Policy and performance
As a major global organisation we recognise that we have an environmental, economic and societal impact locally, nationally and internationally.
Increasingly our students, staff and local community partners recognise and expect the University to be a leading advocate of sustainability in its teaching, learning, research, decision-making and operations.
Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy
The previous Strategic Delivery Plan for Environmental Sustainability concluded in 2025, opening the opportunity to create an ambitious new Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy.
The Strategy has been drafted by a Task and Finish Group including colleagues from across the university, and is founded on three key pillars:
- Transition to a net zero, climate-resilient and nature-positive University
- Embed sustainability at the heart of our teaching, learning and research
- Embedding a University-Wide Culture of Sustainability.
Read the Strategy here
Environmental Sustainability Policy
The Environmental Sustainability Policy sits alongside and compliments the University’s Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy, to set out overarching principles that will drive our work.
Our Key Performance Indicators
Sustainability Key Performance Indicators
| KPI | 24/25 Performance | 2030 Target | Baseline |
|---|
| Total tonnes of scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions |
32,111 tonnes |
63% decrease by 2030 to 15,702 t |
42,439 t (18/19)
|
| Single occupancy car use for staff commuting trips (%) |
51% |
43% by 2030 |
48% (22/23) |
| Use of sustainable modes for staff commuting trips (%) |
41% |
47% by 2030 |
42% (22/23) |
| Use of sustainable modes for student commuting trips (%) |
81% |
77% by 2030 |
77% (22/23) |
| On-site waste segregation (%) (non-clinical) |
37% |
15% increase by 2030 |
38% (18/19) |
| Total tonnes of waste generated |
2015 tonnes |
10% reduction by 2030 |
2,654 t (18/19) |
| Biodiversity on university campuses |
766 habitat units |
Minimum 10% increase by 2030 |
766 (22/23) |
| University community involvement - Kg CO2e saved through Green Rewards app actions |
56,800 Kg |
40% increase by 2030 |
101,268 Kg (2022) |