Sustainability

Why Sustainability Matters

The University of Bristol is committed to becoming a net zero carbon campus and was the first UK university to declare a Climate Emergency in 2019. At the Bristol Veterinary School, we support this commitment by working together as a community to reduce our environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.

The effects of climate change, driven by unsustainable use of natural resources and rising greenhouse gas emissions, are already being felt globally. From extreme weather events to food insecurity and climate-related displacement, the consequences are far-reaching. As a school dedicated to animal and human health, we recognise our responsibility to act.

What We’re Doing

We are embedding sustainability into every aspect of our work from research and teaching to campus operations. Our School Climate Action Plan outlines the steps we are taking to reduce our environmental footprint and foster a culture of sustainability.

Focus Areas

Our Climate Action Plan targets six key areas:

Consumption

Travel

Advocacy

Research

• We are proud to be a Gold LEAF Certified School, with 93 laboratories participating in the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF). This initiative supports sustainable lab practices, reducing energy use, waste, and resource consumption.

Teaching and Learning

Buildings and Infrastructure

• New Blagdon Building – Designed to meet BREEAM certification standards for sustainable construction.
• Dolberry Building (2009) – BREEAM_certificate_Dolberry_Building (PDF, 3,322kB), Sustainability highlights, Public Information, BREEAM Report.
• Alborada Building (Equine surgery) (2012) -BREEAM_certificate_Alborada_Equine_Surgery (PDF, 210kB), Sustainability highlights, Public Information, BREEAM Report.

Contact 

Stuart Pope 
Operations Manager & Climate Action Plan Coordinator