Oxford Brookes University rated first class for sustainability in People & Planet rankings
The University is ranked 22nd out of 149 UK universities and was awarded a ‘First Class’ certificate for its green commitments.
Oxford Brookes achieved top marks in three of the judging criteria: engaging students and staff in sustainability initiatives; employing dedicated expert staff experts to lead sustainability efforts; and excelling in environmental auditing, which assesses the University's efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
Professor Joe Tah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Oxford Brookes, and lead for Major Projects and Sustainability within the Vice-Chancellor’s Group, said: “This is an amazing achievement for Oxford Brookes and a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability. I am incredibly proud of this milestone, which underscores our passion for creating a more sustainable future.
“As a modern, forward-thinking university, our sustainability credentials remain at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to our goal to achieve net zero in Oxford by 2040. Our work doesn’t stop here, we will continue to pursue our environmental targets with determination and purpose.”
Oxford Brookes’ excellent sustainability reputation
Earlier this year, the University’s Green Impact team, based on the Swindon Campus, was named winner of the ‘Environmental Improvement Award’ at the Green Impact National Awards 2023. At the same ceremony, graduate student Emily Palmer was named winner of the ‘Student Leadership Award’ for her sustainability work on campus, and staff member Lisa Hill won the ‘Sustainability Hero Award’ for her commitment to advancing sustainability efforts.
In May, the University announced the installation of brand new solar panels that will reduce carbon emissions by 55 tonnes each year. The solar panels have been installed at three separate locations, including at two student halls of residence, and will provide up to 18% of the overall electricity used in the buildings.
In 2022, Oxford Brookes became the first UK university to have a state-of-the-art Geo-Exchange heating system operational on campus. The pioneering development introduced a heating system that replaces fossil fuels and will ultimately reduce carbon emissions on campus by 20%.
More information on Oxford Brookes’ sustainability work can be found on the University website.