Buildings and Space

We will...

Optimise workspace utilisation and efficiency 

Optimising space use means using University buildings and spaces more flexibly and efficiently, focusing on shared and multi-purpose areas, so we make the most of what we have. 

Where appropriate the University will repurpose underused areas, use technology to make booking easy and look at ways to improve how teaching and study spaces are designed, timetabled and utilised. Aligning with the emerging Estate Strategy, staff and students will notice more flexible spaces, easier access to shared facilities and potentially changes to building access hours. 

This will require accurate data, strong engagement, and investment in both smart technology and digital tools, but the benefits are significant. Over time, this approach will save money, cut emissions, and create a campus that works better for everyone.  

Embed low-carbon campus development 

Embedding low-carbon principles into campus development means making sustainability part of every decision about how we design, build and manage our spaces.

The University will look at the carbon impact of buildings over their whole life, use low-carbon design standards, and work closely with suppliers and landlords to cut construction emissions and include sustainability in leases. This will mean clearer requirements for project teams, updated business case templates, and tools to make considering carbon impact standard practice. Staff will see more efficient, comfortable buildings designed to last, while contractors and partners will be held to higher sustainability standards.  

These changes need accurate data, skilled design teams, and strong collaboration—but they will reduce emissions, lower construction waste, save money and build stronger partnerships.  

Improve building performance 

Improving building performance means making our spaces more energy-efficient and comfortable, using data and smart, low-carbon technology.

The University will upgrade buildings based on energy data, phase out gas heating, and explore solutions like heat recapture, while reducing reliance on harmful cooling gases. To do this, staff and students may temporarily operate out of different spaces and buildings to allow for energy efficiency works to take place. These changes also rely on accurate asset data, funding for retrofits, and staff training. Once complete, staff and students will experience better temperature control, improved comfort, and more reliable buildings and spaces—all supported by clear maintenance schedules and smarter controls. 

Over time, this will make our campus future ready, protect us from rising energy costs, lower energy demand, reduce carbon emissions, and create more comfortable buildings for everyone who uses them. 

Manage our external estate for climate benefit 

Managing the external estate for climate benefit means turning our gardens, grounds and farms into living examples of sustainability and resilience.

We will work with research teams and land managers across the University to improve biodiversity, store more carbon, and test low-emission farming methods. 

Staff and students will see more nature-based projects on campus and have opportunities to get involved in research that links food, carbon reduction and biodiversity.

These changes need accurate data, funding and resources but are expected to lead to healthier soils, more sustainable agriculture and a richer natural environment. Over time, this will support the University’s climate goal and create a campus that shows how land can be part of both climate and nature solutions.