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Important to make sure it's done in tandem with improving student experience

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Important to make sure it's done in tandem with improving student experience

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Needs to ensure that improvements in sustainability don't come via a detriment of student experience in order to keep the whole student body on board. Ie. Buying more fuel efficient minibuses rather than stopping groups travelling or buying electric ones.

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Discuss broader elements of SDGs - social justice, equality, fair opportunity

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Discuss broader elements of SDGs - social justice, equality, fair opportunity

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Quick Wins around clubs and societies and their travel/transport/minibus solutions
Partner with bid sustainability names e.g. Tesla
Make sure we keep the 'dressing room' with us by nudging and engaging
Check out B-Corp UK

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Scrap the sustainability social media unless updating twice weekly and share through main channels

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Scrap the sustainability social media unless updating twice weekly and share through main channels

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Zenith UK talks about the sustainability findings in the latest Natwest Student Living Index.

The 2019 NatWest Student Living Index shows that just 1 in 5 students rate their university campus as 'very committed' to promoting sustainability. This is a worrying stat. Not just because university-age students tend to be highly-engaged with this issue, but also because they will be forced to live with the consequences of inaction.

So, how can universities do more to promote sustainability and give students an eco-friendly space to study?

They need to do three key things:

Investing in sustainability
There's no point educating students on the need to live sustainability if universities aren't prepared to invest in making campuses more sustainable.
Big ticket items like making the campus carbon neutral or investing in renewable energy are important, but only if they are matched by smaller, less glamorous initiatives.

Does the campus still use paper handouts? Are there water refill points scattered throughout the university? Are new students given a pack that makes sustainable study affordable, or is it up to them to buy their own metal straws, reusable cutlery, water bottles and Keep Cups?

Investment doesn't have to expensive. Getting food from local suppliers, getting some organic waste bins and setting up on-campus donation and swap initiatives are all little ways for university campuses to make a big difference.

Educating for the future
Good universities offer education outside the confines of coursework, and good universities produce good citizens - not just people with degrees. Students need to be given the knowledge and tools they need to go out and make the changes necessary to drive sustainable initiatives.

Whether they're studying history or medicine, they deserve access to educational opportunities that don't just highlight problems, but offer solutions.

Teaching sustainable initiatives should be a core goal of the university's curriculum, and finding passionate and talented individuals to teach students is how universities can produce eco-conscious students.

Inspire students to take charge
University campuses have always been hotbeds for change. Students come into university eager to learn and they are ready to be inspired, so:

Give them opportunities to take leadership

Open up channels of communication with people in power

Get them involved in local community and grassroots campaigns

Empower them to take risks and become problem solvers

Encourage discussion, debate and the critical thinking

Inspired students inspire positive change, angry students just want to place blame. So, which type do you want to create?

Making study more sustainable is about more than solar panels and symbolism. It's about changing behaviours and making the institution and the people within the institution accountable for what the future looks like.

If the people in charge refuse to take the future into account, universities need to. Creating sustainable campuses, teaching sustainability and inspiring students to turn a crisis into an opportunity is how universities can make an impact.

1 in 5 is an alarming stat, but it's one that can quickly improve if universities are prepared to meet their students half way.

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Hughes Media Internet +44 (0) 1886 85 33 85 www.hughesmedia.co.uk

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How can universities make study more sustainable?

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Zenith UK talks about the sustainability findings in the latest Natwest Student Living Index. The 2019 NatWest Student Living Index shows that just 1 in 5 students rate their university campus as 'very committed' to promoting sustainability. This is a worrying stat.

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The People & Planet University League ranks all UK Universities by sustainability and reveals how student pressure on campus has transformed the sustainable development of Higher Education in the UK.

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Meat and dairy production, particularly from intensive systems, has a huge impact - on the planet, on climate emissions, our health and animal welfare.

In the UK we eat twice as much meat as the global average. Government advisory body, the Committee on Climate Change, recommends that we "reduce [...] the consumption of beef, lamb and dairy by at least 20% per person."

Public Sector Catering magazine is encouraging the catering industry to play its part by launching a campaign for 20% less meat on the menu in schools, universities, hospitals etc.

Friends of the Earth and allies in the Eating Better alliance say we need to go further and halve the amount of meat and dairy eaten and produced in the UK by 2030. That's all meat - including chicken and pork. This would help meet climate goals, restore nature and improve our health. Less and better meat and dairy is key.

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Kale Yeah! caterers' sustainability scheme | Resources

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Meat and dairy production, particularly from intensive systems, has a huge impact - on the planet, on climate emissions, our health and animal welfare. In the UK we eat twice as much meat as the global average. Government advisory body, the Committee on Climate Change, recommends that we "reduce [...]

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dedicate a patch of the Uni grounds to growing vegetables, or lease a Uni allotment? If space is short, consider starting wormery or growing seeds in pots.

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Sustainable catering. Less beef, label carbon footprint on food, measuring & tackling food waste

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Sustainable catering. Less beef, label carbon footprint on food, measuring & tackling food waste

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Don't serve or sell anything in plastic.

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Don't serve or sell anything in plastic.

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Raise awareness with the SMT group and encourage them to embed the conversation in staff discussions

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Raise awareness with the SMT group and encourage them to embed the conversation in staff discussions

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(1) The £15 billion figure is taken from a conservative estimate of current UK university endowment funds (figures from 2018/19 official audited financial statements) and based on the general assumption that majority of universities invest using their endowment funds.

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Invest for Change | Campaign to reform university investments

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(1) The £15 billion figure is taken from a conservative estimate of current UK university endowment funds (figures from 2018/19 official audited financial statements) and based on the general assumption that majority of universities invest using their endowment funds.

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Campus scooters or bike loan/borrow

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Hassle-free bike rental in Southampton

We have invested in a fleet of high quality bikes from Trek and Electra into our demo fleet to enable you to experience the fun of riding a bike before you make the significant investment decision.

We can provide extended demonstrations/trials over a weekend or couple of days provided appropriate security is provided.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settings ACCEPT

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Bike Rental in Southampton | Mountain Bikes, Commute Bikes & Electric Bikes

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We have invested in a fleet of high quality bikes from Trek and Electra into our demo fleet to enable you to experience the fun of riding a bike before you make the significant investment decision. We can provide extended demonstrations/trials over a weekend or couple of days provided appropriate security is provided.

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Express all comms about uni changes through a sustainability lens

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Express all comms about uni changes through a sustainability lens

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More bee hives please

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TerraCycle is an innovative recycling company that has become a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials. They offer a range of free programmes, as well as recycling solutions available for purchase for almost every form of waste. Eliminate the idea of waste

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Align SUSU with Uni sustainability strategy

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Align SUSU with Uni sustainability strategy

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Become part of a unified apprpach which engages styudents

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how do we phrase it to include everything...

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how do we phrase it to include everything...

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lots of people think sustainability is just green stuff

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Rewarding those we work with for sustainable changes within their own companies

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Rewarding those we work with for sustainable changes within their own companies

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controversial... I know!

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Grow your own produce

Donate unused items - societies can help

Wildflower/meadow areas in campus

Electric vehicles - Change SUSU busses

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We want to be leading Hampshire and the nation and be the forefront champion of sustainability

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We want to be leading Hampshire and the nation and be the forefront champion of sustainability

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Plastic use has become one of the biggest issues of this generation with bottles, bags, food packaging and straws littering our beaches and clogging up our oceans.

While we still have a long way to go to rectify this, there are many things that you can do to make sure that you help to preserve the planet. And one of those is holding your university to account and understanding what they are doing to consume materials responsibly.

The Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings are a good place to start if you are looking to see which universities are dedicated to reducing plastic waste, are minimising the use of disposable items, are working to recycle more, and have policies in place on the sourcing of ethical goods.

To put together this ranking we mapped how universities around the world are committing to 11 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a global call to action to tackle poverty, climate change and inequality. Among the goals we have included in the ranking are those on good health and well-being, reduced inequalities and climate action.

The SDGs look to tackle some of today's biggest global issues and SDG 12 covers responsible consumption and production. More on the methodology of this SDG ranking can be found here.
1. University College Cork
University College Cork in Ireland has collected an impressive set of statistics in regards to waste reduction and sustainability. They have cut their total wasted tonnes by 25 per cent, increased landfill diversion by 98 per cent and significantly reduced the amount of printing by students.

The Green Campus Programme was established due to the lack of recycling facilities on campus and to tackle waste management. The programme has since expanded to cover a seven-step programme that covers energy, waste, water, biodiversity and transport.

Students can also join "green teams" or a number of the sustainable societies to get involved in the schemes and inform new guidelines.
2. Newcastle University
Newcastle University is one of the most sustainable universities in the UK and has made good progress in waste reduction and the increased use of public transport among students.

The Sustainability Team is responsible for a variety of environmental sustainability issues including energy, waste management and travel planning.

They created a sustainability policy in 2017 committing to a number of measures to promote responsible consumption. Some of these measures include a waste minimisation strategy, maintaining a high recycling rate, implementing sustainable construction and minimising water use.
3. University of Dundee
The University of Dundee has a number of policies in place dedicated to specific areas of action in waste management.

The waste policy is committed to the "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra and considers the whole life cycle of resources when procuring goods. Figures on recycling have gone up and are continuing to rise.

The university also has a web based portal called Warp-it to enable used furniture to be re-homed to someone new thus reducing waste and landfill charges.
Best universities for reducing inequalities
4. University of Eastern Finland Top universities for climate action
Top universities for tackling gender equality
Top universities in the world for global impact
5. University of Aberdeen The student guide to sustainability
The University of Eastern Finland has committed to a number of principles which aim to make the university greener and more sustainable.

They are aiming to be an entirely paperless campus and aim to use only electronic internal communication and avoiding printing where possible. Staff and students are encouraged to reuse as much as possible including ink cartridges and furniture.

The university is also committed to increasing recycling and minimising landfill waste.

The University of Aberdeen has a number of initiatives for staff and students that help to reduce waste and encourage the use of sustainable products.

One such example is encouraging students, staff and the public to donate damaged electrical items for recycling. The university also adheres to Scotland's Zero Waste Plan which sets out the Scottish Government's vision for a zero waste society.

The university has also refitted taps and plumbing systems to minimise waster waste.

Best universities for recycling and sustainability

Read more: #UniAdviceWeek: lessons in sustainability from a student in Stockholm

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Best universities for recycling and sustainability

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Plastic use has become one of the biggest issues of this generation with bottles, bags, food packaging and straws littering our beaches and clogging up our oceans. While we still have a long way to go to rectify this, there are many things that you can do to make sure that you help to preserve the planet.

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Remembering to get views from across the whole diversity of the student population - commuters, locals, halls residents, mature, families etc.

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Remembering to get views from across the whole diversity of the student population - commuters, locals, halls residents, mature, families etc.

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Especially with sustainability module

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Joint food procurement/waste management - better integrated systems across SUSU and the university

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Commercial outlets on campus embed sustainability in broader sense.

B corporation (purchasing)

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Governments and organisations all over the world are currently working towards a greener planet as the realisation sets in that our fragile eco-system needs protecting. UK universities are often at the forefront of world-leading research which makes a huge impact in how we live our lives.

The People and Planet Green University Rankings offer a unique insight into the greenest universities in the UK, focussing on areas such as water reduction, ethical investment and human resources for sustainability. Learn more about the top five greenest universities in the UK below, and if you wish to study at one of the greenest universities in the UK, arrange a free consultation in London or Manchester today.

Top Five Greenest Universities in the UK

1. University of Gloucestershire

The University of Gloucestershire see sustainability as the big challenge of the 21st century, and they offer students and staff the opportunity to become change-makers and pioneers who can make a real difference to the planet. Gloucestershire consistently finish top of the People and Planet universities' "Green League" and received a Special Recognition Award in 2013 for this performance.

2. Manchester Metropolitan University

Since finishing 91st in 2007, Manchester Metropolitan University have shown an almost unparalleled dedication to making a positive impact on the environment. The University first topped the table in 2013 (and have never left the top three since) and this year they were awarded maximum marks for environmental policy, auditing and environmental management systems, sustainability staff, and education for sustainable development.

3. Nottingham Trent University

Since being named as the most sustainable university in the UK in 2016, Nottingham Trent have maintained their high standards. Nottingham Trent's success is due in the large part to projects such as the award-winning Pavilion building which is carbon-negative and produces more energy than it needs to run.

4. Northumbria University

From a starting position of 101st in 2012, Northumbria is now ranked the 4th most sustainable university in the UK. The University scored particularly well for its Environmental Sustainability Policy and Strategy, carbon management, and waste and recycling, with Professor George Marston, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovatio, saying: "This is an excellent result and recognises the many sustainability initiatives we have developed and grown over recent years."

5. University of Worcester | City, University of London

The University of Worcester's fourth place means a sixth consecutive top five finish for the University, who also won two Green Apple Environmental awards for joint initiatives with the local council. City, University of London joint fifth place finish means it is the greenest university in London, an incredible achievment considering the UK capital is one of the buesit cities in the world.

Study in the UK

If you are interested in learning more about all aspects of studying at a UK university, visit our dedicated scholarships, course search and rankings pages, and then visit us for a free consultation in London or Manchester to go over your study options.

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Top Five Greenest Universities in the UK

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Governments and organisations all over the world are currently working towards a greener planet as the realisation sets in that our fragile eco-system needs protecting. UK universities are often at the forefront of world-leading research which makes a huge impact in how we live our lives.

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FB posts
Newsletter
Sustainability page
Video for different platforms

Reach students via student groups and societies.

Events (lost opportunity this year) maybe theme events next year?

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visibility and communication with students is valuable

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Unis are under increasing pressure to be kinder to the environment - but how many are actually taking action? These university rankings reveal the best and worst places for sustainability.
The general UK university rankings can tell us a lot, but when it comes to some of the issues we really care about, like (a big one!) the planet, they can fall a bit short.

If you've been wondering how sustainable your university is, wonder no more. Here are the comprehensive results charting the environmental and ethical performance of unis in the UK.

How the university sustainability league is calculated

These rankings were compiled by People & Planet and included 154 unis across the UK.

You'll see in our run-down of the results below that each university's been given a total percentage score. This is worked out based on their performance in 13 categories:

Environmental policy and strategy

Human resources for sustainability

Environmental auditing and management systems

Ethical investment

Carbon management

Workers' rights

Sustainable food

Staff and student engagement

Education for sustainable development

Energy sources

Waste and recycling

Carbon reduction

Water reduction

Each university's scores across all categories are combined, with some categories carrying more weight than others. An overall total percentage is calculated, and the higher the total percentage, the higher the ranking!

University sustainability rankings 2020

Don't worry, this page isn't out of date! It's just that, thanks to the coronavirus crisis, People & Planet weren't able to publish their University League in 2020. So, for now, the 2019 table is the most recent edition available.

We're hoping they'll be able to release a new table in 2021, but we'll update this page when we know more.

Most sustainable universities in the UK

These are the 10 most sustainable universities in the UK:

1. University of Gloucestershire - 80.6%

2. Manchester Metropolitan University - 79.9%

3. Nottingham Trent University - 75.2%

4. Northumbria University - 66.6%

5. City, University of London - 66.4%

University of Worcester - 66.4%

1. Coventry University - 65.9%

2. University of Bedfordshire - 65.3%

3. Aston University - 63%

Swansea University - 63%

If you're wondering how the University of Gloucestershire managed to come out top in these rankings, it probably had something to do with scoring 100% for sustainable food, 100% for carbon reduction, 100% for environmental auditing and management systems, and (you guessed it!) 100% for carbon management. Wow.

The University of Gloucestershire's response

How did the University of Gloucestershire respond to being number one for sustainability?

In a joint statement, Dr Alex Ryan (Director of Sustainability) and Miriam Webb (Sustainability Engagement Manager) from the uni told us:

We are thrilled that we've topped the league table again!

Since the league started in 2007 - when it was optional to take part - the whole sustainability agenda in the university sector has moved on.

There is friendly competition among the growing number of universities of all sizes who are making moves in this agenda, which is pushing progress forwards all the time.

And, as they've alluded to, this isn't the first time the University of Gloucestershire have come first in this league...

We were last at the top of the league in 2008 and we have held a top 10 position since the start (we're the only university who has held top 10 place on every run of the league) but the performance levels increase each year so it takes more to be ahead of the curve.

So for our university, as one of the original pace-setters, to still be able to compete with the larger players, is a great credit to the commitment and the results that we've achieved, which are now led by students, staff and partners across the university.

While places like the University of Gloucestershire are leading the way in terms of sustainability, others, in comparison, are doing much (much!) less. Let's hope your uni doesn't appear on the list below.

10 least sustainable universities

These are 10 worst universities for sustainability:

1. Stranmillis University College - 15.5%%

2. The University College of Osteopathy - 15.4%

3. Glasgow School of Art - 15.2%

4. Royal Academy of Music - 14.7%

5. University of Bolton - 14.3%

6. Leeds Trinity University - 13.7%

7. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Drama - 13.1%

8. Royal Veterinary College - 11.6%

9. University of the Highlands and Islands - 10.2%

10. Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance - 9.8%

Scoring 0% across eight categories, including sustainable food, workers' rights, sustainability staff and ethical investment, Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance is placed 154th out of 154 universities.

But, it's important to note that, if People & Planet can't find information for some categories (i.e. if the university hasn't made some info public), they will give them a score of zero. So, we hope, Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance may be a bit more sustainable than the results suggest.

If you've not seen your university yet, check out the full university league table for sustainability below.

Full university league table for sustainability

How to live sustainably on a budget

Sometimes, it can feel like an impossible task to save the environment and your bank account. But, thankfully, there are ways to live more sustainably without spending a fortune.

One easy way to cut down on plastic waste, and save money in the process, is by no longer buying cups of coffee or bottled drinks while you're out.

Buying a reusable container like a travel coffee cup will make a massive difference. After the initial purchases, you'll be able to fill them up for free with tap water, or get small discounts off hot drinks at some chain coffee shops for using your own cup.

Also, you can avoid food waste (and the extra cost of replacing out-of-date food) with some careful changes to how you buy and store food. Check out our tips on how to keep food fresh for longer as well as which foods should go in the fridge if you want them to last longer.

It's also worth reading our guide on how to cut down on plastic and save money to see how to reduce your environmental impact without doing some serious damage to your bank balance instead.

The University of Gloucestershire's tips

With the University of Gloucestershire ranking first for sustainability in these league tables, we asked their sustainability team how students can reduce their impact on the environment without spending a fortune.

Dr Alex Ryan and Miriam Webb from the University of Gloucestershire's sustainability team told us:

We know students care deeply about sustainability and the long term big picture for communities across the globe, but students also have to wrestle with difficult financial pressures every day.

Sustainability has to bring the concerns of planet and purse together.

As part of their Live Smart programme, they offer advice to students on living sustainably for less. You can find their tips here.
Even when you think food's gone off, some of it may still be edible! Here are 14 foods you can bring back from the dead.

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These are the best and worst universities for sustainability

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Unis are under increasing pressure to be kinder to the environment - but how many are actually taking action? These university rankings reveal the best and worst places for sustainability. The general UK university rankings can tell us a lot, but when it comes to some of the issues we really care about, like (a big one!)

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In recent times, university campuses and student groups have turned their attention to becoming more environmentally-friendly. From reducing consumption of paper and plastic through to better reuse and recycling initiatives, it's clear the younger generation is taking sustainability seriously.

If you want to become more eco-minded in your university, there are a few simple steps to doing so. In the following article, Waterlogic presents five ways you can be kinder to your campus environment. For a final boost, why not consider using a water dispenser to refill a reusable water bottle and significantly reduce your carbon footprint?

Global warming, climate change and plastic pollution are issues few of us notice in our day-to-day routines. Yet, a glance at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Global Warming of 1.5 ºC report shows the impact of our habits is becoming self-evident. Glacial melt is causing sea levels to rise to unprecedented levels, putting coastal regions at risk of flooding. Freshwater supplies are running low, leaving cities across the world on the verge of running dry, while carbon dioxide levels are higher than they've been at any time in the last 800,000 years.

With over 1.3 million students in higher education across Australia alone, the next generation can play a leading role in driving an upheaval. Changing habits at an early age can ease the strain on the natural world. A proactive mindset can create a healthier society that both consumes less plastic and produces less waste. As the sustainable movement takes hold, the following article reveals the crucial role students have in this environmental crusade.

How can we measure campus sustainability?

There's more than one method to measure campus sustainability. The UI Green Metric Ranking is an internationally recognised sustainability index developed by the University of Indonesia. It calculates a university's green credentials based on performance in six categories, spanning setting and infrastructure; energy and climate change; waste; water use; transportation; and education. The calculations use self-reported data backed up by photographs, documents and web pages - and several Australian universities participate in the system to benchmark their performance.

Times Higher Education runs a separate University Impact Rankings system that rates universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The ratings use calibrated indicators to offer an independent comparison across three broad areas - including research, outreach, and stewardship - for a different perspective on sustainability that accounts for aspects such as gender equality and inclusiveness.

Which campuses are the most sustainable?

The University of New South Wales was the most sustainable campus in Australia in 2018, according the Green Metric rankings. The university performed well in terms of energy conservation and climate change as well as waste management. However, Western Sydney University was the best performer in the Times University Impact Rankings for 2019, largely thanks to its focus on gender equality and sustainable development.

Elsewhere, La Trobe University in Bundoora has received plaudits for the green design of its Institute for Molecular Science. The building is characterised by a distinct honeycomb façade and uses extensive natural light to balance the internal climate. The structure received a 5-star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia - Australia's primary authority on the sustainability of buildings and communities - showcasing how design can be a key factor in a university's environmental performance.

Further afield, Keele University in the UK is highly-regarded among international standards: the university enjoys a 600-acre campus with woodland, lakes and diverse natural habitats, helping it rank third in the world for its green setting under the UI Green Metric World University system. It also achieved 17th place for campus sustainability and 5th for its performance in 'Energy and Climate Change.'

Colorado State University in the United States has long been heralded one of the greenest universities around. In 2015, it was the first US campus to achieve the top platinum status under America's own sustainable measurement framework. The university conducts sustainability research in more than 90 percent of its academic departments, as well as offering eco-oriented extracurricular activities. The campus also claims to use less water than other institutions, while it manages to divert 93 percent of all waste produced by on-campus dining facilities to be recycled or composted.

5 ways you can be eco-friendly at university

Campus-wide initiatives are a key part of making universities more sustainable. However, individuals can make a difference too, provided they know what to do - here are five ways to make your campus more eco-friendly:

1. Reduce printing by reading on-screen

Australians get through roughly 1.72 million tonnes of printing and writing paper each year: that's the equivalent of chopping down 40 million trees. With nearly every resource just a screen-tap away - and device-based note-taking simpler than ever - try reading things on your personal devices rather than printing them off.

2. Stop buying bottled water

The global population buys one million single-use plastic bottles a minute. If you choose a reusable bottle, you can fill up using a watercooler and alleviate the eight million tonnes of plastic waste that enters our oceans every year.

3. Refuse, reduce, reuse or recycle

The Plastic Pollution Coalition champions the '4Rs Pledge': say no to disposable plastic when possible, cut down on buying products with excessive packaging, opt for reusable containers over single-use plastic - and wherever you can't abide by the above three, recycle what you use rather than adding to the 91 percent of unrecycled plastics worldwide.

4. Be smarter with your water usage

A water efficient shower head could save more than 9,000 litres of water per person in your household every year. If you switch the tap off when you brush your teeth, you'll save 10 litres per minute as well. Simple choices lead to significant change, so act smart with water.

5. Help promote ground-breaking initiatives

Green Impact is a change and engagement programme developed in the UK and now implemented in universities across Australia. The programme boosts awareness of sustainability by giving students a focused approach to tackling environmental issues -so be sure to call on your campus to take part!

On November 5th, the University of Lincoln is hosting a Climate Change Action Day!

Hear from Climate activists such as @ChrisGPackham on how we can live more eco-friendly and sustainable lives.

Find out more: https://t.co/bbJhvMSY3L pic.twitter.com/rWD5CZZ5YR

- Uni. of Lincoln UK (@unilincoln) October 15, 2019

Everyone can become an environmental change-maker

The truth is, environmental change-makers can come from anywhere. Take the students at Western Sydney University, who used a desert car race from Darwin to Adelaide as an excuse to build a vehicle that can run on less electricity than your typical household kettle. While campus side projects like this can seem like a novelty at the time, they can also lead to much bigger things: one student who took part in the same challenge in 2013 landed a job with US-based electric car company Tesla, leading him to a much more prominent battleground that champions sustainable technology.

The outcome goes to show that while an idea may seem far-fetched, it could lead onto exciting opportunities. But if you prefer to alter just a few simple habits, adopt the five suggested in this article and you'll still have a significant impact on the world.

Liked this? Then you'll love...
How to implement climate change education in schools How to make your student accommodation more eco-friendly

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5 ways to promote campus sustainability at your university

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In recent times, university campuses and student groups have turned their attention to becoming more environmentally-friendly. From reducing consumption of paper and plastic through to better reuse and recycling initiatives, it's clear the younger generation is taking sustainability seriously. If you want to become more eco-minded in your university, there are a few simple steps to doing so.

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Working to promote

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How Universities can be More Environmentally Friendly

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Universities have a responsibility to help fight climate change, and here's how it can be done. Last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a special report on the impacts of global warming.

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Encourage other Universities to do similar level campaigns towards sustainability.

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The concept of sustainability may not be on the minds of every university staff member or student, but in light of significant global challenges, universities must do all they can to help protect our planet and those that depend on it for survival.

In an era when students and the public are more likely than ever to challenge universities on where their capital is invested, the concept of sustainability has outgrown its roots. Far more than simple operational concerns when constructing a new building or tendering for new suppliers, today 'sustainability' ranges from combatting carbon emissions and eliminating single-use plastics, to investing in the local community and targeting procurement at small- and medium-sized enterprises.

These are just some of the commitments made by the University of Edinburgh as part of our approach to social responsibility and sustainability. Our mission is to deliver impact for society through our research, our teaching and our operations, to make a significant, sustainable and socially responsible contribution to the world.

We take a whole-institution approach and look at the global picture. What's the point of teaching students about the benefits of renewable technology if we aren't using it ourselves? Why fund research into biodegradable alternatives to plastics if we only serve coffee in disposable cups? Why celebrate successful community projects in the developing world if we aren't able to say we've done the same in our own city?

It's for these reasons that we have committed to becoming a zero-waste university by prioritising the circular economy. We aim to eliminate single-use plastics where possible by 2030, and are committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040. We will also transition out of fossil fuel investment by 2021.

We also believe that our research should inform our teaching and operations. Students should get opportunities to learn about - and suggest improvements to - our operations as part of their education, and we must ask the local community how we can best support them through our research and student outreach, rather than through philanthropy alone.

Results so far show that our approach is working. Over 99% of waste from our academic estate is now diverted from landfill, and we were the first university to adopt a formal conflict minerals policy. We've also invested strongly in the local community - our £1.5 million social investments include local social enterprises and £150,000 to community-led projects proposed by local residents.

It is these achievements and our whole-institution ambition that led to Edinburgh being named Sustainability Institution of the Year at the EAUC Green Gown Awards, which recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by Universities and Colleges in the UK and Ireland, and we were honoured to work subsequently with EAUC to produce a guide to persuade other institutions to follow suit.

To make further progress, universities must provide opportunities for individuals to learn more about sustainability. At their core, universities are networks of people. By improving the links between students, staff and the local community, together we can build a strong foundation from which to tackle the challenges we face.

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Universities must help secure a sustainable future for our planet

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In an era when students and the public are more likely than ever to challenge universities on where their capital is invested, the concept of sustainability has outgrown its roots.

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Presentation to SUSU student staff about the Sustainability Strategy

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Presentation to SUSU student staff about the Sustainability Strategy

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Video from VC, Rachel, Emily, Olivia? on the Sustainability Strategy, progress todate, vision for the future

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Video from VC, Rachel, Emily, Olivia? on the Sustainability Strategy, progress todate, vision for the future