Sustainability
Our role isn’t just to prepare the next generation for the future. It’s to make sure there is a future. We explore new ideas and put these to work for the benefit of people and the planet.
Shaping a healthy, sustainable and inclusive world
Through education, research and innovation, we’re building a fairer, brighter and better future for all.
We’re leading the way in areas such as renewable energy and flood resilience, palliative and wound care, and the fight against modern slavery.
Every day, we strive to make a difference to the lives of people across our local, national and global communities.
We’re tired of bad news. So we’re doing some good.
We research hope. Taking unconventional approaches to tackling the planet’s and society's biggest challenges. Every day, our researchers are creating new thinking and launching new endeavours to change individual lives and humanity’s shared future.
Environment
If not us, then who?
The climate crisis demands action. Our researchers work with partners and industry to seek sustainable solutions for the future of our planet.
We’re propelling fossil fuels into the past – enabling the transition to offshore wind and other clean energy solutions. Our research is also helping to reduce flood risks, protect hundreds of thousands of homes, and help people recover more quickly from devastating flood events.
Community Waterscapes
Community Waterscapes is a public digital archive of Hull’s water heritage and local history. This digital story map captures the lived experiences of Hull residents and their relationship with water. Through stories, photos and landmarks, it highlights the city’s vulnerability to flooding and the cultural significance of its watery landscapes. The project is helping to raise awareness of climate-related flood risks and encouraging communities to contribute to future flood resilience planning.
Flood and coastal erosion rising star
Dr Kate Smith was awarded the Women in Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Rising Star Award for her interdisciplinary research on water, landscape and identity. The award recognises early-career academics in the field of flood and coastal erosion risk management, who have proactively influenced and promoted gender equality, diversity and inclusion. Dr Kate Smith’s work with the Risky Cities team explored how public art can drive climate action and included a performance at COP26.
Hull Centre for Sustainability and Olympic Legacy
Our Centre brings together interdisciplinary research on athlete wellbeing, climate impact and the role of sport in society. We support athletes beyond elite competition by improving understanding of life after sport, while advancing more sustainable practices across high-performance environments. Our work helps athletes and organisations take meaningful climate action, strengthens how carbon is measured and reported in sport, and explores the environmental impact of athlete care, including respiratory treatments.
Veterans Careers Programme
Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, our Veterans Career Transition Programme in partnership with Hull 4 Heroes supports veterans and their families in transitioning to fulfilling civilian careers. Drawing on our academic expertise and Hull 4 Heroes’ community connections, we’re helping participants unlock their potential and build new futures.
Human Living Library
We believe stories have the power to change minds and hearts. That’s why we created the Human Living Library: a space where staff, students, and alumni share their lived experiences to challenge stereotypes and build understanding. It now has over 40 powerful stories, including the inspiring “This is Me” series, developed with our Disability Staff Network.
Shortlisted for the Inclusive Culture Initiative Award at the Inclusive Awards 2024
Wound Innovation Centre
Supported by a £16M Research England investment and match funding by industry partners including Reckitt and Polaroid Therapeutics, our £48m Wound Innovation Centre (WIC) is a world-class facility advancing diagnostics and treatments for chronic wounds. Research carried out at the WIC is helping to transform the quality of life for people across the world who are living with chronic wounds.
ColliderFest
ColliderFest is Hull’s STEAM festival celebrating the fusion of science, technology, engineering, art, and maths. Over four days, webring together school children and families through talks, performances, installations, and hands-on experiences, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a sense of possibility in everyone. Our flagship festival helps to deepen Hull’s relationships with key local industries, foster student engagement, and showcase the very best of the University research talent.
IntoUniversity centres
A partnership between IntoUniversity, the University of Hull and the University of York, our Grimsby and Bridlington centres support disadvantaged young people in accessing higher education. Building on the success of our Hull centre, our new centres help underrepresented groups reach their full potential through after-school workshops, mentoring, academic support and enrichment activities.
Our campus
Taking big steps to reduce our footprint
One reason we've thrived for so long is because we’re always looking ahead. As well as working tirelessly to retain the natural, historic beauty of our campus, we’ve evolved to be a greener, more sustainable place to live and work. Each step we’re taking now will have a positive impact on the next hundred years and beyond.
We’ve learned to love the rain...
Did you know our Brynmor Jones Library is catching the rain? Thanks to our rainwater harvesting system, we’ve collected over 180,000 litres of rainwater – enough to flush the library toilets 29,790 times without using a drop from the mains. That’s 82 flushes a day powered by Hull’s famously rainy skies.
...and save on dry days too
Our rooftop solar panels have been busy. In fact, they've been known to generate nearly 230,000 kWh of clean energy in 12 months. That’s enough to power 85 homes for a whole year. Every sunny day is a win for the planet.
How do you make labs greener? With LEAF.
We’re making our labs leaner and greener with the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF). A total of 13 labs have already earned bronze accreditation, and 17 more are on their way. It’s all about reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and sharing best practice across our research community.
Social Justice
How do you stand up to injustice? Together.
We believe everyone should have the chance to reach their true potential. Together with our industry partners, we're helping to make the world a place in which we all feel valued.
Our research into criminal and social justice, equality and diversity, gender and health, influences policy and develops measures to prevent harm caused by violence, slavery, terrorism and other forms of injustice.