Our policies and plans
Our environmental sustainability policy and other plans demonstrate our commitment to applying sustainable principles. Find out how we'll achieve this.
Environmental Sustainability Plan
Our Environmental Sustainability Plan covers our activities within the UK, and then overseas as our sustainability plans and processes develop. This plan outlines our intent to reduce our direct and indirect environmental impacts and contribute to sustainable development for the local community and wider society.
Travel Plan
Our Travel Plan will set targets to reduce the carbon impact of travel. This will contribute to the broader sustainability objectives of the University. In the Travel Plan, you can find our policies, challenges, aims, and targets.
We first developed a Travel Plan for our Sunderland campuses in 2010. Since then, there's been significant investment to support sustainable travel choices. For example, dedicated bus services, cycle storage, and improved pedestrian accessibility across our Sunderland campuses. For that reason, we've developed a new approach to travel planning.
Environmental Policy
Our Environmental Policy outlines our commitment to addressing climate change and reducing the environmental impact of our activities.
Recognising the vital role universities play in shaping a sustainable future, we embed environmental responsibility across our teaching, research, operations, and partnerships. Guided by our values, we aim to support a just transition to sustainability while creating positive outcomes for our students, staff, and the wider community.
Sustainable Food Policy
We're committed to providing diverse, healthy and sustainable food for our customers. We'll work towards sustainable improvements with our current catering partner. We aim to embed the principles of this policy in all future catering contracts to help us to achieve our sustainability goals.
Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Plan
Carbon emissions from Global Digital Infrastructure are estimated to be around 4% of global emissions, and are increasing quickly. The impact of our IT Infrastructure falls into three main phases:
- Manufacture and shipping of equipment
- Daily use
- Disposal.
This plan outlines our aims to minimise our impact on the environment from each of these phases.