ANCHORED IN THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS Our approach is guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, giving staff, students and partners a shared framework for addressing local and global challenges, keeping us accountable and focused on contributing to healthier, fairer and more resilient communities. Through the Race to Zero Universities and Colleges network, the Sustain UnConference event and community programmes, we contribute our voice and leadership to the city’s transition. STEWARDS OF THE FUTURE This strategy is about creating the conditions for our students and staff to thrive now and in the future – developing agency, nurturing character and enabling people to become thoughtful stewards of the places and professions they will shape. We are proud of our progress so far: greener buildings, a stronger delivery team, and a curriculum that reflects the world our learners will inherit. We know there is more to do, but this strategy can help us build a university that not only teaches sustainability, but demonstrates it every single day. EQUIPPING FUTURE TALENT As the economy transitions, demand for green skills and climate-aware professionals is reshaping what high-quality employment looks like. Around 80% of students believe their place of study should actively promote sustainable development, and 60% want to learn more about it. By embedding sustainability throughout our curriculum, from SDG mapping to industry-focused modules and specialist Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP, formerly IEMA) accreditation routes, we strengthen our students’ future prospects and help unlock the green skills premium. Our Centre for Sustainable Construction is already preparing learners to lead in retrofit, low-carbon building and circular-economy practices – skills our region urgently needs. Sustainability informs everything we do – from the retrofit of our award-nominated Centre for Sustainable Construction, to minimising food waste in our restaurant and learning practice, to our growing use of biodiversity analysis to inform how we design and protect green spaces across our campuses. It is also lived daily by students taking part in community projects, staff sustainability forums or international experiences that build resilience, curiosity and a sense of global citizenship. Sustainability is not a standalone workstream at University College Birmingham – it’s an organising principle that helps to shape how we educate, how we operate our estate and how we contribute to Birmingham and beyond. STUDENT ETHNICITY PROFILE – 2025-26 A B C D E F A = Asian 48% B = Black 17% C = White 21% D = Mixed 6% E = Other 5% F = Not Given 3% SUSTAINABILITY – EMBEDDED AND THREADED We are certified by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) – formerly known as IEMA. Providing globally recognised validation of skills in environmental management and sustainability. DID YOU KNOW? This gives us both an opportunity and an obligation to ensure sustainability is relatable, empowering and grounded in the real challenges and aspirations of our community. Sustainability is rooted in who we are and who we serve. As a dual further and higher education institution at the heart of one of the UK’s youngest and most diverse cities, we have a responsibility to act with purpose. We attract many students from groups historically under-represented in sustainability conversations – 65% of our students are from Black or Asian ethnic backgrounds. Around eight in ten UK students now say their university or college should actively promote sustainable development – and 60% want to learn more about it. DID YOU KNOW? UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2025–2030 15 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2025–2030 14
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