ßäßäÊÓÆµ

Sustainability

group of people looking around an open space an allotment

At the ßäßäÊÓÆµ, we are committed to tackling climate change, restoring and enhancing biodiversity on our urban estate, and reducing and using resources responsibly.

These interconnected priorities shape a whole university approach that influences our decisions, strengthens our governance, and drives meaningful action across estate operations, education, research, and campus life.

Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our approach is working to ensure that these commitments translate into coordinated actions and measurable outcomes. 

Some of our highlights from the 2024–2025 academic year include:

  • Silver Eco Campus accreditation
  • 7.82% reduction in total waste produced compared to the previous year, with only 4.91% of total waste sent to landfill
  • 26.05% reduction in gas consumption due to our new Building Management System
  • 10 audits completed, covering both habitats and waste
  • Energy use across 6 buildings is now offset by our on-site solar generation

Together, working with our partners and students, we are building a responsible, resilient, future-focused university.

The Team

Justine Oakes

Justine is Head of Strategic Estate Management, and has been an environmental professor for more than 20 years.

Tim Clemons

Tim is the Sustainability Manager for our Estates team.

t.clemons@uos.ac.uk

Thomas Heathwaite

Thomas's role is principally concerned with developing and accelerating the implementation of the ßäßäÊÓÆµâ€™s Climate Action Plan.

Nigel Lucker

Nigel is Chief Estates Officer and has worked in facilities and estate management in retail, embassies abroad and for British Transport Police.

Engaging with students and staff

Explore our latest sustainability updates, including current opportunities to get involved, as well as past news and events.

Sustainability news and events

This snapshot highlights our ßäßäÊÓÆµ’s sustainability performance during the 2024–2025 reporting year.

Silver

Eco Campus accreditation

2025
7.8%

Reduction in tons of waste produced compared to the previous year

2024-25
7.24%

Decline in electricity usage due to our Building Management System

2024-25