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University rises in the ranks for its sustainability

Home / More / News / University rises in the ranks for its sustainability

Published on 7, January, 2025

Plants and trees on the University's campus

The University of Sunderland has risen 14 places in the People & Planet University League 2024/25 which recognises universities’ commitment to their sustainability.

People & Planet, a student-led network that campaigns for social and environmental issues, ranks universities by their environmental and ethical performance each year and grades them.

The University of Sunderland ranked 97th in the UK, reflecting its continued sustainability action across all its campuses.

Over the last academic year, the University has taken action to ensure that it plays its part in creating a sustainable future by:

  • Generating more than 400,000 kWh of electricity from solar panels across the University’s campuses – enough to power 170 homes for a year
  • Installing almost 4,000 LED lights across City Campus, reducing electricity use by 15% 
  • Ensuring sustainability is embedded into the curriculum and teaching green skills for the future
  • Holding travel weeks to encourage staff and students to use low-carbon travel as well as partnering with Sunderland City Council to offer incentives through the BetterPoints app

Student pushing a bike along path

  • Organising various student and staff engagement opportunities including litter picks, and the development of a community garden.
  • Increasing the University’s biodiversity by planting 490sqm of wildflowers
  • Achieving the Eco Campus Bronze Award, whilst striving for silver
  • Introducing food waste recycling to catering outlets 
  • Being recognised as a Green Gown Finalist in the category of Tomorrow’s Employees for work by the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries

Keith Slater, Head of Environmental Sustainability at the University, said “It’s great to see that the actions we are taking have been recognised by this improvement in the People & Planet League. We expect this improvement to be just the start on our sustainability journey.

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Four staff members stood together
The University of Sunderland's Sustainability Team: (L-R) Sustainability Officer Laura Kerry, Head of Environmental Sustainability Keith Slater, Energy and Sustainability Officer Joanne Laughlin and Sustainability Manager Laura Middlemass.

“We have been amazed by the support we have received from staff and students from across the University over the last year, and this has enabled us to put in place some great projects which will deliver further environmental sustainability benefits over the coming years”.

You can find the full People & Planet League 2024/25 here.

Find out more about the sustainability action the University is taking here.