Sustainability and net zero programme is owned and monitored by the Environment Committee. It demonstrates our targets and achievements covering these main aspects:

• Minimising emissions and utility usage
• Sustainable Resource Management.
• Reducing emissions associated with travel
• Managing the estate efficiently
• Developing staff and student awareness and engagement
• Promoting biodiversity and Fairtrade.

AUB Human is a space where we celebrate social, ethical and sustainable creative practice. It connects designers, architects, filmmakers and other creative practitioners who share a desire to bring about positive change for global good

Our students and staff use their skills to engage and address some of the most pressing issues that are facing the human race today. Explore AUB Human to find out some of the ways in which our community is working together to make the world a better place.

Aligned with our sustainability and net zero programme, any development projects are designed to are designed to net zero or BREEAM standard ‘very good’ as a minimum requirement. Opportunities are also sought to lessen the environmental and ecological impact of developments. For example, a substantial reptile relocation programme was undertaken as part of our current campus development project as well as the planting of more than 100 new trees and the development of local pedestrian and cycle routes. The current halls of residence development include photovoltaics covering all roofs that contribute to the powering of an efficient electrical heating system.

We’re undergoing a campus master plan exercise that has sustainability at its core – through the repurposing of existing buildings and their materials and the use of sustainable materials for any new builds.

EcoCampus is a flexible-phased approach to introducing an EMS. We achieved Bronze certification in October 2017, Silver in October 2018, Gold in April 2019 and Platinum in October 2019.

What does an EMS do?

• Drives continual improvement.
• Lowers costs associated with utility consumption.
• Addresses sustainability issues and climate change.
• Helps to achieve sector targets.

We recognise our impact on the environment and society and want to make a difference. We want to contribute to achieving the SDGs locally, nationally and globally.

SDGs were developed and agreed by world leaders in 2015 and are split over 17 goals. These cover everything from ending poverty and hunger to achieving gender equality and inclusivity in education to urgent action in combating climate change.

To find out more about the SDGs read more on the United Nations’ website.

We’re part of the Southern Consortium Affiliation Group. That means we use the same waste contractor, aim to share best practice, find innovative ways to use the waste hierarchy and have more influence over the contract. The group is associated and acknowledged for its innovative ideas in waste management.

We’ve tried to make recycling as easy as possible. There are ‘Dry Mixed’ (DMR) recycling bins and ‘General Waste (GW) bins. The DMR is recycled, and the GW is converted to energy.

Although we’ve significantly increased our recycling rate, more can be achieved and every member of the community is vital to achieving this.

What can be recycled in the DMR?

• Paper
• Card
• Cans
• Glass
• Waxed cartons (not coffee cups) and plastics.

Our community use approximately 700 single-use coffee cups every day (term-time). We strongly encourage people to bring a reusable cup/bottle or at a minimum use a coffee cup recycling bin.

Metals enter the waste stream via the skip where they’re separated and sorted at the waste plant.

Specialist waste such as batteries and chemicals are stored separately and dealt with by Campus Services or course Technicians