Sustainability is the practice of meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Sustainability encompasses environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability.
Our planet faces challenges like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, and by adopting sustainable practices, we can reduce our impact, conserve resources, and create a more equitable and prosperous future.
The United Nations has established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
As an individual, sustainability and the SDGs are important because they address fundamental aspects of life that affects us all, directly or indirectly. As a global citizen, we are all encouraged to think beyond our immediate environment and consider our impact on the world.
The University has a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, and we recognise our key role as educators and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, underpinning our operations, research and academic programmes. But we cannot achieve our goals alone. Each and every person is a vital piece of the puzzle on this journey towards a greener world.
Let's explore 6 perspectives on how you can take simple yet powerful actions in your daily life.
At Oxford Brookes, we are committed to achieving ambitious recycling targets:
In Oxford, waste is sorted into 3 main categories: general waste, mixed recycling, food waste. There are also special recycling bins for hazardous waste, such as batteries and vapes.
By 2040, our goal is to become a net-zero carbon organisation where only unavoidable emissions are offset. Every small step you take helps us get closer to our net-zero goal. Here are a few tips on how you can make a difference:
Ethical food standards, like Fairtrade, ensure better prices and working conditions for producers. Brookes is the world's first Fairtrade University since 2003. On campus, you can find Fairtrade products such as coffee, tea, bananas, and chocolate. Look for the Fairtrade logo when you shop and make a positive impact with your choices.
Farming animals is a devastating contributor to deforestation worldwide and generates about 15% of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.
But no, it doesn't mean you have to give up meat. Making the choice to consume less animal products is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact.
Have you ever thought about the environmental impact of your transport? A few sustainable way of travelling in Oxford:
Biodiversity abounds at Oxford Brookes, we are busy supporting the wild side of sustainability. Did you know, Oxford Brookes is the first university in the world to install bee-centred Freedom Hives. You can see our tree-mounted hive and a ground mounted hive at Headington Hill campus. In 2024, new bee and bug hotels were established in our halls of residence as part of the ‘Halls go wild’ project. Find out where Air Bee 'n' Bees are located and visit them next time when you are passing by.
Wildflowers are planted across sites to promote flora diversity and attract local pollinators. Our Green Impact Swindon Campus team won the Environmental Improvement Award 2023 (a Green Impact national award ) for their transformative rewilding project. The project not only supported biodiversity but also created a welcoming outdoor space for staff and students to enjoy.
You can find more biodiversity volunteering opportunities in Oxford on our Volunteer Portal.
There are a variety of options available throughout your modules to gain knowledge and skills to enable you to address sustainability challenges.
Oxford Brookes subscribes to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). Your tutors look to include the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and aspects of social responsibility across all programmes.
We want to hear your ideas and for you to be part of our sustainability journey to become a greener, fairer and socially responsible university.
You can augment your understanding and experience beyond your studies by engaging with activities and extending your own network. There are many opportunities, such as:
Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for protecting the environment and securing a better future.
Explore some of the sustainability groups and organisations in Oxford such as:
You can also find a lot of volunteer opportunities on Brookes Volunteer Portal.
There are many sustainability events and campaigns held throughout the academic year. Here are a few examples.
Waste? No waste! No Waste Week will be held in conjunction with National Recycle Week, a campaign aimed at inspiring everyone to recycle the right things.
As part of the No Waste Week at Oxford Brookes, Cherwell Collective will display the one-of-a-kind interactive exhibit showcasing the stages of textile production and industry through the ages.
Students from the Oxford Brookes Business School and Centre for Nutrition and Health work together on an innovative digital cooking competition to help address the problems of food waste.
This March we will hold our first-ever Oxford Brookes Sustainability Expo, bringing together groups from across the University to celebrate and showcase the amazing work happening in sustainability.
Earth Day, the world's largest environmental celebration, returns on Saturday 22 April. To mark this, Oxford Brookes will be hosting a range of campus activities on Tuesday 18 April.
This year Fairtrade Fortnight is from 27 February to 12 March 2023, but we are kicking it off early with a Fairtrade and Sustainable food fair on 22nd February.
