Sustainable Place
How we decarbonise our estate and make sure our campuses are fit for purpose of a sustainable, modern University
Estate decarbonisation
While the University is currently engaged in a variety of decarbonisation projects, we are working on formalising our approach in an Estate Decarbonisation Policy and Plan (EDP). The purpose of the EDP is to provide an overview of how UEL intends to replace fossil-fuel reliant systems with appropriate low-carbon alternatives in line with the guidelines of the Low Carbon Skills Fund and other best-practice guidelines. The fundamental aspects of this plan are:
- Review of current energy consumption, energy intensity, building fabric, building use, hot water, heating and ventilation systems
Collation of recently completed and ongoing energy reduction measures. Here's what you can do...
Switching off and plugging out
- Please switch off any electrical devices when not being used: laptops, PCs, phone chargers, light switches, desk and floor lamps, kitchen equipment etc.
- When you’re the last to leave the office, please switch the lights off.
- Reminder: plug-in heaters and hairdryers are not allowed in offices.
- Dress for the weather: layering up to stay warm and peeling off to cool down.
- Review of the estates and capital development strategies to ensure that all recommended decarbonisation projects are aligned with these strategies and plans
- Recommended building-level and campus-level decarbonisation and associated projects.
- Our Carbon Sequestration Policy provides a framework by which we will deal with our residual carbon emissions once all good faith efforts have been made to reduce our carbon emissions as much as possible through efficiencies and behaviour change engagement.
Scope 3 emissions
The Sustainability Team is committed to continual understanding and measurement of our scope 3 carbon emissions, which make up the majority of UEL’s overall carbon emissions. You can learn more about our currently benchmarked scope 3 emissions in our most recent annual sustainability report.
Connected Campus
Connected Campus is UEL’s £20M+ investment programme to improve our three campuses by creating more pioneering, vibrant and welcoming spaces. Sustainability is at the heart of the ethos of the programme, and the Sustainability Team works with our UEL Projects and Estates Development Team to embed sustainability into all projects.
Our current focus is on the Stratford Redevelopment project, which will see several new buildings constructed on UEL’s Stratford Campus, both academic and residential. This is an exciting opportunity to construct to Net Zero standards and be both innovative and creative when thinking about how Universities can align new buildings with their existing net zero and sustainability goals.
Siemens partnership
UEL’s partnership with Siemens has recently driven energy efficiency initiatives on campus, such as the installation of LED lighting across all campuses, as well as solar panels and EV car chargers.
Waste reduction
The Sustainability Team works closely with our UEL Facilities Team, who are responsible for waste management on campus. Together, we have collaborated on initiatives designed to increase awareness of proper waste disposal on campus, including re-designing our recycling and general waste bin labels, placing signage in all student residence kitchens, and trialling food waste bins in student and staff kitchens.
Sustainable travel
Our Sustainable Travel Policy is designed to improve the travel behaviours of the University of East London, reduce the need for travel, and encourage staff, students, and visitors to choose more sustainable travel modes. The policy aims to encourage more active, healthy and environmentally friendly travel decisions, and to assist the surrounding communities by reducing traffic congestion and the associated harmful effects on the environment from single-car usage and higher carbon-emitting modes of travel.
The Sustainability Team is currently working on expanding our policy into a detailed Travel Plan for both Docklands and Stratford campuses.
Biodiversity
UEL is committed to not just maintaining the status quo when it comes to development and biodiversity, but to biodiversity net gain, or delivering measurable improvements for biodiversity by creating or enhancing habitats in association with development. Any development projects must deliver on biodiversity net gain to be considered by our Projects and Estates Development Team.
Additionally, the Sustainability Team is working with UEL’s Sustainability Research Institute to update the University’s Biodiversity Action Plan, making full use of the in-house knowledge and expertise of our SRI team.
Both the Stratford and Docklands campuses are in close proximity to urban green spaces - enjoy the outdoors for better mental health and well-being.
In addition to the existing UEL Community Garden, we have added several other hotspots of greenery, relaxation, and well-being on campus. Wildflower Garden by Sports Dock, Reflection and Relaxation space by Docklands Library and a Natural Dye Garden to enable Textile Technicians to perform research and experiments using Natural Dyes from plants.
Community Garden Funding
The University of East London was awarded a grant award of £14,500 by Newham Council to support our community garden initiative as a part of their People Powered Places Programme. This grant represents a significant milestone in our efforts to cultivate vibrant, sustainable spaces that bring people together and promote healthy living. The grant was used to renovate our existing Polytunnel, improve wayfinding signage, expand current growing spaces, and enhance gardening facilities to allow local community involvement
Construction and refurbishment
Sustainability is at the heart of our construction and refurbishment projects. The sustainable construction and refurbishment of buildings and infrastructure is fundamental to achieving UEL's vision for sustainability, driving a reduction in operational costs and carbon, reducing our environmental impact, while also providing world-class teaching and learning facilities.
UEL consider the BREEAM , SKA or WEllBuild standards when designing and constructing buildings, or refurbishing spaces, although the standard largely depends on the project.
Sustainable Construction and Refurbishment Policy coming soon.
Residential life
The University of East London offers a diverse range of accommodation that are convenient, secure and comfortable. The university's housing facilities are strategically located, providing convenient access to campus amenities and local attractions.
The University of East London was announced as finalists for the Global Student Living Awards for Best Environmental Management for UK & Ireland in 2025.
Residential Life has a target of less than 5% of recycling waste to be contaminated across the Halls of Residence during weekly kitchen cleans. We have consistently been below this target, with the average amount of contamination being 1%.
The Residential Life Team are keen to help contribute and encourage our residents to make minor changes to their daily habits, which will have a major impact on our environment. We want to make changes, collectively, to become as sustainable and environmentally friendly as we can.
Sustainability Champions
Sustainability Champions are key to sustainable behaviour across the UEL estate. Being a Sustainability Champion is an opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop transferable skills alongside day jobs and degrees. Known as Green Impact, the scheme is based around simple sustainable actions that result in bigger savings. It guides staff and students in making their workplace more sustainable but in a meaningful way, creating a culture of sustainability across UEL.
Both types of champions - staff or students, have the opportunity to perform estate audits, act as project officers, host events, prepare social media content or perform research.