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Sustainable Campus

We are committed to achieving a carbon-neutral campus by 2038 through a range of impactful initiatives. By implementing energy-efficient technologies, decarbonising our buildings, promoting sustainable travel, and enhancing biodiversity, we aim to create a campus that serves as a living lab for sustainability.

  • Net Zero Carbon and Buildings Decarbonisation plans: Our Estates and Facilities team lead efforts to improve energy and water efficiency, reduce waste, and minimise resource use. Our Environmental and Energy Management System (EEMS) is certified to both ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 50001:2018 standards, highlighting our commitment to ongoing environmental improvement. Our Energy, Water, and Carbon Management Plan guides our work, setting clear goals for reducing energy consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources. We are actively working to decarbonise campus buildings, including the elimination of avoidable single-use plastics and implementing sustainable construction practices for new projects and refurbishments.
  • Sustainable Transport: We are dedicated to reducing emissions from transport by encouraging sustainable travel options like cycling through our Cycle to Work scheme, walking, public transport, car-sharing, and decarbonising our own fleet.
  • Sustainable food policy: Our Sustainable Food Policy is designed to promote healthy, sustainable, and ethical food choices on campus. By prioritising locally sourced, seasonal, and responsibly produced ingredients in collaboration with our in-house catering services, we reduce our carbon footprint and support local suppliers.
  • Biodiversity and Green Spaces: Our commitment to a green campus extends to preserving and enhancing biodiversity on our grounds. Through habitat restoration, litter picks, and creating spaces for local wildlife in collaboration with the Salford Ranger Team, we work to protect the natural environment. Our efforts are aligned with regional initiatives such as the PlasticFreeGM pledge, aiming to reduce single-use plastics across Greater Manchester and promote broader environmental stewardship, in addition to the Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme, within which we hold platinum accreditation.
  • Waste Management and circular economy: By following the principles of the waste hierarchy, we aim to minimise waste on campus and encourage sustainable resource use, guided by our Waste Management Plan. Our ethical and sustainable procurement system ensures that environmental and social impacts are considered in all purchases, from supplies to services.

Recycle Week 2023

Recycle Week is taking place between the 16th to the 22nd of October 2023. This year’s theme focuses on ‘missed capture’ items, which are products and items that can be recycled but are frequently missed or disposed of incorrectly. The national campaign is also celebrating its 20th anniversary and will be hosting a Recycling Summit […]

How to reduce our plastic waste – by Zack Maskill

We all know plastics are a huge problem. There are tons of single-use plastics that go onto landfills or into the ocean every day, and these then break into microplastics. The tiny particles end up in our blood, the food we eat, and even the air! There are ways to reduce plastic waste though, and […]

Big Hog-Friendly Litter Pick Challenge 2023

Litter is one of the main threats to hedgehogs living in urban environments, such as our campus. To help create a safe and welcoming space for them in Salford, we’ve signed up to this year’s Big Hog-Friendly Litter Pick Challenge! About the challenge The challenge will take place between 19th September and 30th November 2023. The more […]

Cycle September 2023

Cycle September is back for another year! It’s a fun and friendly cycling challenge – everyone is invited, from regular riders to people who haven’t cycled in years (or ever!). You only need to ride for 10 minutes (anywhere, any time) to enter the prize draw. All you need to do is register here as […]

Cycle September 2022

Cycle September is the global event bringing together riders of every level to promote the benefits of cycling. The aim of the month is simple; to get more people riding. It’s not about riding the most miles, it’s about encouraging others to join in, helping their workplace climb up the leaderboards, and riding for health, […]

Cycle to Work Day – Thu 4th August 2022

Cycle to Work Day is the UK’s biggest cycling commuting event. Choosing to commute by cycling is a great way to improve fitness, reduce stress, and take positive action for our planet. You can find out all about the impacts of cycling at Love to Ride. How to get involved It’s easy: sign up at […]

Green Flag Awards 2022

The University of Salford campus has once again been recognised by the prestigious Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the best green spaces in the world. Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. Following a desk assessment and a visit at our campus, we can once again raise […]

Get involved in our Big Thinking Trail for a glimpse into the future

Take a walk around Peel Park and check out the Big Thinking Trail to find out what University of Salford staff hope to see in the future and what we can get started on today to help make it a reality. The Big Thinking Trail is an interactive walk which encourages everyone to consider the […]

Zero Waste Spaces in Greater Manchester

Zero waste is a simple concept that focuses on re-using items as much as possible to reduce the amount of waste that we create. Waste has become a huge problem that has a very damaging impact on the environment. Plastic pollution especially has gained attention as one of worst types of waste we create, due […]