Introduction

We are committed to protecting the environment and continually improving our environmental performance through our certified ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

What we are doing

Windmills in a field, surrounded by blue sky.

We are working hard to embed a culture of sustainability across our University and become a net-zero carbon institution by 2030.

Our aim is to become a leader in environmental and sustainability management by preventing pollution, complying with environmental legislation and striving to improve our sustainability performance.

We have developed relevant strategies to deliver our commitment to improving environmental and sustainability performance. This includes strategies for carbon, waste, travel and sustainability.

Ealing's Walpole Park

Our achievements to date include:

  • Achieving EcoCampus Platinum (ISO14001).
  • Reducing carbon emissions by 60% in 2020, based on a 2005 baseline.
  • Declared a Climate Emergency in 2020.
  • Founding signatory of the One Planet Pledge initiative and targeting to become a net-zero campus by 2030.
  • Making a continuous investment in energy efficiency and waste management projects.
  • Sustainable Restaurant Association awarded The Pillars Restaurant a 3-Star Food Made Good certificate in 2023.
  • 1st class award in the 2023/24 People & Planet University League. UWL is in the top five sustainable universities in London, the top 10 of modern universities, the top 10 of modern universities for carbon reduction and the top 10 of universities for sustainable food.

Environmental policy and strategy

Offshore wind turbines are pictured rising out of a blue ocean. The sky is clear blue and the turbines can be seen disappearing into the horizon.

The latest version of the Environmental Policy was approved in July 2023, and it demonstrates our commitment to reducing the University’s environmental impact.

Our Environmental Management System is used as a tool for reducing environmental impact and continually improving environmental performance.

The University's Environmental Sustainability Strategy has been developed to address the requirements of the University Strategic Plan and to achieve the strategic objective to be net zero carbon by 2030.

The Environmental Policy and Environmental Sustainability Strategy is reviewed and updated annually by the Environmental Operations Group.

Sustainability team

a group of people at sunset

The Sustainability team work to bring staff and students across the University together to tackle issues surrounding climate change and the environment.

The University manages a wide range of services and therefore it is of great importance to us that we continue to improve the environmental performance of our estate and operations while increasing positive action toward a sustainable future among our staff, students and visitors.

  • Vice-Chancellor and Senior Management Group

    The University’s sustainability programme is governed by the Board of Governors who set the vision for embedding sustainability into academic, research, and operation.

    The main Executive Committee is the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive (VCE) who is responsible for the strategic planning and the academic focus of the University and for drafting and approval of all key corporate documents, including the Environmental Policy. 

    The wider forum for leading operational matters is the Senior Management Group (SMG).

  • Sustainability Management Board

    The Vice-Chancellor’s Executive (VCE) is supported by the Sustainable Management Board (SMB). The SMB is accountable to the VCE for the delivery of sustainability-related activities in accordance with the University’s strategic plans and other external reporting obligations. The SMB is responsible for implementing the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SMB is comprised of representatives from the Heads of Professional Services, the Heads of Schools, and the UWL Student Union. It is chaired by Dr Suresh Gamlath, Pro Vice Chancellor (Business Development), a member of VCE. Members also are the Sustainability Champions for their respective Schools and Departments, encouraging al staff to participate in sustainability activities.

    Members of the SMB include:

    • Adeel Rajput, Head of Strategic Procurement
    • Dr Amelia Au-Yeung, Dean, Claude Littner Business School
    • Andrew Preater, Director of Library Services
    • Dr Bamo Nouri, Senior Lecturer and UNAI Lead, School of Human and Social Sciences
    • Claire Willitts, Director of Property Services
    • Davinder Sarai, Advisor, Procurement
    • James Edmunds, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor & Dean, London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism
    • Dr Jen Mayer, Head, School of Human and Social Sciences
    • Dr Jessica Frye, Head of CELT
    • Joshua Heming, University Secretary, Academic Registrar and Director of Academic Quality and Standards
    • Lucy Avery, Communications Officer, Marketing & Communications
    • Vacant, Head of Environmental Sustainability
    • Neil Henderson, Director, HR & Organisation Development
    • Professor Nicholas McKay, Director, London College of Music
    • Paul Lohneis, Head, School of Film, Media & Design
    • Peter Cross, Senior Lecturer in Food Business and Nutritional Sciences
    • Dr Peter Stiernstedt, Deputy Head, School of Human and Social Sciences
    • Philip Ells, Head, School of Law
    • Professor Richard Morgan, Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences
    • Roseanna Donnan, Student Experience Manager
    • Sara Raybould, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience)
    • Dr Suresh Gamlath, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business Development)
    • Tom Levitt, Associate Lecturer, Claude Littner Business School
    • Tracy McAuliffe, Director of Student Services
    • Tye McMahon, CEO, Students’ Union
  • Sustainability Team

    The people listed below assist with UWL’s day-to-day environmental sustainability activities:

    • Amber Gardiner, Operations Manager, Soft FM Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Claire Willitts, Director of Property Services
    • David Ball, General Manager (M&E)
    • Efrat Tadmor, Deputy Director of Property Services
    • Liz Evans, Administrator
    • Lucy Avery, Communications Officer
    • Mohamed Ahmed, Head of IT Service Delivery
    • Muhid Goni, Site Catering Manager
    • Vacant, Head of Environmental Sustainability
    • Nicholin Reed, Operations Manager, Soft FM Facilities & Waste
    • Peter Cross, Senior Lecturer in Food Business and Nutritional Sciences
    • Peter Mugford, Technical Services Advisor (Energy)
    • Rudolph Ahmed, Ground Maintenance Manager
    • Dr Suresh Gamlath, Pro Vice Chancellor (Business Development)
    • Dan Skelton, Environmental Sustainability Officer

    You can contact the University’s Sustainability Team at environment.sustainability@uwl.ac.uk.

    Our Student Union has a network of Sustainability Champions. Visit our sustainability network page for more information.

  • Financial Resource

    We are dedicated to investing in our campus to build a sustainable living environment. Funding for sustainability related initiatives is made available through a mix of internal funding as well as external funding available to public sector organisations.

    In June 2019, the University participated in the GLA Retrofit Accelerator-Workplaces programme by investing £800,000 into energy saving measures. The energy saving measures included LED lighting upgrades, BMS optimisation, variable speed drive installation, pipework insulation, boiler upgrades, and building fabric improvements. The works deliver carbon savings of 350 tCO2 per annum.

    In January 2021, the University has been successful in a bid for a £5.1m government funding to help improve our sustainability performance. The funding supports a project of retrofitting our buildings with low carbon heating, lighting and ventilation systems. The fact that we were successful despite the fund being oversubscribed is a testament to the strength of our proposals and our commitment to reducing the University’s environmental impact. Learn more about our decarbonisation project.

    In 2022, the University is investing over £1.8m in deep retrofit projects to improve the energy efficiency of existing and new sites. Some of the energy efficiency measures include replacing inefficient ventilation and cooling systems, replacing fluorescent lighting with LEDs with intelligent control systems, and asset replacement projects that improve the environmental performance of building fabric and energy systems. The works also include the ongoing retrofitting of Cavendish House, a new site purchased by UWL in April 2022, that will be upgraded to at least a 'D' EPC rating once the works are completed by September 2022.

  • Environmental Operations Group

    The Vice-Chancellor’s Executive (VCE) is supported by the Environmental Operations Group (EOG). The EOG is accountable to the VCE for:

    • Development of the University’s net zero carbon strategy and action plan.
    • Maintenance of internal and external accreditations, and reporting obligations related to environmental sustainability.
    • Delivery of actions in accordance with the University’s strategy plan and external requirements.

    The EOG covers all aspects of environmental sustainability and any other measures as determined by the VCE or externally.

    The EOG is comprised of representatives from the Heads of Professional Services, the Heads of Schools, the UWL Student Union and on-site contractors. Representatives from the Unison and University and College Union (UCU) trade unions are members of the EOG. It is chaired by Claire Willitts, a member of VCE. Members also are the Sustainability Champions for their respective Schools and Departments, encouraging al staff to participate in sustainability activities.

    Members of the EOG include:

    • Amber Gardiner, Operations Manager, Soft FM Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
    • Claire Willitts, Director of Property Services
    • Dan Skelton, Environmental Sustainability Officer
    • David Barnes, Health and Safety Manager
    • Davinder Sarai, Procurement Manager
    • James Concannon, Branch Chair, Unison
    • Joshua Heming, University Secretary
    • Mohamed Ahmed, Head of IT Service Delivery
    • Mohid Goni, Site Catering Manager
    • Vacant, Head of Environmental Sustainability
    • Nicholin Reed, Operations Manager, Soft FM Facilities & Waste
    • Laura Paval, Hospitality and Culinary Arts Manager
    • Robert Vaughan, Branch Treasurer, UCU
    • Dr Suresh Gamlath, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business Development)
    • Yasmin Shaw, Commercial Manager and Sustainability Lead, UWL Student Union

Careers and employment

An employer meeting a potential employee or student

The employability focused teams at the University of West London are the Careers and Volunteering Services, as well as the Placements and Employments Services. They work together to help UWL students develop skills and access opportunities to go on to have successful fulfilling lives. The employability teams are not part of a combined careers service.

Student and staff engagement

UWL is supporting several initiatives aimed at increasing student and staff engagement. Have a look at our Sustainability Engagement Strategy for more information about our plans to encourage a positive behaviour change by cultivating a culture of conscious environmental responsibility amongst staff, students and the local community.

View our environmental sustainability engagement strategy

  • Student Induction – Welcome Talk

    Ariel shot of green and yellow fields. Through the white fluffy clouds, you can see wind turbines dotted over the fields.

    During the student induction process, all students will be given an overview of sustainability and climate change during the Welcome Talk presentation. View the student induction on sustainability slideshow (pdf, 1.18mb).

  • Linkedin Learning - Students

    All UWL students have access to over 13,000 courses taught by industry experts, with many new courses added weekly. With a vast library of high-quality courses taught by industry experts, LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of topics, including sustainability and climate change. This platform allows you to engage in self-study on a wide range of professional and academic skills.

    Please find a few selections of Linkedin Learning courses that you may be interested in (please note, you'll be expected to log in with your details):

    You can access the full list of courses by logging into LinkedIn Learning website.

  • Climate Fresk

    Climate Fresk logo with a tagline "All the cards are in your hands!"

    The University partners with Bouygues Energies & Services to deliver several Climate Fresk workshops to staff, students and the local community such as the University of the Third Age. The Climate Fresk workshop is an interactive and collaborative activity. Through a shared understanding of the mechanisms at work, Climate Fresk enables individuals to have an open and positive conversation about climate solutions.

    UWL’s objectives for the Climate Fresk workshop:

    • Participants to learn about the fundamental science behind climate change
    • Leave participants well-equipped to implement science-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation
    • Empower our staff and students to take action in reducing their own emissions

    For more information about the Climate Fresk, contact the Sustainability Team: environment.sustainability@uwl.ac.uk.

  • Sustainability Code of Conduct

    UWL recognises that students have a significant impact on environmental and sustainability performance and encourages all students to adopt a sustainable lifestyle that will benefit them both on and off campus. UWL has identified 12 areas where students can have the greatest impact in addressing the climate crisis (see 'Sustainability: on the Path to Net Zero' below).

Sustainability: on the path to net zero

Vegetables in wicker baskets at a market. Includes broccoli, green beans, courgettes, tomatoes and carrots.

Student life can be quite busy sometimes – managing your study workload, social life, commuting and any part time jobs or volunteering you might do on the side. Trying to watch your carbon footprint or worrying about the environment on top of that might seem quite overwhelming.

But now, as the discussion of climate change, plastic waste and being sustainable becomes more relevant, it’s so much easier to try and be more eco-friendly. There are some very simple things you can do as a student, alongside your busy schedule, to be more sustainable and eco-friendlier. Little changes are better than nothing and will help you create a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and enhance your career prospects!

Living more sustainably tends to encourage a healthier lifestyle too. So, here are the Top 12 Rules you could use to become greener:

  • 1. Bring a reusable cup to university

    Nothing gets you through a 9am lecture like grabbing a coffee or something hot to drink. But did you know the UK throws away around 2.5 billion disposable cups a year. Instead of contributing to that number, consider investing in a reusable mug or drinking thermos and get your coffee, tea or hot chocolate to go in one of them.

  • 2. Watch your water use

    It’s very easy to forget how important water conservation is and studies state that the demand for water globally is set to exceed supply by 40% by 2030. UWL has water fountains located across its campus sites, but there are plenty of ways you can save water, like taking shorter showers, avoiding small clothes washes, and turning all your taps off.

  • 3. Bring a reusable water bottle

    We use so much plastic from buying bottled water instead of reusing old ones when we could be carrying a more permanent solution. Did you know that an average person uses 1,460 plastic bottles per year. With average life span soaring to 80 years, you could be saving £14,000 in your lifetime with a reusable water bottle. 

  • 4. Consider taking notes electronically

    Thankfully, the world is now digitally focused, and your studies can be, too. You’ll save money (and stop wasting paper) on purchasing notebooks and flashcards if you begin to electronically take down what you need to remember in class.

  • 5. Need a weekend outfit? Try second-hand

    London is fantastic for picking up second-hand and vintage fashion, with Ealing having some great shops which you can check out! Freshers' weeks and society nights at university can mean wanting to grab a new outfit to impress but buying clothes second-hand is a lot better for the environment. If charity shops aren’t your thing, try downloading DEPOP or Vinted where others sell their clothing and accessories they no longer need.

  • 6. Forget about plastic bags

    The negative impact of plastic bags has been discussed for years and thankfully since the introduction of the 5p charge, studies reckon the sale of plastic bags has gone down. Help keep those numbers down by using reusable bags when you do your food shop! Numerous shops across London and Ealing sell reusable bags, and you will receive a reusable tote UWL branded bag so you can use it again and again without spending any money.

  • 7. Eat more veggie meals

    Although this is something that might divide opinion – scientists have stated that cutting down on meat and dairy is a guaranteed way to be more eco-friendly. Understandably, some days after a long study session you might just want a Big Mac or a cheesy pizza more than anything. However, if you want to be a bit better to the environment, try cutting down on meaty meals. There’s plenty of choices throughout Ealing and around campus to allow you to do that.

    See the Love Food Hate Waste website for more information on how you can reduce your food waste.

    See also: Six Tips to Help You Eat More Sustainably

  • 8. Save electricity

    Sources of electricity such as coal are depleting, so it’s important to be mindful of electricity use and make adaptations so we can preserve sources while we find sustainable alternatives.

    Methods of saving electricity are quite simple: don’t use unnecessary lights, unplug electronics such as chargers and printers and try to limit the use of your washing machine. Dress appropriately for the weather too to avoid unnecessarily using a fan or electric heater.

    See also: Tips for Saving Energy With Your Mobile Phone

  • 9. Only buy what you need

    Consumerism has everyone believing that we need to buy everything in the store. We as consumers spend over £1 trillion every year on goods and services, accounting for over 60% of the UK economy. By only buying what you need, you reduce waste processing because you’re not generating as much waste.

  • 10. Clear out your emails

    Although it is obvious using email prevents paper waste piling up and also helps everyone speed up important communication, but storing countless emails actually consumes energy. According to one study, if every single person in France deleted 50 emails, the energy savings would be equivalent to turning the Eiffel Tower’s lights off for 42 years. So, it’s a great idea to make a habit to clear out your junk folder every week and delete old emails when you can.

  • 11. Walk or bike more

    In addition to helping you live a healthier lifestyle, trying to cut down on driving or public transport can help the environment and save you a lot of money as well. This is a great way to eliminate fossil fuel use in the UK. There are lots of cycle hoops installed around campus to keep your bikes secure.

    If you are currently a student at UWL and are looking for ways to get more active, you could sign up for a membership at our UWLSU Sports and Fitness Centre. Plus there are many different sport and activity clubs for you to join, check the UWL Students' Union sport pages to find one that interests you. Or why not take a look at The UWLSU Moves+ is an app that rewards you for being active! It allows students to record how active they are and connect with other individuals who also want to increase their physical activity levels.

  • 12. Spread the word - caring is cool

    To protect the environment as a student is a high point in establishing a ‘cool’ reputation among other students.

    The university provides you with an opportunity like no other, and as a student you can influence others to make meaningful changes, changes we should all make in our everyday lives.

    By working with people and demonstrating the importance of the environment, we can take responsibility for our actions and make a difference.

    And be aware that businesses are becoming more environmentally conscious, so showing you’re passionate about the environment could help you land a job when you finish your degree, and it can also help build those life skills that are required when you begin working.

Student sustainability projects

A UWL student is stood behind a table with information about the universities sustainability actions. There are bins and tote bags and leaflets on the table.

Sustainability at Freshers Week

During Freshers Week, UWL runs a campaign to raise awareness about climate change and give advice to students on how to life a sustainable lifestyle on campus and beyond. This is a great chance for students to learn more about pro-environmental behaviours.

A group of UWL students are standing next to a table full of information about the universities green policies. There are labeled bins and tote bags and leaflets on the table.

SOS-UK and British Academy’s Sustainability Impact Projects

UWL students participated in the SOS-UK and British Academy's SHAPE Sustainability Impact Projects in October 2021. Our students have received a grant of £10,000 to implement ideas that address real-life sustainability issues in the London Borough of Ealing. The projects will investigate issues such as fast fashion and unsustainable food production/distribution. Ealing Council is supporting the projects, which will run until July 2023.

Staff engagement

A business meeting in a contemporary boardroom

Staff onboarding

UWL is dedicated to encouraging active participation in sustainability among our staff. As part of the staff onboarding process, all employees are given a presentation on sustainability. The presentation provides an overview of the climate change crisis and how to improve the University's environmental performance. 

The UWL Sustainability Staff onboarding information can be viewed here.

A seminar at the University of West London

CPD – Sustainability and climate action

All UWL staff have access to over 13,000 courses taught by industry experts, with many new courses added weekly. Courses provide in-depth subject detail and are made up of short videos, so you can learn an entire topic or learning path from start to finish, or simply learn how to do a specific task. There is a specific collection of courses on sustainability and climate action that has been created by the Sustainability Team.

Environmental Management System

buildings

Since 2013, the University has had an Environmental Management System (EMS) against the EcoCampus standard to provide a framework for managing our environmental responsibilities efficiently in a way that is integrated into all our operations.

EcoCampus is a national EMS and award scheme for the higher education sector. The scheme allows universities to be recognised for addressing key issues of environmental sustainability, including carbon reduction.

EcoCampus award for the phased implementation of an Environmental Management System.

The University gained external certification of EcoCampus Platinum Award (which is equivalent to ISO 14001:2015) for the EMS in December 2020. The certification covers all activities across our campus sites including St. Mary’s Road, Paragon House, Fountain House, Vestry Hall and Villiers House.

As part of our commitment to continually improve environmental performance, the University appoints external consultants to undertake environmental audits of our activities and sites prior to the external certification audits. This ensures we maintain impartiality throughout the auditing process. The last environmental audits were undertaken in August 2020.

Environmental Management System

If you require an accessible version of our EMS documents including environmental audit reports, please email: environment.sustainability@uwl.ac.uk.

Ethical investment

Small plant growing out of money coins

The University is committed to the highest standards of openness, integrity and accountability. It has approved a Code of Ethics which members of the University are required to abide by at all times.

The Finance Committee approves the Investment Policy which prescribes investment periods, investment limits per counterparty and credit rating thresholds.

The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for compliance with the Investment Policy by monitoring the credit ratings of approved counterparties, advising the Finance Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee of investment opportunities and perceived investment risks and advising any requirements to revise credit rating limits. 

  • Our investment policy

    The University is committed to investing its surplus cash funds on a responsible basis. The University’s investment policy is guided by ethical values and the need to manage Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks in achieving this objective. The University will not invest in organisations that primarily demonstrate: 

    • Institutional violations of human rights, including the exploitation of the workforce and use of child labour.
    • Discriminatory practices.
    • Explicit environmental damage.
    • Bribery and corruption. 

    More information about the University’s investment and ethical banking policies can be found on our policies and regulations webpage

     

Carbon management

Factory polluting the air with smoke rising up into the sky.

All climate models show increasing global temperatures beginning shortly after the industrial revolution and increasing rapidly within the last 50 years.

This has produced an unequivocal scientific consensus that the Earth's climate system is warming, and that climate change is a result of human activity.

Scientific research also agrees that we must act to reduce current levels greenhouse gas emissions and that global temperature increases need to be kept below 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

  • Rationalisation and modernisation

    Through rationalisation and modernisation of our estate and buildings, as well as significant investment in technologies, UWL has made substantial progress in reducing carbon emissions. It should be noted that we do not have halls of residences. We are proud to be ranked in the top 25 of English universities in the carbon reduction table.

  • Carbon reduction in 2020

    We overachieved in delivering our 2020 carbon reduction target by reducing absolute carbon by 60% compared to the 2005 baseline (originally, we targeted a 50% reduction).

  • Net zero carbon campus by 2030

    In order to continue this progress, we have recent declared a Climate Emergency and became a founding signatory of the One Planet Pledge in order to demonstrate our commitment to become a net zero carbon campus by 2030. This target covers all scopes 1, 2 and 3 and we have already made great progress through our decarbonisation project.

    Read our recent Success story

  • Decarbonisation project

    UWL is one of the most sustainable universities in the UK.  During summer 2021 we delivered a government-funded decarbonisation project that will save over 500 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

    Our campus is now powered by more renewable energy than ever before, but this progress will go to waste unless we all take steps to help UWL go green.

    That is why we are asking the UWL community to back the UWL Go Green campaign and pledge to:

    1. Recycle more
    2. Create less waste
    3. Conserve energy
  • Carbon management plan

    We are currently updating this plan to include actions on what we will do to become a net-zero carbon campus and will share the information with the University community once the plan has been approved by the Board of Governors.

    The University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy shows the scopes 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions and its commitment to net zero carbon by 2030. The strategy also includes a high-level action to reduce carbon emissions.

     More information about our carbon management plan can be found below:

  • Staff and students' environmental responsibility

    Staff and students have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that seeks to enhance the environment, and everyone can “play their part” by adopting the following behaviours during their time at University:

    • Switch off lights, computer monitors, printers, and other equipment (where it is safe to do so) when you have finished using them.
    • Read documents on-screen, only print when necessary and choose the option to print on both sides of the paper. More information about printing can be found in the Printing and photocopying policy and guidance for students on the policies and regulations page.
    • Reuse items where possible before placing them in waste and recycling bins.
    • Use the recycling facilities available throughout the campus to dispose of waste.
    • Reduce single-use plastics, eg cutleries and bottles, and instead choose re-usable options. Contact the Student Union to purchase your own UWL-branded re-usable water bottles and coffee cups.
    • Choose alternative sustainable travel options instead of driving solo for short journeys, eg walk, cycle, bus, train or car-share.

Workers rights and procurement

  • Reward package

    The University offers a range of benefits to recognise and reward the essential contribution our staff makes to our success and growth. This includes providing competitive salaries and cost of living increases.

    The University is officially recognised as a London Living Wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation, in line with its commitment to equality. 

  • Equality and diversity

    The University is committed to providing and supporting an inclusive environment that promotes equality and diversity. We are proud of our diverse community where all can reach their full potential and flourish, whatever their background. The University is known for having excellent staff diversity in the country.

    The University has signed the ‘Can’t Buy My Silence Pledge' to show it is committed to not using non-disclosure agreements for complaints about sexual harassment, bullying and other forms of misconduct. More information about our Pledge can be found on their website.

  • Sustainable procurement

    The University aims to work with suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services it procures whilst still ensuring best value. All those involved in a procurement exercise must ensure that environmental factors are considered in purchasing decisions where applicable to the goods, services or works required. 

  • Procurement decisions

    Procurement decisions should seek to ensure that goods and services purchased:

    • do not cause significant damage to the environment

    • do not consume a disproportionate amount of energy

    • minimise waste, including no unnecessary packaging

    • avoid the use of materials derived from threatened species or environments

    • support the principles of fair trade

    • do not involve the unnecessary use of or cruelty to animals

    • are definitely needed

    • are selected in accordance with whole life costs and benefits

    • are where possible durable, recyclable, repairable, refillable or reusable as appropriate

    • do not emit unacceptable levels of toxic or polluting substances during their production, use or

    • disposal

    • are bought from suppliers who can demonstrate sound environmental practices if requested

    • do not endanger health.

  • Active engagement

    UWL continues to benefit from membership of and active engagement in a number of cross-sector organisations including:

    • Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC) that is affiliated to Electronics Watch.
    • Crown Commercial Services (CCS/G Cloud).
    • London Universities Purchasing Consortium (LUPC).
    • The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA).
    • The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO).
    • University and Colleges Information Systems Association (UCISA).
    • Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT).
    • Eduserv – for the purchase of software licences.
    • British Universities Finance Directors Group (BUFDG).
    • Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC).
    • Universities UK and Guild HE.
    • Southern Internal Audit Partnership with Hampshire County Council.
    • HE Shared Legal – legal services provision.
    • Higher Education Procurement Association (HEPA).
    • Academic Registrars Council (ARC).
    • NHS – TDS Framework.
    • The Association of Managers in Higher Education Colleges (AMHEC).
    • The Energy Consortium (TEC).
    • The Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).

    Using frameworks helps universities to buy smarter. Members can use frameworks and support services to make sure their procurement activities deliver value for money to students, staff, and wider communities.

    The University has access to most public sector frameworks and can compliantly call off the frameworks for goods and services.

  • Fairtrade

    The University’s catering is outsourced to Elior which is a Fairtrade certified company. The majority of the products we have on-site have the Fairtrade Mark and includes products such as coffees, teas, cakes and snacks.

Sustainable food

The University maintains its responsibility to promote healthy and sustainable food to our staff, students and visitors. Our Sustainable Food Policy is focused on the provisions and procurement of food by our contract catering supplier Elior and the educational activities in the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism.

We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance, especially in the area of sustainable food. The University is a member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association and Peas Please Pledge, and is working hard to continually improve its ranking in these external reporting schemes.

An overhead shot of a table full of vegetables, including broccoli, leek, carrots, onions and corn.

The Sustainable Food Policy is monitored annually by the Environmental Operations Group and is reviewed by the Vice-Chancellor. 

The procurement of food and suppliers is undertaken according to the University’s Procurement Policy which also includes requirements for sustainable procurement. 

Sustainability policies, publications and work

students grouped around computer

The University is committed to including both staff and students in delivering a sustainable and net-zero carbon campus.

Specific actions related to engagement programmes can be found in the relevant strategy document for each sustainability-related theme, alongside information on our online magazine, outsourced work and student union:

Education for sustainable development

Logo for United Nations Academic Impact

United Nations academic impact

In May 2021, UWL signed up and became a member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI). The UNAI is a vast network of more than 1400 institutions in more than 145 countries, an initiative of the Outreach Division of the United Nations Department of Global Communications. UNAI aligns institutions of higher education with the United Nations in supporting and contributing, through research and education, to the realisation of the organisation’s goals and mandates, namely through undertaking activities related to the ten UNAI Principles.

  • UNAI membership

    Members of UNAI are required to undertake at least one activity per academic year that supports one or more of the UNAI principles or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and report this activity to UNAI to remain a member in good standing. This is done through the submission of an annual activity report. Yearly activity reports are required to maintain UWL’s UNAI membership.

    The purpose of the activity report is to encourage students and academics to implement and practice United Nations principles at the grassroots level. The activity report also serves as a source of ideas for other members, the general public and United Nations Member States.

    The ten UNAI principles are as follows:

    1. A commitment to addressing issues of poverty through education.
    2. A commitment to building capacity in higher education systems across the world.
    3. A commitment to educational opportunity for all people regardless of gender, race, religion, or ethnicity.
    4. A commitment to encouraging global citizenship through education.
    5. A commitment to the opportunity for every interested individual to acquire the skills and knowledge, necessary for the pursuit of higher education.
    6. A commitment to human rights, among them freedom of inquiry, opinion, and speech.
    7. A commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding, and the “unlearning” of intolerance, through education.
    8. A commitment to advancing peace and conflict resolution through education.
    9. A commitment to promoting sustainability through education.
    10. A commitment to the principles inherent in the United Nations Charter.
  • Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

    It is evident that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is embedded within the principles of the UNAI, and therefore significant that in March 2021, the QAA and Advance HE published a significant update on their 2014 guidance for ESD. The launch of the 2021 ESD guidance highlighted the need for curriculum development and design to provide students with the knowledge, skills and attributes to address some of the social, economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century. The alignment to the 10 UNAI principles is clear.

    Every year, UWL holds a Festival of Learning and Teaching event to educate academic and professional services staff who play a key role in training our students. The festival provides a space to discuss current challenges, share best practice and celebrate the innovations and achievements in relation to the following themes:

    • Innovations in authentic teaching and assessing practice
    • Collaborative approaches to embedding employability in the curriculum
    • Supporting employability skills through extra-curricular innovation and practice
    • Sustainability within and of curriculum design and development

    In addition to the above, all academic staff are given an overview of education for sustainable as part of the new staff sustainability onboarding process. During the sustainability presentation, staff are provided with guidance on how to embed sustainability into teaching and research.

  • Teaching and research in sustainability

    The University of West London aims to undertake research that contributes ‘useful knowledge’ and has an impact on society. To develop our research expertise and provide the University with an enhanced capacity to support the submission of research and consultancy bids, our research is clustered in interdisciplinary research centres. Some of these centres directly address UN SDGs as follows:

    • Richard Wells Centre: The centre’s research into patient care and infection control is renowned in the UK and internationally and has been included in national guidelines to support clinical practice.
    • The European Institute for Person-Centred Healthcare: The centre’s work focuses on research with informs new approaches to the management of chronic illness that is personalised, integrated and contextualised.
    • The Geller Institute for Ageing and Memory: delivers research that informs and improves the quality of care and support for people living with dementia, their families and health and social care staff caring for them.

    We also have a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that cover sustainability and climate change. These include:

  • Sustainability in learning

    Students are at the heart of the University’s mission, and they are a key driver in the transition to a more sustainable future. UWL students and academics have used education-based projects to make significant contributions to sustainability.

    Final year Advertising and Public Relations students created the ‘EQUALS campaign for west London based food charity, City Harvest to reduce food insecurity and protect the planet by diverting, nutritious, edible surplus food from waste and redistributing it to those facing food poverty.

    Undergraduate students of the Fashion Business course developed an initiative to promote clothing swaps to reduce the quantity of clothes ending up in landfill sites. The ‘Next Stop for Fashion’ was developed by UWL students with funding from the British Academy and SOS UK. The Next Stop for Fashion event, is aimed to inform and inspire local people in Ealing to change the way they engage with fashion. Find out more about UWL's The Next Stop Fashion event.

    Business students applied their skills and learning to deliver a consultancy project for Chiswick Business Park that is home to leading companies including QVC, Discovery, Starbucks and Danone. The project was developed by UWL’s Fresh Minds for Business, an award-winning student-led consultancy programme working with businesses in west London to support growth, competitiveness and resilience. The students delivered practical recommendations on how Chiswick Park can align their current environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, identifying good practices and delivering a clear set of recommendations. Find out more about UWL's Earth Day initiative.

  • Sustainability across the curriculum

    The University remains committed to the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI). This academic year, UWL also formally adopted the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework to provide a meaningful learning experience to students that enables them to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development through a holistic and transformational curriculum that empowers them to make informed decisions and responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society, for present and future generations, while respecting cultural diversity. Implementing the framework through the University’s Academic Quality and Education Review processes will involve new mechanisms for systematically tracking progress and providing adequate and relevant development opportunities for academic staff. Courses across a range of subject areas and disciplines incorporate elements of sustainability in their curriculum.

    At the School of Computing and Engineering (SCE), this is achieved through specialist modules such as Sustainable Technologies for Building, Sustainable Development of Built Environment, and Sustainable Civil Engineering.

    The School of Health and Human Sciences (SHHS) proactively incorporates sustainable development across its curricula, making notable contributions through its Education Studies and the MA Global Black Studies, Decolonisation, and Social Justice.

    The London School of Film, Media & Design (LSFMD) incorporates several key sustainable development themes, notably Responsible Consumption and Production, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities, across the range of its courses and subject areas.

    The London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism (LGCHT) integrates sustainability across a broad range of its teaching and learning, including purposely developed specialist modules in sustainability: Responsible Value Chain Management, Sustainable Food Systems, Managing Sustainable Tourism, Aviation Technology and Innovation, Sustainable Menu Design, Responsible Tourism and Aviation.

    The Claude Littner Business School (CLBS) incorporates Sustainability Reporting to its Accounting and Finance courses and delivers a specialist module on Urban Economics and Climate Change. The MSc in Finance and Sustainability brings environmental, social, and governance issues into the education of finance professionals.

  • Community education

    A number of educational events, including public lectures, exhibitions, and open workshops, on a range of topics are made available to the general public to attend free of charge. UWL’s educational outreach activities engage with the local community to deliver useful skills and knowledge to those not at university, including free English speaking and writing courses for the local community at Ruskin College, Oxford.

    Academics and students at the London College of Music (LCM), through the Future Noise project, interact with local schools and further education institutions to develop music talent and offer consultancy and specialist tutoring in music production for music written by school students.

  • Living Lab

    The West London Food Innovation Centre (WLFIC) supports companies with new and existing formulations and/or reformulations, line extensions, and help make cost improvements to produce products.

    Together we can turn innovative ideas into winning products using our product development kitchen, science lab and sensory evaluation facility.

    Our expert team at the WLFIC combines science and culinary expertise, which can help bring concepts to products in our facilities enabling companies to re-produce the concept successfully.

    Technical lab

    We have a range of equipment that measures, characterises and analyses the structure, texture and physical properties of food and beverage products. This information can then be used at early product development stages, during formulation and/or during benchmarking of other products. Other services include shelf-life and nutritional analysis.

    Product development kitchen

    Our product development kitchen is extensively equipped with high performing equipment to facilitate the product development process, from standard equipment right through to equipment for novel prototype development across various categories.

    Sensory analysis

    Our sensory analysis facility includes:

    • 6 tasting booths
    • Controlled lighting, interior and airflow

    The University is helping the development of meat alternatives through the West London Food Innovation Centre which works with local businesses to develop viable products.

    Through the West London Food Innovation Centre, the University has partnered with At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy to undertake research and testing into meat alternative food. The University will aim to find a source of upcycled food material that will be tested and experimented with to develop into new food products.

    More information about the food innovation lab can be found here.

  • CPD – Sustainability and climate action

    All UWL staff have access to over 13,000 courses taught by industry experts, with many new courses added weekly. Courses provide in-depth subject detail and are made up of short videos, so you can learn an entire topic or learning path from start to finish, or simply learn how to do a specific task. There is a specific collection of courses on sustainability and climate action that has been created by the Sustainability Team. View and access the LinkedIn courses.

Biodiversity

A photo of earth taken from space.

UWL is dedicated to preserving and enhancing biodiversity, and it uses its Environmental Management System as a tool to continuously improve its environmental performance. The University is keen to share best practise management of its urban green estate, and the information provided below is useful in demonstrating how the University is protecting biodiversity.

  • What is biodiversity

    Biodiversity is the variety of life found in a specific location on Earth. This encompasses all of life, including the kingdoms of animalia, plantae, and fungi. It could be the Amazon Rainforest, the African Jungle, the Siberian Tundra, or the Australian Grasslands, but it could also be your local park, back garden, or meadow; all these systems combine to form what we call 'biodiversity.' 

    According to the ‘State of the World’s Plants and Fungi’ report produced by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, up to 39.4% of plants are threatened with extinction, and the UK only has about half of its original biodiversity intact. The loss of biodiversity is likely to be occurring at a faster rate than botanists' ability to discover new species. 

    Biodiversity can be impacted by a variety of factors, including climatic variation, pollution, and over-exploitation, as well as simple habitat loss, particularly in large city agglomerations. The vicious cycle of biodiversity loss can be broken, if not reversed, by implementing sustainable practices throughout the food system and increasing local biodiversity levels through projects like the UWL Memorial Garden. 

  • Our food systems rely on biodiversity

    Biodiversity has an immediate impact on human life as we know it. Organisms would be unable to interact with one another and produce food for us if it did not exist. Plants, fungi, and animals all coexist in a symbiotic relationship, sometimes unconsciously, but they all contribute to and rely on their shared environment. 

    The diversity of life is also important in ensuring food and nutrition security. Sufficient agrobiodiversity (agricultural biodiversity managed by cultivators of land and food) can help to halt the progression of soil depletion and erosion, nutrient loss in edible crops, and can help to protect our food systems from other factors such as climatic changes and disease, as well as contribute to an overall balance in the natural environment. 

  • How UWL contributes to biodiversity increase

    UWL promotes increasing biodiversity through multiple sustainability initiatives and by offering a range of courses orientated around the issues that contemplate sustainability and the depletion of the Earth’s resources. 

    The Memorial Garden is a prime example of how to develop local biodiversity hubs in urban areas. The project has over 55 native plants, some of which are edible and are used by our student chefs. 

  • Inter-organisational collaboration

    UWL is also actively engaged with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on discovering innovative solutions for improving agrobiodiversity and the sustainability of our food systems. This collaboration was established through a PhD project entitled “Increasing Food & Nutrition Security through Diversification of the Supply Chain with Forgotten Edibles”, which involves cooperation with various enterprises and individuals from across the agricultural and food sectors, in hope of facilitating inter-sector communication for the feasible increase of agrobiodiversity.

  • What is in our Memorial Garden?

    The Memorial Garden was designed in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Cultivate London, and Nicola the Gardener. The purpose is to create a space for native plants, insects, and fungi, leading to increased biodiversity and thriving micro-ecosystems, for their and our survival. 

    Bug hotel: 

    We partnered with a local charity, Cultivate London, to create our custom-made bug hotel. With natural habitats under increasing pressure and many already lost or damaged, a bug hotel provides a home for insects and in return, the insects will increase biodiversity, pollinate plants, and prey on pests. We used dead wood, hollow tubes, straw and hay, dry leaves, loose barks, and cardboard to create the perfect home where small creatures can escape from predators and bad weather. 

    Flower bed: 

    Our flower beds have been custom-made with sustainable timber. Flowers have an important role in our eco-system; they feed insects, birds, animals, and humans; they provide natural medicines for humans and animals; they aid in plant reproduction by enticing bees, butterflies and pollinators. Flowers benefit the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. We have a range of plants including acanthus spinosus, snowdrop anemone, astrantia, male fern, Echinacea purpurea, and hellebore. We have displayed signs made from sustainable wood that have the origin, Latin and common name for each plant. 

    Edible food garden:

    Our vegetable and fruit beds have been custom-made with sustainable timber. Food grown locally is more nutritious and better for the environment. We have planted thyme, rosemary, mint, oregano, broad beans, garlic, strawberries, raspberry, blackcurrant, and blackberries. 

    Bird houses: 

    Our birdhouses have been sourced from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and are all made from environmentally friendly FSC timber. Birdhouses provide a safe place for birds to build their nests, protected from the elements and predators. In the winter months, they give visiting birds a place to snuggle together for warmth away from the cold air. Birds are important members of many ecosystems. They play a vital role in controlling pests, acting as pollinators, and maintaining island ecology, relevant to the UK. In addition, birds are important to humans in many ways, such as serving as a source of food and providing fertiliser in agricultural settings. 

    Bat houses: 

    Our bat boxes have been sourced from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and are all made from environmentally friendly FSC timber. Bats play an important role in the ecosystem as they pollinate plants and need a safe place to roost and raise their young. Interesting fact: bat droppings are full of nutrients and are good as a fertiliser. 

    Seed bank: 

    Globally, it is estimated that 40% of plant species are vulnerable to extinction. A seed bank is a form of insurance; a way of maximising the number of plant species we can save from this fate. Seed banks are therefore crucial in fighting food poverty. Our seed bank has been hand-made using sustainable and weatherproof wood to ensure durability for the future. 

Energy, water and waste

The decarbonisation project reduces the University’s gas consumption down by 95% and the majority of our heating is provided by electric ground and air source heat pumps across our estate.

A large pile of glass bottles to be recycled

Waste

The University is committed to implementing best practice in environmental management in order to improve its sustainability performance.

This includes addressing key environmental impacts areas such as carbon emissions associated to waste volumes.

As a large institution, it is inevitable that the University generates waste as a result of its operation.

  • Too Good To Go

    In collaboration with Elior, the University is a member of the Too Good To Go initiative that enables students and staff to purchase surplus food at the end of the day at reduced prices which supports reducing food waste and also helps with the current issues around potential food poverty.

    • Speak to a member of staff at The Heart for more information about Too Good To Go
Close-up of water splashing.

Water

The University is committed to becoming a net-zero carbon campus by 2030. This requires us to reduce water consumption and increase water efficiency.

Over the last couple of years, the University has invested in upgraded its water infrastructure which includes the installation of sensor taps in high usage areas. However, there is still a lot of work needed to reduce carbon emissions associated with water usage down to zero.

The University will be working on developing a new water strategy to identify measures that will reduce water consumption and deliver a net zero carbon campus.

We are also committed to providing free drinking water to staff and students. Please use the water fountains located throughout our campus sites and help us to reduce single-use plastics on site. 

  • Ways to reduce water consumption

    The below is a list of actions you can do to support the University to reduce its water consumption:

    • Only use the water you need and do not waste it. Ensure taps are turned off. Don't overfill kettles or let taps run when they are not being used. Only boil the amount of water you need to have a hot drink.
    • Report all leaks that you see to Helpdesk - the costs of leaving a dripping or leaking tap, even for a few days are high.
    • If your Department has any push taps, check the timings to ensure that they are not left running for too long.
    • Avoid running the tap until the water runs cold - collect and use to water plants or keep it in a reusable bottle in the fridge so you always have access to cool drinking water.
    • Let your grass grow – this provides shade for the soil and helps retain water.
  • Ways to be energy efficient

    • All computers and monitors can be shut down especially when you go for a short break.
    • TV screens and departmental controlled AV equipment can be switched off.
    • Switch off personal printers at the socket.
    • Any shared or network printers can be switched off and ensure sleep modes are enabled.
    • Turn off all non-essential equipment at the plug.
    • Equipment left on standby can still consume energy so switch off at the socket.
    • Switch off lights whenever you are the last to leave – never assume somebody else will do it.
    • Turn down thermostatic radiator valves.
    • Switch off portable heaters and fans at the socket.
    • When boiling the kettle, use only the water that you need.
    • Ensure all windows and doors are shut firmly.
    • Check all refrigerator doors are sealed and shut.
    • Shut the sash on fume cupboards when not in use.

Recycling

By putting the right waste in the correct bin, you will be playing your part by diverting waste going into landfill to reduce negative environmental impact. You will also play an important role in increasing our recycling rate.

Throughout our campus, you will see bins with 3 different coloured signs; green, grey and red.

  • Green

    Put all mixed recyclable waste items (paper, cardboard, cans, and plastics) in the green bin. Remember to empty all content (food and liquid) before placing it in the bin, otherwise, it will contaminate the whole bin bag and all the items that could have been recycled will end up going to landfill.

    Green mixed recycling sign.
  • Grey

    Put all other waste, excluding mixed recyclables, in the grey general waste bin. All items contaminated by food and liquid such as coffee cups, lids, paper food containers, and wrappers should go in the grey bin.

    General waste grey/white sign.
  • Red

    Put all food waste in the red bin. All our food waste is incinerated to make energy that is then used to power many residents’ homes in the UK.

    Food waste red sign.
  • Green

    Put all mixed recyclable waste items (paper, cardboard, cans, and plastics) in the green bin. Remember to empty all content (food and liquid) before placing it in the bin, otherwise, it will contaminate the whole bin bag and all the items that could have been recycled will end up going to landfill.

    Green mixed recycling sign.
  • Grey

    Put all other waste, excluding mixed recyclables, in the grey general waste bin. All items contaminated by food and liquid such as coffee cups, lids, paper food containers, and wrappers should go in the grey bin.

    General waste grey/white sign.
  • Red

    Put all food waste in the red bin. All our food waste is incinerated to make energy that is then used to power many residents’ homes in the UK.

    Food waste red sign.

Travel

Our locations in the London boroughs of Ealing and Brentford are served by excellent public transport links and there is a range of sustainable transport options available to both regular and occasional visitors to our sites. 

University of West London shuttle bus outside Paragon House

We encourage all students, staff, and visitors to choose walking, cycling, and public transport when travelling to our sites for work and study. These remain the most environmentally friendly and healthy forms of transports.

To help reduce the detrimental effect of cars on the environment, car parking on our sites is restricted. Please note that parking is not available for visitors and students before 5pm (unless by prior arrangement).

  • Information for cyclists

    The University has facilities to encourage staff and students to cycle regularly between our campuses. We have a high number of cycle storage racks as well as shower facilities across our campus in St. Mary’s Road, Paragon House, and Fountain House. 

  • Schemes to promote sustainable travel

    The University offers several travel measures and schemes to staff and students, including: 

    • Season ticket loans: we provide interest-free loans for season tickets to promote the use of public transport for travelling to the University.
    • Cycle-to-work scheme: this scheme enables you to save up to 42% on the cost of a bike.
  • Our shuttle bus service

    The University provides a free shuttle bus service for students and staff between Ealing Broadway station and our Ealing and Brentford sites.

  • Car parking

    There are a very limited number of parking spaces available at our campuses. Staff parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and staff must be in possession of a valid parking permit. Blue badge holders may park at any time and students with disabilities who are not blue-badge holders should contact Student Services in the first instance. 

    Please note that parking is not available for visitors and students before 5pm (unless by prior arrangement). Visiting Blue Badge holders should contact the Facilities Helpdesk prior to coming to campus.

Get involved

There are many ways for members of the UWL community to support our sustainability initiatives – both through events on campus and in your everyday activities.

A few examples of our recent environmental sustainability events included:

More information about our events can be found on our News section.

Reduce environmental impact with energy efficiency, water efficiency, sustainable travel, sustainable food, and through our Student Union's Sustainability Network where you can take more action to implement sustainability initiatives at the University.