Sustainable Impact

Through education, investment, and research, we aim to drive sustainable impact that extends beyond our campus, empowering students, staff, and partners to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals. Our initiatives are centred around the following areas:

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): We are working to embed sustainability across the curriculum to equip students with the skills and knowledge to address complex global challenges. Our ESD initiatives include curriculum mapping and integration, working groups, and carbon literacy training to facilitate critical thinking and problem solving, ensuring graduates are prepared to make a positive environmental and social impact in their careers and communities.
Responsible Investment Policy: Aligned with our commitment to environmental and social responsibility, our Ethical Investment, Responsible Procurement and Sustainable Construction frameworks guide all investment decisions to ensure they are ethical, transparent, and aligned with sustainability principles. This policy emphasises divestment from fossil fuels, investment in renewable energy, and adherence to social responsibility standards, supporting a sustainable and resilient economy.
UKRI Sustainability Concordat: As a signatory of the UKRI Sustainability Concordat, we are committed to improving the environmental sustainability of our research practices. This commitment shows that we minimise the environmental impact of research activities, support sustainable research infrastructures, and encourage a culture of environmental stewardship within our research community.
Climate Action Barometer: Our Climate Action Barometer serves as a vital tool for monitoring and reporting our climate-related initiatives, progress, and emissions reductions. By tracking key sustainability metrics, we ensure accountability and transparency in our climate goals, providing the university community and stakeholders with regular updates on our progress toward net zero emissions.
Research for Sustainability – SDG Report: Our research efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising interdisciplinary projects that address pressing global issues. The SDG Report highlights our contributions to sustainability research, from climate resilience and biodiversity conservation to sustainable infrastructure and social equity. Through impactful research, we aim to drive solutions that benefit society and the planet.

Two women stood in a lecture room at De Montford University.

Standing at a National Stage: My Experience at the ESD Exchange 2026

I’m Ammaria Saadat, an MSc Digital Marketing student at the University of Salford and an international student from Pakistan. And I still can’t fully believe this happened. In April 2026, I stood in front of academics, researchers and sustainability professionals from universities across the UK as a student and presented at the ESD Exchange conference […]

Redefining Procurement Through Purpose, Innovation and Sustainability: The Journey of Deborah Essel Anane

At the University of Salford, sustainability is more than a topic; it’s a culture, a mindset, and a pathway into impactful careers. Few alumni embody this as powerfully as Deborah Essel Anane, an MSc Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduate whose journey blends academic depth, entrepreneurial momentum, and a remarkable commitment to ethical and inclusive […]

Poeople sat in a classrom doing group work about the Sustainable Development Goals.

Join the SDG Teach In 2026!

The 9th annual SDG Teach In will take place throughout March 2026. Get involved by pledging to incorporate the SDGs into your teaching, or encourage your educators to take part. TheSDG Teach In is a campaign delivered by Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS UK) which calls upon all types of educators worldwide to embed the United Nations Sustainable […]

A group of people standing outside on campus smiling.

Responsible Futures Audit Success

We are thrilled to announce that the University of Salford and Salford SU is now Responsible Futures accredited! This achievement reflects our commitment to integrating sustainability across our institution and we are proud to be part of a network driving change in higher education in partnership with students. Led by Students Organising for Sustainability UK […]

Pure Innovations – Building Experience through the Sustainability Team

Written by Dan Lowy Last year, we supported A-Level graduate Dan Lowy through the Pure Innovations placement. Through this scheme, individuals with learning difficulties are supported with workplace placements to build experience in employment. Below is Dan’s experience as being part of the Sustainability Team for several months, and how he benefited from the experience. […]

From Campus to Conservation: How Lauren Moore is Embedding Sustainability in Every Step

At the University of Salford, we empower and equip our students to take action to support sustainability during their studies and when applying their knowledge long after graduation. For Lauren Moore, a BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology graduate, that approach became the foundation of a career dedicated to protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainability across communities and […]

Seven Ways to Celebrate Sustainably This Festive Season

The festive period is a time to unwind, connect and celebrate – but it can also create a lot of unnecessary waste as well as be unintentionally carbon intensive. By making a few thoughtful choices, you can enjoy a meaningful holiday while reducing your environmental impact. Here are some simple, creative and budget-friendly ways to […]

Creating for Change: Susan Ejeme’s Journey Through Sustainable Fashion

At the University of Salford, we see sustainability as a perspective that shapes how students understand and interact with the world. For Susan Ejeme, a graduate of the MSc Fashion Business and Marketing programme, this perspective has deeply influenced both her career goals and her personal approach to fashion. Since starting her degree, Susan has […]

Turning Passion into Purpose: How Richard Walker is Helping Shape a Sustainable Manchester

A graduate of the MSc Sustainability programme, Richard Walker now works as the Tourism Sustainability Manager at Marketing Manchester, the organisation responsible for promoting Greater Manchester as a leading destination for business, events, and tourism. Richard’s role brings together everything he learned at Salford, from environmental awareness and social impact to practical solutions that drive real change. What […]

From Placements to Policy: How Rebecca Bowcock Forged a Career in Carbon and Community

Rebecca Bowcock’s route into sustainability didn’t follow a straight line, and that’s what makes it powerful. A Human Geography graduate from the University of Salford (class of 2018), Rebecca left university with practical skills, a network of contacts and a conviction that sustainability should be both strategic and achievable. Today she’s a Senior Carbon Consultant […]