University of Sunderland

University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland has 25,600 students in campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, and in global partnerships with learning institutions in 15 countries. The university aims to be Net Zero carbon for operational carbon emissions by 2040, and for the full carbon footprint by 2050, as well as having aims around moving towards a circular economy, enhancing biodiversity and embedding sustainability into the curriculum and student experience.

In the last year the Sustainability Team has grown to a team of four, and now comprises a Head of Environmental Sustainability, Sustainability Manager, Energy and Sustainability Officer and a Sustainability Officer (Travel Planning) meaning there is renewed focus on driving sustainability across and throughout the institution.

The team are carrying on work to deliver the existing Environmental Sustainability Plan for 2020-2025, whilst developing a new strategy for delivery in 2025-2030 with an ambitious vision for sustainability for 2040 and beyond.

Progress this year includes; the continued roll out of energy efficiency measures across the Sunderland campuses, as well as the installation of solar panels at St Peter's campus, and the completion of heat decarbonisation plans to help inform the strategy for moving away from fossil fuel for heating. Eco Campus Bronze has been achieved, with plans to achieve Silver and Gold levels in the next academic year, and the recycling rate has increased whilst the overall amount of waste being disposed has decreased. A biodiversity audit has been completed and a biodiversity strategy is now being developed, and two wildflower areas have been created on city campus. Unmown grass at St Peter's campus has been allowed to flourish greatly enhancing biodiversity. A travel plan has been published and plans are in place to improve cycling facilities. Work has continued to embed sustainability into the curriculum, appointing Faculty Champions for Sustainability to help roll out that programme. There are excellent examples across the faculties and the university has been shortlisted for a Green Gown Award for Creative Education for Sustainable Futures, being led and delivered in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries.

Over the next year the university plans to continue with energy efficiency measures, and install even more solar panels. A food waste stream will be introduced and greater re-use and refill options will be made available to students, staff and visitors.

A framework to enable the university to have a consistent approach to embedding sustainability in programmes and courses will be piloted. Plans are in place to greatly increase the amount of trees, hedgerow and wildflower areas across both St Peters and City Campus, and these green spaces should be more inviting for staff, students and visitors to increase the amount of time spent outside and in nature.

New work streams will also be developed including the need to further develop and recognise research that contributes to the UNSDGs especially where this has direct benefits for Sunderland and the people who live here, having a range of student volunteering opportunities, and a large area of work to address the need for a more sustainable supply chain.

Steve Knight, University of Sunderland's Chief Operating Officer, said: "At the University of Sunderland we are committed to making a positive difference to society and this includes minimising our own climate-related impact. At the same time, we know that making a meaningful response to the climate emergency will require a collaborative effort. We welcome the opportunity to be a partner organisation in the City's ambitious Low Carbon Framework and look forward to our staff and students working together with the wider community, to achieve our collective sustainability targets.

Read University of Sunderland's Action Plan here. (PDF, 2 MB)