Sustainability

UEL is committed to environmental sustainability

Four pillars of sustainability

We have set a target to become a net-zero carbon institution by 2030. To achieve this target, we have developed a framework for sustainability based on four foundational pillars:

  • Sustainable People

    How we engage and support our staff, students, and wider community to deliver sustainable transformation in their work and lives

  • Sustainable Place

    How we decarbonise our estate and make sure our campuses are fit for purpose of a sustainable, modern University.

  • Sustainable Policy

    How we govern and report our own sustainable transformation, and ensure we hold ourselves accountable

  • Sustainable Practice

    how we deliver our goals and ambitions through our teaching, research, and industry connections to maximise our positive impact on the world

 As a globally recognised university based in the ever-evolving East London region, we acknowledge the value of our community, including staff, students, and partners. We aim to engage the UEL community in the planning and delivery of sustainability initiatives and events, and provide opportunities for them to contribute towards improving our environmental and social impact. 

Vision

Sustainability is one of the four strategic objectives within Vision 2028. Our vision is to become a sector-leading sustainable university by:

  • Creating a Sustainable University Framework
  • Supporting a local and global just transition through collaboration, aligned with Vision 2028 and UEL’s strengths and expertise

Our vision is inspired by:

Strategic objectives

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Develop a Sustainable University Framework

Four core dimensions:

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Develop key enablers

  • Co-create KPIs aligned with a just transition
  • Curriculum and staff development integration
  • Enhanced visibility and collaboration in research
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Engage stakeholders

  • Co-create framework impact areas
  • Identify gaps, co-develop a costed action plan
  • Secure funding (e.g. Good Growth Fund) 
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Key outcomes

  • UEL-wide Sustainable University Framework
  • Embed sustainability into policies, governance, and practice
  • Improved benchmarking and sustainability reporting

Focus areas, interim KPIs and targets

Explore our work

  • Energy and carbon

    We aim to become a net zero carbon institution by 2030 and reduce our absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2030.

  • Waste management

    We aim to reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills by decreasing unnecessary consumption and increasing recycling and reusing.

  • Construction and refurbishment

    UEL is committed to designing, constructing and refurbishing buildings in ways that reduce environmental impact, support the wellbeing of students and staff, and meet recognised sustainability standards.

  • Impact and innovation

    UEL's research and innovation activities help develop practical solutions to sustainability challenges while creating opportunities for collaboration with businesses, communities and public organisations.

  • Sustainable transport and travel

    With a massive community of staff and students who travel to and from our campuses, we are committed to improving the travel behaviours of the UEL community.

  • Sustainable food and catering

    We provide a wide range of catering and hospitality services and aim to deliver high-quality food and refreshments at affordable prices.

Meet the sustainability team

  • Matt Bellgard

    Pro-Vice Chancellor Impact & Innovation

    Matt Bellgard

    Professor Matt Bellgard

    Pro-Vice Chancellor Impact & Innovation

    Matt Belgard is the main sponsor of sustainability-focused work across UEL and sits within the Management Board Team

    Professor Matt Bellgard drives UEL’s research, innovation, and sustainability agenda. He co-leads the UK Centre for AI in the Public Sector and previously directed eResearch at Queensland University of Technology. His leadership spans genomics, bioinformatics, and digital health, including chairing the APEC Rare Disease Network. He’s led multimillion-dollar projects across health, agriculture, and remote sensing. With a PhD in AI and machine learning, his work bridges academia, industry, and government to deliver impactful solutions.

    Read Professor Matt Bellgard's Profile
  • Nicola Hogan

    Head of Sustainability

    Nicola Hogan

    Dr Nicola Hogan

    Head of Sustainability

    Nicola is responsible for:
    - Delivery of UEL’s Vision 2028, with sustainability being one of the key 4 pillars of the strategy.
    - Overseeing the progression of a range of sustainable initiatives across the UEL estate, ensuring we reach our net-zero carbon target by 2030.
    - Developing a suite of environmental sustainability documents (policies, strategies and action plans) to guide staff and students on our journey.
    - Playing an integral part in the development of the RDCS and SRI, building on research happening across UEL, for a holistic and collaborative approach to being Net Zero Carbon by 2030.
    - Supporting our academic colleagues in delivering education for sustainable development.
    - Representing UEL on several external groups, each with a remit to further embed sustainability in London city planning, research and innovation, and civic engagement.

    N.Hogan1@uel.ac.uk
  • Varsha sat outside on campus

    Sustainability Officer - Engagement and Net Zero Delivery

    Varsha sat outside on campus

    Varsha Srivastava

    Sustainability Officer - Engagement and Net Zero Delivery

    Varsha is responsible for:
    - Staff and student engagement in sustainability
    - Behavioural change
    - Working on a range of projects as part of our net-zero strategy

    v.srivastava@uel.ac.uk

Get in touch

  • 2030 UEL has committed to lead by example, aiming to become a carbon net zero campus
  • See our plan