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Sustainability at the University of Salford blog

At the University of Salford, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission goes beyond simply reducing our environmental impact; we aim to create an empowered community of students, staff, and external partners who actively shape a sustainable future.

Our Commitments and Actions

As a civic institution, we recognise the global climate and ecological crises. Our Sustainability Strategy acknowledges the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic, and their interconnectedness. Our vision is by embedding sustainability in all aspects of University life, we will enable our University community to create impactful positive change for society and environment. This journey includes sustainable campus practices, integrating sustainability into our curriculum and research to empower our university community to drive change beyond campus. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

Sustainable Campus: We recognise our responsibility to address the climate and biological crises by mitigating the direct negative impacts of our own operations. We aim for a net-zero carbon campus by 2038 by implementing energy-efficient measures, decarbonising our buildings, implementing circular economy principles, promoting sustainable travel, and enhancing biodiversity on our grounds in collaboration with estates.

Sustainable Impact: We aim to create a sustainable impact beyond our campus. Our Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) programme, and participation in SOS-UK Responsible Futures, will prepare students to lead in a sustainable world. Our research tackles issues across environmental change; the need to move to a sustainable model for the economy; achieving net zero; technological transformation; political splintering; conflict; security; maintaining and improving social cohesion and human connection; and meeting increasing physical and mental health needs.

Sustainable Communities: Supporting sustainable communities creates partnerships beyond campus and enables a wider positive impact, empowering local and regional groups to address environmental, social, and economic challenges collaboratively, all supported by our communications and engagement strategy. Through these partnerships, we enable resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development that benefits both our university and the communities we serve. Examples of this include our collaborations with local primary schools for the Hedgehog Friendly Campus programme, and our regular hedgehog friendly litter picks.

Our Sustainability Achievements and Goals

The SOS-UK Sustainability Skills Survey in 2023 showed that 89% of our students believe universities should actively promote sustainability.

Progress and Reporting: For the latest on our sustainability milestones and goals, view our annual reports and the University Integrated Annual Report, showcasing our dedication to sustainable growth and transparency. Progress updates are posted on our blog, such as those on energy reductions on campus.

Governance and Accountability: Guided by our Sustainability Strategy and Environmental Sustainability Policy, we work under the BS EN ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 50001:2018 certifications, ensuring our practices meet high standards for environmental management.

Latest News

  • 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 precisely 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…

Find out more at salford.ac.uk/environmental-sustainability