Sustainability at UWE Bristol

In 2020 UWE Bristol declared a climate and ecological emergency. Through our 2030 Strategy we are committed to addressing the urgency of the challenges we now face.

Sustainability is embedded in our research and teaching, services and campus management. We have invested heavily in campus improvements and new technology, with plans already underway to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Our sustainability leaders, experts and students are assessing and aligning our progress on an ongoing basis in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our staff and students are working to create a positive culture, gaining knowledge, skills and experience to address and adapt to global and local sustainability issues.

Tree in bloom on campus representing biodiversity and the environment

Strategy, leadership and plans

Details of UWE Bristol's commitment to sustainability through our 2030 strategy, leadership and governance, and future plans and goals.

Girl looking at a plant in the Envirotron greenhouse at UWE Bristol

Policy and strategy documents

Browse key documents relating to sustainability at UWE Bristol.

Student doing a masters in sustainability looks at the solar panels on campus

Education for sustainable development

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) sits at the heart of UWE Bristol’s institutional strategy and teaching and learning framework.

"Climate change presents a significant challenge to each and every one of us, one we must not and cannot ignore. So let's make sure that we build on the progress we have made, as a University community and as individuals, as we press forward with our ambitious commitments for 2030."

Steve West, Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO, UWE Bristol

Steve West Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO, UWE Bristol

Sustainability progress across campus

100% of our electricity is zero-carbon, with 20% secured from UK wind farms. We have invested in a large onsite solar panel array and a new high-tech heating network to increase our own generation on site, providing low-carbon heating and electricity to the Frenchay Campus, saving approximately 650 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Our new 900 bed student accommodation opening in September 2023 is built to highest sustainability standard of Passivhaus.

Our grounds support our biodiversity and ecology, for example our award-winning Frenchay Beeline, along with many other projects making a difference. The Students' Union Green Team contribute hugely to our success with many engaging campaigns, initiatives and events.

Student putting away his bike in the campus bike shed

Transport and travel

Details on UWE Bristol's targets for 2030 and initiatives for sustainable travel, including eco-friendly ways to get to campus, and The Student Union at UWE's bike loan scheme.

R block with solar panels and wild flowers

Carbon, energy and water management

Learn about our carbon, energy and water management plans and projects, including the largest single solar installation in the UK higher education sector.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Find out about our commitment to the circular economy, our initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle, and what to do with your recycling on campus.

Biodiversity and ecology

How we support biodiversity and ecology, including the Beeline project, our community gardens, meadowscaping, edible plant nurseries and composting.

Fairtrade

All about Fairtrade, why and how UWE Bristol supports Fairtrade practices, and the importance of Fairtrade standards in meeting our Sustainability Plan targets.

Hospitality

How UWE Bristol Hospitality delivers high-quality sustainable food across our three campuses and how you can help by making planet friendly food and drink choices.

Construction workers on site at UWE campus

Purchasing and procurement

Details of our strategy to deliver sustainable procurement and address our suppliers' emissions, as outlined in our Sustainable Purchasing Policy.

ISO 14001 certification

Information about our ISO14001 certification and how we apply this Environmental Management System to all aspects of our organisation and our accreditation guaranteeing external scrutiny of our progress.

Make a difference

For ideas and tips on how you can make a difference on campus, and at home and how you can get more involved in sustainability here at UWE Bristol take a look at our 'Get involved' page.

Get involved

Sustainability news and events

View all sustainability news

View sustainability events

Awards, certifications and external recognition

In 2021 UWE Bristol and The Students’ Union at UWE are finalists in eleven categories of the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards, and The Students’ Union at UWE received an ‘Excellent’ Award at the NUS Green Impact Awards and were the highest scoring for the fifth year in a row.

Learn more about our awards for sustainability