Managing our environmental impacts

We recognise that our activities have the potential for both positive and negative environmental impacts at local, national and international levels. The University is committed to influencing positive global change through world-changing research and research-inspired education underpinned by environmentally responsible operations.

Explore how we plan to be net zero by 2040

Informing our decision-making

Environmental sustainability is one of the University’s four strategic guiding principles used to inform decision-making. As Citizens of Change, our approach is holistic – from reducing our negative environmental impacts to increasing positive actions by engaging with local, national and international policymakers at all levels.

The Vice-Chancellor has nominated the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering as the Executive Board’s representative to oversee our strategic approach to environmental sustainability. She also chairs the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy Board, which is made up of senior leaders from across the institution.

Environmental Sustainability Masterplan

As an institution, we aim for continual improvement in how we understand and respond to our environmental impacts. Our Environmental Sustainability Masterplan outlines five key themes, our environmental objectives and how these plan to be achieved (up to 2027/28).

Energy and carbon management

Improving the energy efficiency of our estate and reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in day-to-day operations. The University aims to use 100% renewable electricity by 2040, from a combination of on- and off-site generation.

Learn more about our energy actions

Responsible consumption

Reducing our resource and water consumption, and reusing resources whenever possible, incorporating circular economy principles. The environmental impact of the University’s supply chain will be addressed by encouraging responsible purchasing and, considering all stages of the product lifecycle.

Learn more about our responsible consumption actions

Travel

Providing infrastructure and procedures that enable staff and students to follow the University’s sustainable travel hierarchy of: ‘Avoid unnecessary travel; Reduce travel; Choose efficient low-carbon travel; Maximise the benefits of the travel.’

Learn more about our travel actions

Biodiversity

Achieving biodiversity net gain across our estate by enhancing natural habitats and encouraging local wildlife in line with local and regional action plans, particularly the Leicestershire Nature Recovery Plan.

Learn more about our biodiversity actions

Health and wellbeing

Supporting staff and students in acknowledging and addressing the impacts of climate change on their physical and mental health.

Learn more about our health and wellbeing actions

Staff and student engagement

Building awareness of environmental issues and responsibilities amongst our University community, providing training and other engagement opportunities.

Learn more about our staff and student engagement

Delivery of the Environmental Sustainability Masterplan is overseen by the Environmental Sustainability Delivery Group, which reports to the Environmental Sustainability Strategy Board.

EcoCampus Environmental Management System

To provide a framework for managing our environmental responsibilities effectively, we have introduced an Environmental Management System. We are following the EcoCampus scheme and have already achieved the Bronze level, and we are currently working towards Silver level.