A strategy shaped by the whole University

Building on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030, the Sustainability Strategy sets out a clear, practical and values driven approach to: 

• equipping students with the skills to live, work and lead sustainably
• management of how we process intentional waste
• addressing the environmental challenges facing Birmingham
• supporting the city’s transition to a more sustainable future.

“I was delighted to have been involved in the live event,” said Soham Chougale.

“The student community have a vital role to play, not just in the creation of the strategy, but in its future success.

“Students care deeply about the future they’re stepping into. Sustainability isn’t just an abstract environmental issue - it’s part of creating a fair, supportive learning experience for everyone.”

A cultural shift, not a checklist

“Sustainability is not just an idea, it’s a set of skills, habits and opportunities,” explained Rebecca Tigue, UCB’s Sustainability Lead and Sixth Form Centre Principal.

“Change happens through small actions, done consistently, by many people. The launch of our Sustainability Strategy 2025-2030 represents a clear destination, but the journey is shaped by our people, our communities.”

The strategy has also been developed in line with sector standards from organisations including the Universities UK Accommodation Code, the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), the University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) and the Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE).

It applies across the full breadth of University activity, including teaching, professional services, operations, campus facilities and student accommodation, and supports a number of ambitious strategic goals across the organisation, including alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) that already guides course content.

What next?

The launch marks the next stage of a shared journey. 

With the strategy now live, UCB moves into delivery mode: setting baselines, tracking progress and reporting on impact. This includes new sustainability governance structures, student led initiatives and cross university working groups to ensure the strategy drives meaningful change.

Over the next year, our work to improve our green spaces continues as we work to ensure our students, staff and visitors can reap the physical and mental wellbeing rewards access to green spaces can bring. Our portfolio of opportunities for staff to upskill will expand and our support for social value initiatives that bring positive change to our community, will be ongoing. We will also be looking to review our current decarbonisation efforts and where we can improve. 

Throughout all our work towards a sustainable future, we’ll be taking a proactive approach to identifying what constitutes success, alongside regular assessment and auditing of the how that success is measured.

Have you got an idea for a more sustainable practice we could adopt?

Read the strategy, find out more about our plans and get involved.