Sustainability at UWE Bristol
UWE Bristol has declared a climate and ecological emergency. Through our 2030 Strategy we will work to address the urgency of the challenges we now face.
Sustainability is embedded in our services, culture, research and teaching. 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 (PDF).
Strategy, leadership and plans
Details of UWE Bristol's commitment to sustainability through our future plans, goals, leadership and governance and our 2030 Strategy.
Policy and strategy documents
Download and browse key documents relating to sustainability at UWE Bristol.
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 in a world that has been deeply affected by the global pandemic."
Steve West Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO, UWE Bristol
Sustainability across campus
Since 2016, 100% of our energy comes from renewable sources, plus we have invested in a large onsite solar panel array and a new high-tech heating network providing low-carbon heating and electricity to the Frenchay Campus, saving approximately 650 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
The award-winning Frenchay Beeline is just one example of the many UWE Bristol projects which are making a difference. The Students' Union Green Team have contributed hugely to our success with many engaging initiatives and events.
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.
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 initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle, and what to do with your recycling on campus.
Biodiversity and ecology
What we are doing to support biodiversity and ecology, including the Frenchay Beeline project, our communal 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
More information about how UWE Bristol Hospitality delivers high-quality sustainable food across our three campuses.
Purchasing and procurement
UWE Bristol has a clearly defined strategy to deliver sustainable procurement, as outlined in our current Sustainable Purchasing Policy.
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
Research and partnerships
UWE Bristol research projects and collaborations that are making a difference in the field of sustainability and the environment.
ISO 14001 certification
Information about our ISO14001 certification and how we apply this Environmental Management System to all aspects of our organisation.
Our commitment to sustainability
A call to action from Steve West: "It is about recognising that we are one planet, one world. We all have a collective responsibility to engage individually and collectively… to move to a different place in our mindset and our actions. This is a hugely important agenda that is going to be with us forever" September 2021.
Sustainability news and events
- Climate education must celebrate diverse groups
- Skills for Clean Growth for SMEs in West of England launches
- UWE signs pledge to divest from fossil fuel extractor companies
- West of England's firms offered carbon cutting workshop at UWE Bristol as part of the Race to Zero
- Funding granted for innovative clean air project to learn how Bristol travel changed during pandemic
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.
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Our values, vision and strategy
Our core purpose, ambition, strengths and values, including details about our Strategy 2030.
Strategy 2030
Strategy 2030's priority is to deliver an outstanding university experience for our students through innovative, practice-led, research-informed courses.
Health and wellbeing
Health and wellbeing services for students at the University.
Research
Discover how research at UWE Bristol is making a real impact.