Sustainability at Hull

We know that it’s the next generation of young people who will bear most of the brunt of the climate crisis – your generation. And for us, your future is and always has been our priority.

This is how we’re doing our bit for the planet.

Platic Pledge volunteers, Humber Street Sesh

We're aiming for carbon neutral by 2027

We’ve already reduced our carbon emissions by 46%, so we’re making good progress. But we know there’s much more to do.

The majority of our carbon emissions are from our production and consumption of energy, so we’re transitioning to renewable sources of energy and we’re finding new energy efficiencies by upgrading our campus and facilities.

We will also…

• Improve recycling and waste management
• Reduce single-use plastic use
• Reduce water consumption
• Embed sustainable procurement
• Improve biodiversity on campus
• Support colleagues to make sustainable travel choices

Carbon neutral by 2027

Sustainable and socially responsible food

According to the UN, food production accounts for around one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions globally. This means we all need to think carefully about what we eat – especially as our choices often have social ramifications.

We’re helping support marginalised farmers in the developing world by using and promoting fairtrade products wherever possible.

We also recently won the Soil Association Food for Life Catering Bronze award for the Myton Servery in Staff House. This means that food service has successfully met a number of criteria, including not using GM ingredients, seasonal menus with clearly-marked produce, and meat from farms satisfying UK welfare standards. This approach will be improved and rolled out to other outlets on campus.

Eats, Hull University Union

Putting you at the centre of our sustainability policy

We’re always open to hearing new ideas about environmental management and sustainable good practice. If you want to get involved, you’ll have the chance to see first-hand what the university is doing and make change through volunteering and placement opportunities.

Here are some of the initiatives you could get involved in…

• Car-Share – we’ve partnered with Liftshare, the UKs largest car sharing host. Although currently we’re only offering this to staff via a soft marketing launch, we’re aiming to also include students via a more dedicated campaign following the start of the new academic year.

• University Allotments – we have allotments available for both staff and students. Advice and assistance is available via our grounds team.

• NUS Student Switch Off campaign – we’re looking for new student ambassadors for this year’s Green Week campaign to help reduce energy and waste in our student accommodation.

• Bike Hub/Green travel – we offer a subsidised bike hire service with opportunities for students to learn about maintenance under a professional engineer.

Want to know more?

We want to be as transparent as possible. See more information on our current environmental and sustainability policies – including our Ethical Investment Policy, Biodiversity Action Plan and Carbon Management Plan.

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