'First Class Award’ in the since 2012 and we are currently ranked as the joint 18th most sustainability institution in the UK and joint 86th globally in the Times Higher Education Impact (UN Sustainable Development Goal) Ranking. Operationally, our Estates & Facilities Directorate are operating with ISO14001 (Environmental Management) accreditation.
Our Corporate Strategy; reflects our responsibility from the Vice-Chancellor in delivering sustainability across teaching, research and operations. Our Sustainability Strategic Action Plan sets out our ambition and the Priorities and targets we will achieve in delivering its success.
The Curriculum Framework, (led by Professor Jenny Marie, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education) launched in 2020, pushes for this teaching, embedding sustainability across all disciplines so our students know how their skills can solve the global challenges of today, and tomorrow. In recognising our own impacts as a University, our ambitious strategic plan commits us in bringing down our carbon footprint.
Explore these webpages to find how you can make a difference to our planet through the actions you can do at ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ. Visit our for even more insights into our events, partnerships and awards.
Reducing disposable coffee cups
42% recycling rate
Carbon Neutral by 2030, Net Zero by 2033
£220,000 saved with our furniture reuse scheme
Students
Find out how you can live and learn sustainably whilst studying at the University of ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ
Staff
Find out how you can incorporate environmental principles into teaching, and inspire our students.
Strategy
Learn more about our strategy, awards, achievements, and accreditations that help make this university a special place.
Research
Delivering positive impact for people and the planet through research, collaboration and partnerships.
The Sustainability Team
Learn about the team, their passions and how to make contact.
Get Involved
Find out how you can get involved with sustainability at the University of ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ.
Awards & Accreditations
ISO 14001
Green League
Fairtrade University
Food for Life Gold
Hedgehog Friendly Campus Silver