Sustainability Strategy

Goal 2: Establish pathways to reduce our Scope 3 emissions through inter-Scope 3 classification, in-house data analytics & supplier engagements, with net zero Scope 3 emissions target by 2045.

For Goal 2 the University will refine Scope 3 emissions data and reporting, and establish coherent pathways to reduce Scope 3 emissions, through engagement with suppliers and University policy in line with our 2045 net zero target.

The University’s latest emissions reporting shows that overall greenhouse gas emissions increased by 26% between 2018/19 and 2024/25. Scope 3 emissions, which account for more than 90% of our total emissions profile, increased by 36% during this period. The largest increases were associated with purchased goods and services and student travel, reflecting the growth of the University and our wider operational activities.

Reducing these indirect emissions remains a key focus, we will work collaboratively with our suppliers and University community to reduce Scope 3 emissions through responsible procurement, improved emissions reporting, sustainable purchasing behaviours, and initiatives that minimise waste and support efficient use of resources.

Goal 3: Adopt University & technology sensitive travel emissions pathways to achieve net zero Scope 3 emissions for travel by 2045, whilst maintaining economic and sustainability viability.

For Goal 3 the University will deliver evidence-based approaches to reduce travel emissions across all modes of transport for staff and student journeys, consistent with the UK’s CCC pathways and our net zero target of 2045, taking into account the long-term University business and financial sustainability.

Employee commuting emissions for 2024-25 have marginally increased since the previous year and are approximately 58% lower than the 2018-19 baseline. Emissions assosciated with business travel reduced by 24% between 2018/19 and 2024/25, while student travel emissions for 2024-25, were 39% higher than 2018-19, although 42% lower than the previous year.

For the next period, we will develop evidence-based travel policies, promote more sustainable travel choices, improve understanding of travel-related emissions, and establish clear pathways towards reducing travel emissions in line with our Scope 3 net zero emissions target.

Goal 4: Embed sustainability and its impacts across the University education & student experience frameworks.

For Goal 4 the University will ensure sustainability is embedded across the university education (skills, career development) and student experience frameworks, supporting students and empowering them to build sustainability thinking into their future lives and careers.

We will continue to embed sustainability throughout education adn the stduent experience by integrating sustainability learning into induction and curricula, expanding opportunities for studnet engagement and leadership, and equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Goal 5: Make sustainability a cornerstone of our research practice and societal impact. 

For Goal 5 the University will ensure our research and practice are environment, climate and socially sensitive with impactful innovations at institutional (Triple Helix), city, regional, national and international levels, propelling us as leaders in sustainability. 

We will strengthen our position as a leader in sustainability research by supporting responsible and impactful research practices, enhancing sustainable laboratory standards, increasing research aligned with global sustainability challenges, and recognising the contribution of our research to the Sustainable Development Goals.