Recognition
Find out what awards and recognition the University's work on sustainability has received.
Sustainability QS World University Rankings
In 2022 the QS World University Rankings – a leading world league table for the higher education sector – introduced sustainability as a framework.
The ranking offers new insights about the varying degrees of institutional engagement with the environmental and social agenda.
2023 |
1st in the UK, 1st in Europe, 4th in the world |
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International Sustainable Campus Network

The University is a member of the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN), a body of over 90 universities from more than 30 countries who exchange knowledge and expertise on how to make universities more sustainable. They have an annual award scheme to celebrate sector leaders.
2022 |
Winner: Whole systems approach Winner of the “whole systems approach” award for our work to address the climate crisis through research, teaching, operations, governance and partnerships. |
Green Gown Awards

Established in 2004, the Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities, colleges and the learning and skills sectors across the UK and Ireland as the education sector leads a path to efficiency, employability and better quality of life all.
2022 |
Winner: Research with Impact - Student Highly commended: Money for Good Finalist: Sustainability Champion - Student |
2021 |
Winner: 2030 Climate Action (Positive Futures) Highly commended: Next Generation Learning and Skills (Students as Change Agents) Finalist: Benefitting Society (supporting local action) Finalist: Enterprise (student-led social enterprise) Finalist: Sustainability Institution of the Year Award (social and civic responsibility) |
2020 |
Winner: Campus of the Future (Biodiversity and climate adaptation) Finalist: Campus of the Future (Sports and Exercise) Finalist: Next Generation Learning and Skills: the ESSA Project |
2019 |
Winner: Campus Health, Food and Drink Winner: Total Reporting Winner: Money for Good |
2018 |
Winner: Sustainability Institution of the Year Highly Commended: Outstanding Leadership Team of the Year Shortlisted: Sustainability Champion – Student (Lizzie Rhoades) Shortlisted: Benefitting Society |
2017 |
Winner: Enterprise Shortlisted: Continuous Improvement: Institutional Change Shortlisted: Learning and Skills |
2016 |
Shortlisted: Learning and Skills Shortlisted: Facilitates and Services |
2015 |
Winner: Facilities and Services Shortlisted: Student Engagement |
Investors in People

The Department achieved an Investors in People Silver accreditation in 2017, which lasted until 2020.