Skip to main content

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.

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 […]

Go Green Salford 2022: round-up & resources

This year, Go Green Salford ran between February 28th – March 27th and explored four themes: Our Planet, Our Food, Our Resources and Our Nature.  Throughout the month, we saw lots of engagement and support from our students, staff and local community. A massive thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s events! […]

Palm Oil: environmental impacts & responsible consumption – by James Rogan

Palm oil is the most popular vegetable oil, used around the world in a range of food products including bread, chocolate, and margarine. As well as food, it is also present in some form in most cosmetics and cleaning products. Palm oil is extremely popular for several reasons, such as its long shelf life as […]

We’re officially a Cycle Friendly Employer!

The Cycle Friendly Employer scheme, run by Cycling UK, is a framework for employers to promote and enable cycling at their workplace. Earlier this year we have achieved the Gold Award! Following an audit at the end of last year, we are delighted to announce that the University of Salford received the Gold Award! The […]

Godiya’s Litter Picking Journal

Some activities are hobbies to pass time while bringing joy to the doer. In one sentence I will describe litter picking as ‘a bringer of joy’ as I often feel fulfilled after I fill a trash bag, especially from a street or spot that I use frequently. I come from a place where independent litter […]

The Big Hog-Friendly Litter Pick Challenge

Litter is one of the main threats to hedgehogs living in urban environments. Unfortunately, many of them die because of it every year. To help create a safe and welcoming space for them on our campus, we’ve signed up to this year’s Big Hog-Friendly Litter Pick Challenge! About the challenge The challenge will take place […]

Cycle September 2021

Cycle September starts in just two weeks! It’s a global challenge which runs throughout the entire month. It aims to promote active travel and the benefits of cycling. Last year there were over 56,000 participants. Cycling has a wide range of benefits. It’s good for our health (both mental & physical), our planet and our […]

Happy Cycle to Work Day!

With many of us going back to work and study on campus soon, now is a great time to consider how we choose to travel.