SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Research
The University of East London’s Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) delivers pioneering sustainable IT research. A notable example is UEL’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Techbuyer, an IT hardware solutions provider focused on circular economy practices within data centres. This partnership, a finalist at the UK KTP Awards 2022, created innovative modelling capabilities to boost energy efficiency and sustainability by encouraging the use of refurbished hardware.
The research assessed the performance and energy efficiency of various server models, revealing that refurbished servers could match, and in some cases surpass, the capabilities of new ones. This finding has helped Techbuyer explore new market segments, supporting both economic and environmental benefits. The collaboration, led by UEL’s Professor Rabih Bashroush, an expert in data centre sustainability, provided crucial insights into how IT systems can reduce costs while lowering environmental impact, furthering UEL’s mission to foster responsible production practices across industries.
Teaching
UEL’s MSc Civil Engineering with Environmental Management programme includes a dedicated module on the circular economy and sustainable materials, equipping future engineers with essential knowledge and skills to tackle the global issue of construction waste and resource management.
With a focus on circular economy principles, this module teaches students to consider the lifecycle of construction materials, promoting recycling, reuse, and waste reduction within the construction cycle. Students learn to apply life cycle assessments, environmental systems analysis, and lifecycle management to make informed decisions that reduce carbon footprints and contribute to a more sustainable construction industry.
By fostering an understanding of sustainable practices in material choice and usage, UEL prepares engineers to make responsible, impactful contributions to the industry. This aligns with the University’s Vision 2028 strategy, emphasising real-world solutions and sustainable development across all sectors.
Operations
In 2023, UEL launched two impactful initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption on campus. The University installed water refill stations across its Docklands and Stratford campuses, each equipped with a digital bottle counter to track every refill. These stations, offering free drinking water for staff, students, and visitors, have already eliminated more than 335,000 single-use plastic bottles. Additional refill stations without counters further contribute to this impact.
Also launched in 2023, UEL’s #DitchtheDisposable campaign encourages students and staff to replace single-use cups and containers with reusable options. In partnership with Aramark, UEL offers discounts for those who bring their own containers, alongside a small fee for disposable items to promote sustainable choices. Reusable containers and cups are available for purchase on campus, with convenient wash-and-return options, making it easier for the UEL community to adopt eco-friendly habits. Together, these initiatives highlight UEL’s commitment to responsible consumption and production.
Outreach
Launched in 2022, the innovative Rubbish Game is an award-winning initiative that educates students and the local community on proper waste disposal. The interactive game encourages responsible recycling, tackling the issue of “wish cycling” - the practice of recycling incorrectly in the hope items will be processed.
Created by UEL’s sustainability, facilities, and communication teams, the Rubbish Game uses everyday waste items for players to sort into bins, earning points for correct disposal. Based on frequent recycling mistakes, this engaging activity has reduced contamination in UEL’s recycling efforts, reaching record levels of uncontaminated waste at 55 per cent in 2022. The initiative’s success led to its expansion in partnership with Newham Council, where more than 150 local families participated. It is set up and played at Open Days, UEL student events such as Freshers Week, and annual showpieces such as the Winter Fair, providing an interactive way to promote sustainability across the campus community.
Awarded the prestigious Green Apple Environment Award, this no-cost, high-impact program is a practical example of UEL’s holistic approach to sustainability, aligning with its 2030 Net Zero strategy and fostering environmental stewardship within the University and beyond.