We're a 2:1 class university in People and Planet’s University League 2025/26, reflecting the excellent work we're doing to improve our sustainability. This commitment was also recognised externally, winning two categories at the Green Gown Awards 2025. We're taking action for a sustainable future.
QS Stars 2026
We dedicate ourselves to sustainable practices in all we do. We're proactive in seeking ways to make positive changes to our environment by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Our work also encourages the growth of natural habitats, supporting them to thrive across our estate.
We work with partners, including Sunderland City Council, on our longer-term commitments to environmental sustainability. This activity will revitalise our comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Plan. This plan will guide our future direction, although we have many initiatives already underway.
We want every student to graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the increasing environmental and social impacts of their chosen careers.
The aim is for all courses to include the most relevant and material United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) at each level of learning. This could include identifying and understanding the relevant issues, through to implementing solutions, within assessment and with opportunities for real-world experiences.
We're committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon for scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2040, and for all other carbon emissions by 2050.
Approximately 99% of our scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions relate to the energy used to heat and power our buildings. The remainder is made up of carbon emissions related to fleet vehicles and refrigerant gases.
We aim to increase the amount of waste recycled, while decreasing the total amount of waste generated overall.
Suez, our waste contractor, is working with us to help us achieve better environmental outcomes. We also use Suez to dispose of our recycling in an efficient and sustainable way.
Promoting sustainable travel is one of our key focuses. We have fantastic links to public transport, making sustainable travel between campuses and around the local area easy and accessible for all.
Our travel plan for 2023 to 2028 outlines a range of measures to ensure our community can travel in the most sustainable way.
We want to increase biodiversity on campus and connect our green spaces to other green spaces across the city to maximise their impact.
We're also committed to increasing opportunities for our community to volunteer on projects which improve our green spaces.
Sustainable purchasing is a process in which we ensure the companies that supply products to the University do so ethically, and with sustainability in mind. It's important for us to work with businesses that share our aims to help the planet.
We'll work together with our stakeholders and service providers to reach our shared goal of making a difference to climate change by 2040.
Our environmental sustainability policy and other plans demonstrate our commitment to applying sustainable principles. Find out how we'll achieve this.
Learn more about sustainability at the University, including our policies, future plans, and how you can get involved.