Thursday, 08 December 2022
The ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ has become a founding member of a new alliance, announced today at , with the aim of improving its ecological footprint.
The university is one of 117 universities globally to take a pledge regarding its environmental impact. The , set up by the University of Oxford and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), will help to reverse biodiversity decline and drive the world’s higher education sector towards a nature-positive future. A further 408 Universities worldwide have joined the Nature Positive University network to work towards making an official pledge, supported by a global student ambassador programme.
As part of its pledge, the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ will assess the impact that its activities have on nature. It will carry out baseline analysis to discover the impact that its campuses have on local wildlife, before setting targets to boost biodiversity.
Alison Clayton, Environment Officer at the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ says: “Our unique campuses are enjoyed not just by our staff and students, but by our visitors and local communities. Becoming a nature positive university is an exciting opportunity for all who enjoy our spaces to also help make them better for nature. There will be plenty of chances for everyone to get involved over the coming years."
We want to enhance the areas we already have and create new spaces for nature to thrive. Through this work, we will better understand the nature that we have on our doorstep and how we can improve our spaces for their benefit and ours.
The ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ has worked hard to create sustainable campuses and it aims to achieve net zero carbon status by 2040. Over the last ten years, it has reduced emissions by more than 36%, invested in renewable energy installations and divested from all fossil fuel investments. Its University Park and Jubilee campuses have consistently achieved Green Flag status and, this year, the university was shortlisted in three categories in the EAUC Green Gown Awards, which recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK.
We are delighted to see Universities will be joining hands to reset our relationship with nature so that, through this Alliance, new possibilities are created. The virtue of higher education has come from a reappraisal of the present to then steer the world to a new future. We look forward to seeing how the Nature Positive Universities Alliance does just that.
The Nature Positive Universities Alliance brings higher education institutions together to use their unique power and influence as drivers of positive change. Universities already carry out environmental and conservation research to help inform government and company action, but by publicly tackling their own supply chains and operational impacts on nature, universities can help guide the wider community on a path to address the twin climate and ecological crises.
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About the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what’s next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we’re creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.