Embedding sustainability into our operations, education and research
Sustainability is a key pillar of the overall University StrategyLink opens in a new window. Following the recent launch of our new Environmental Sustainability StrategyLink opens in a new window, colleagues from across Warwick came together for a conference to share best practice and explore new ideas.
Read on to hear what was discussed, and how we can all play our part to reach our University sustainability goals.
More than 120 attendees heard about our renewed commitment to achieving net zero for direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 2030, as well as the progress the University is making towards becoming a truly sustainable institution. This included discussion of our Energy StrategyLink opens in a new window, which focuses on reducing energy use through improved building management, using energy more efficiently to reduce peak demand, and the continued decarbonisation of our energy supply.
The conference also highlighted how sustainability is being embedded into education and research. Warwick鈥檚 Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Action Group is driving innovation and community engagement to embed sustainability across all areas of education, from curriculum to campus culture.
As part of this we have introduced a Sustainability InductionLink opens in a new window, a 20鈥憁inute, mandatory programme for new staff. We are now exploring how best to extend this training to students and existing staff.
Professor St茅phanie Panichelli-Batalla, Academic Director (Sustainability), said:
鈥淥ur first Sustainability Conference gave us a chance to share the work taking place across our University and showed how important it is to bring education, research, operations and engagement together to build a more sustainable future at Warwick. What stood out for me in particular was the strength of the sustainability community we have here, and the passion and commitment shown by both our students and our staff. It is this collective effort that will enable us to make meaningful progress.鈥�
Parvez Islam, Director of Environmental Sustainability, said:
鈥淭his conference showed how important it is to work together across different disciplines and communities to make a real difference. By sharing our research and lived experiences, we are better equipped to turn ideas into action.
鈥淚t was encouraging to see attendees engaging in thoughtful, inclusive discussions, from education for sustainable development to global perspectives on health and justice, that are essential for driving real change.鈥�
In research, we're one of more than 35 UK institutions signed up to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, reflecting a shared ambition to lead the way in environmentally sustainable research and innovation. This means Warwick has committed to leading by example across six priority areas, including sustainable infrastructure, procurement, travel emissions and environmental reporting, with next steps focused on raising awareness, integrating these principles into our wider research culture, trying new approaches and training the next generation of researchers.
Operational sessions throughout the day showcased our commitment to supporting a circular economy, including the collection of 9.5 tonnes of items during the 2024/25 student move鈥憃ut period, and explored responsible procurement, making space for nature, and other practical actions delivering real impact across campus.
Playing your part
Learn more about sustainability at Warwick.
Whether it鈥檚 embedding sustainability into your planning, joining our biodiversity projects, or simply logging your actions on Warwick Green Rewards, discover the many ways you can help us reach our targetsLink opens in a new window.