University secures top 5 in south east for sustainability

In the newly published UK’s People & Planet University League the University is fifth in the south east outside of London and has climbed three places to 38^th overall, out of 149 institutions.

The People & Planet University League is an award-winning sustainability ranking which assesses UK universities on their environmental and ethical performance. The rankings assess universities against 14 criteria.

The University, which was awarded a 2:1 for its results, performed particularly well in six categories where it scored 70% or over, achieving 94% for Education in Sustainable Development, 80% for Staff and Student Engagement and 75% for Waste and Recycling and Carbon Reduction.

Professor Obas Ebohon, Dean of the Academy for Sustainable Futures, said: “This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication and collaborative spirit of our entire University community, particularly the Academy for Sustainable Futures team. Their tireless work to embed sustainability across our curriculum, operations, and engagement activities demonstrates our genuine commitment to Vision 2030. Rising to 38th nationally is gratifying, and validates the University’s position as a leader in environmental stewardship."

In 2022 the University launched the Academy for Sustainable Futures, part of its commitment towards educating, advocating, and influencing a drive towards sustainable futures. In the past year, the Academy for Sustainable Futures has been involved with a number of projects, including:

• hosting the second annual COP29@CCCU programme, with ten activities and events for staff and students to get involved with, including the Climate Escape Room Challenge, in which 70 staff members competed for first prize
• supporting the inclusion of sustainability to be written in all new academic modules and curriculum redesigns
• numerous student-led activities, such as the Navigating Disabilities talk run by the Student Green Office and the work of the student society, and the Greenhouse Project, which grows vegetables on campus to share with the CCSU Student Food Pantry.

For 2025 the Academy will continue its work through its various community, research, educational and environmental projects, including a Sustainability and Spirituality Symposium hosted in September 2025, a Student Green Office’s sustainable student cookbook and the development of a new university-wide sustainability strategy.

Find out more about the Academy for Sustainable Futures and how you can support sustainability at the University.