about Sustainability at the University

The requirements for companies to better manage sustainability effectively has increased significantly in the last decade. The educational sector has long embraced sustainability, with initiatives such as UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development and Higher Education Sustainability Initiative, Advance HE for Sustainable Development, UN Principles for Responsible Management Education, Office for Students sector Net Zero target and student groups such as Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS).

Surveys consistently show over 90% of students believe universities should actively incorporate and promote sustainable development in teaching.

In 2022 we recognised that we needed a clear and demonstrative plan that set out our level of ambition, commitment and targets and the opportunities we intend to enact.

By 'Sustainability' we mean (at a practical level): How we manage our corporate responsibilities and impact on the environment, society and our people, how we govern ourselves.

However, being sustainable is more than that. It also means having clarity of what our purpose is, how we are delivering that impact, and how that will help us thrive as an organisation. Being sustainable is an opportunity for us and our students to take positive action in addressing sustainable development issues.