Sustainability | University of Greenwich

A greener future

Simon, our Head of Strategic Sustainability, highlights our key aims and accomplishments to ensure we remain a leader in achieving a greener future for us all.

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Our Action Areas

Our strategy is focused on six key action areas

Energy and Carbon

Climate change and finite energy resources have been identified as two of the biggest challenges facing the world today. To tackle these issues the university committed to achieving Net Zero by 2033.

Our Buildings and Estate

The University’s estate comprises a huge range of building types, styles and ages. We are working to ensure that our buildings are Net Zero by 2033.

Waste and Procurement

We are continually trying to improve are waste management and recycling rates here at the University of Greenwich.

Travel and Transport

The University recognises the need to deliver travel services to enable student and staff to travel safely, efficiently and responsibly between its three main campus sites.

Food and Catering

The University is committed to delivering sustainable and nutritious food to all students, staff and customers to all our campus outlets. These commitments are mirrored by the Students’ Union within their shops and cafes.

Our Natural Environment

Our grounds are managed sensitively; limiting the use of herbicides, protecting habitats and balancing conservation practices to ensure you can enjoy the outdoor areas, so please do explore the areas around you.

Courses for a greener future

We are committed to ensuring our students are prepared to make their impact towards a sustainable, greener future by embedding sustainability throughout our curriculum. There are more than 50 programmes to choose from already.

Browse these courses

We take our responsibilities seriously and are motivated by the ability to empower change when we act together; from the smallest individual action to life changing research.

We are proud to have maintained our 'First Class Award’ in the People & Planet's University Green League since 2012 and we are currently ranked as the 17^th most sustainability institution in the UK and joint 89^th globally in the Times Higher Education Impact (UN Sustainable Development Goal) Ranking. Operationally, our Estates & Facilities Directorate are operating with ISO14001 (Environmental Management) accreditation.

Our Corporate Strategy; This is Our Time reflects our responsibility from the Vice-Chancellor in delivering sustainability across teaching, research and operations. Our Sustainability Strategic Action Plan sets out our ambition and the Priorities and targets we will achieve in delivering its success.

The new Curriculum Framework launched in 2025, pushes for this teaching, embedding sustainability across all disciplines so our students know how their skills can solve the global challenges of today, and tomorrow. In recognising our own impacts as a University, our ambitious Net Zero ambitions strategic plan commits us in bringing down our carbon footprint.

Explore these webpages to find how you can make a difference to our planet through the actions you can do at Greenwich. Visit our Blog pages for even more insights into our events, partnerships and awards.

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