Energy Supply, Water and Waste

We will...

Shift to zero-carbon energy supply 

Shifting to a zero-carbon energy supplies means changing how the University powers its campuses—moving away from fossil fuels and toward renewable sources.

We will review how we purchase electricity, increase the share from renewables, and work with partners to build renewable energy projects on and off campus. Staff and students will start to see clear signs of our sustainability work like solar panels and other renewable installations on campus, while behind the scenes our energy systems become cleaner, smarter, and more reliable. 

These changes rely on accurate data, strong supplier and local authority partnerships, and investment in infrastructure. Over time, this shift will save money, create opportunities for research and learning, and support regional and national decarbonisation. 

Reduce environmental impacts of water supply and sewerage 

Reducing the environmental impacts of water use means managing water more carefully across the University.

We will create a plan to cut water use, look at ways to reuse grey water and rainwater. This will include fixing leaks, replacing old taps with low-flow ones, and installing metering in buildings to track and reduce consumption. Staff and students will see better water systems and clear guidance on how to use water responsibly; while behind the scenes, we will develop our monitoring ability, collecting the data needed to verify our use and support efforts to limit future consumption at the present level. This will allow us to protect the environment, support our community, and from 2030 allow us to start exploring concepts such as water neutrality in future developments, where future expansion would place no additional strain on local water supplies. 

Over time, this will save money, strengthen our environmental and civic stewardship and help create a campus that is ready for future climate challenges, including droughts. 

Reduce carbon impacts of waste collection and treatment 

While improving circularity will drive down waste, it is also important we reduce the carbon impacts of waste collection and treatment. This means changing how we handle rubbish so less goes to landfill or incineration and fewer collections are needed.

We will work with staff, students and contractors to recycle more and adjust collection schedules to cut unnecessary trips. Staff and students will see clearer signs, better recycling bins, and tidier waste areas.  

Over time, this will lower costs and emissions, improve air quality, and make campus cleaner, safer and healthier. To achieve this, we need strong engagement from staff and students and close collaboration with local waste contractors.