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 Students in the field looking at samples 

Environmental sustainability in the School of Biology

We study the living systems that climate change and biodiversity loss put at risk, so we hold our own practices to the standards our research demands.

The School of Biology is committed to addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Through world-leading research, innovative teaching and collaboration across our community, we contribute to the knowledge and solutions needed for a more sustainable future.

Sustainability is embedded throughout our work, from biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship to the way we conduct research, teach students, manage facilities and engage with local and global communities. Through these efforts, we aim to equip future generations with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to respond to complex environmental challenges and create positive change.

University targets

60% of land for nature

By 2035, 60% of University land will be managed with biodiversity as a priority.

Sustainable research

A signatory since 2024 to the UK Concordat on sustainable research: labs, travel, procurement and reporting. About the Concordat

Net zero by 2035

The University will be net zero by 2035, cutting emissions as far as possible and compensating for those that are unavoidable. Read the strategy

 

  • Research, teaching and fieldwork are central to Biology, and many of these activities require travel. From field courses and ecological surveys to international scientific collaboration, travel is often essential to how we work. At the same time, travel is one of the most significant contributors to our carbon footprint.

    The School is therefore working to reduce unnecessary travel emissions while ensuring that staff and students can continue to undertake activities that are vital to research excellence and teaching quality. This includes promoting lower-carbon travel options where practical, such as public transport and ride sharing, making greater use of online participation, and supporting informed decision-making around business travel.

    Staff and students are encouraged to choose rail over domestic flights where feasible, make use of hybrid and virtual meetings, consider the environmental impact of business travel, and incorporate sustainability into fieldwork planning.

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  • Food production is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts. Through catering and events, the School can play a small but important role in supporting more sustainable food choices.

    School events promote vegetarian and vegan catering options, helping to reduce the environmental impact of food provision while offering healthy and inclusive choices. Staff and students are also encouraged to minimise food waste, make use of reusable cups and bottles, and consider the sustainability of their food choices where practical.

    The School will continue to review its approach as guidance and best practice evolve.

  • The School seeks to reduce waste and extend the life of equipment and materials wherever possible. Staff and students are encouraged to reuse resources, minimise single-use consumables where suitable alternatives exist, and consider environmental impacts when purchasing goods and services.

    The School also supports responsible paper use through digital-first working practices and the use of recycled materials wherever practical. Sustainability considerations are increasingly incorporated into procurement decisions, helping to reduce the environmental impact of School operations.

    This includes initiatives relating to:

    • recycling and waste reduction
    • reuse of laboratory and office materials
    • sustainable procurement
    • paper and printing practices
    • energy and water use

  • The School of Biology plays a leading role in developing, delivering and monitoring the University's biodiversity ambitions. Staff and students contribute to the Biodiversity Strategy, Biodiversity Action Plan, biodiversity mapping activities and the monitoring of biodiversity performance indicators.

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  • Sustainability is embedded throughout our teaching, providing students with opportunities to explore biodiversity, conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable development through classroom learning, hands-on experience to directly contribute to sustainability initiatives.

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  • Biological research can be resource intensive. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our research and laboratory activities through continuous improvement in energy efficiency, procurement, waste management and laboratory practices.

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  • Staff and students can contribute to sustainability in many ways across the University.