University shares successes and underlines commitment to sustainability

University of Gloucestershire has today published its Annual Sustainability Report 2020-21 to share its impact through learning, research and partnerships, as a pioneer for positive change.

This is the fifth report on delivery of the University’s Sustainability Strategy 2017-2022. It reflects the action of staff, students and partners who contributed to this year’s progress.

Highlights in the Annual Sustainability Report 2020-21 report include how:

• The University is committed to Net Zero on carbon emissions by 2030
• Carbon emissions at the University were down 45% against its 2005 baseline, exceeding its target of 40% by 2020
• Music Business students led a carbon analysis initiative at Download Festival as part of wider work to help shape a greener future for UK music festivals.
• The University won Gold and Silver Heist awards for the ‘Who Cares? We Do’ campaign after discontinuing its printed prospectus
• Researchers in the University’s School of Education won a prestigious International Green Gown Award for their research into sustainability education practice
• As a UN Regional Centre of Expertise in sustainability education, the University collaborated with local secondary schools to deliver hands-on learning in sustainable fashion.
• The University delivered on 12 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals
• The University’s Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) secured over £1.2m income for research around sustainability
• The University is influencing sector change an as expert adviser to the QAA’s Education for Sustainable Development guidance and featuring as best practice in the UUK publication ‘Confronting the Climate Emergency’

Vice-Chancellor, Stephen Marston, said: “It gives me great pleasure to share our Annual Sustainability Report for 2020-2021 and to celebrate our achievements and performance improvements this past year.

“We have dedicated plans to address all areas of direct and indirect emissions in our next steps on decarbonisation. Our net zero objectives will also inform our new City Campus in Gloucester and its ambition for positive change within our wider region.”