1024ºË¹¤³§

One of our strategic priorities is to become one of the UK's leading universities in environmental sustainability

 To reach this goal, we will:

1. Achieve transformation through research

2. Promote sustainability through civic leadership

3. Partner with our students and staff on sustainability

4. Deliver sustainability across all our operations

By continually improving our sustainability practices, we’re working towards a low-carbon future to minimise our impact on the environment.

Finding solutions through research

We’re already making a positive impact.

Our research responds to challenges, influences policy and helps change the world for the better. Our incredible research is making a positive difference to lives both locally and all across the world. It has benefits far beyond academia, exploring areas such as the environment, economics, culture, government policy, sustainability and so much more.

Discover our research impact

Addressing climate change in 1024ºË¹¤³§

We’re working with our partners to assess the climate risks to our city via the , chaired by Professor Steve Fletcher, Lead of our Sustainability and the Environment research theme. We also run in collaboration with the City Council.

Tackling plastic pollution

As a civic university, we're committed to supporting the local community through our research and activities. As part of Revolution Plastics, we’re working with partners to facilitate the city’s transition to a sustainable future, particularly in relation to plastic pollution and recycling. We’ve started a city-wide survey to map 1024ºË¹¤³§â€™s plastic litter and we’re working with 1024ºË¹¤³§ Football Club to arrange beach cleans. 

Supporting staff and students to take action

Sustainability is included in our staff induction to support staff in taking meaningful environmental and climate action in the workplace.

We offer advice on sustainable , including a .

For students we also share guidance on  —&²Ô²ú²õ±è;like eating green and recycling in the city, including our specialist recycling points on campus. Our Students’ Union provides opportunities for students to help the environment via groups such as the Eco Society. 

Sustainability focussed degrees

Many of our degree programmes directly provide students with knowledge and experience relevant to sustainability, such as BEng (Hons) and MEng Renewable Energy Engineering, and courses in the School of the Environment and Life Sciences. We're continually reviewing our curriculum to identify opportunities for our students to enhance their knowledge on sustainability.

We’ve already made progress:

• We've reduced our carbon emissions by 50% since 2009
• Our electricity is 100% renewable
• We've increased our recycling rate from 40% to 70% since 2011
• We’re aiming for all our new buildings to achieve ‘Outstanding’ ratings for sustainable design from BREEAM (the world’s leading sustainability validation and certification system) and ‘A’ rating for energy use and carbon emissions
• Our new Ravelin Sports Centre is one of the most sustainable sports facilities in the UK
• We currently waste only 2% of our food
• We’re eliminating single-use plastic from products sold in our campus cafes
• Our graduation gowns are made from 70% recycled polyester, which is manufactured from recycled plastic waste. Every gown contains a minimum of 550g of recycled plastic waste, which equates to around 30 plastic bottles (500ml). The other 30% is viscose for a soft finish.

Policies and objectives

Explore our policies and accreditations that relate to our environmental sustainability objectives at 1024ºË¹¤³§. 

Can't find what you're looking for? Search all our policies and standards.

Our sustainability team

Senior management

Our Director of Estates, Tahir Ahmed, chairs the University's Environmental Sustainability Working Group in collaboration with the Campus Services.

Sustainability staff

Our Energy and Environment Team consists of two professionals with a remit that covers sustainable travel, carbon management, environmental legislation compliance systems, energy, water and waste contracts, and associated budget and invoice management. The team includes:

• Phil Horton, Sustainability and Utilities Manager

• Tolulope Akanimodo, Energy and Carbon Performance Manager
• Kimberly Williams, Sustainability and Utilities Co-ordinator

The team cover operational sustainability project improvements in the region of £200,000 annually.

There are a further eight staff and an external Advisory Council engaged with our Revolution Plastics initiative, which aims to find solutions to global plastic pollution.

If you would like to speak to the team, reach out to us at sustainability@port.ac.uk  

Sustainability news and events