Environment and sustainability news

Our students, staff and visitors all contribute to the University's environmental impact and we aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research, operational and international activities.

We are in the fortunate position of having a wealth of expertise and knowledge to share. Here are some examples of how we are responding to the climate emergency.

A person in a laboratory

A unique hybrid energy generator and storage system that could reduce premature deaths in parts of Ghana and Nigeria is being developed by researchers at the University of Derby.

Vertical stripes gradually moving from green in colour to grey to show visual representation of biodiversity loss

Changes to the biodiversity of our planet and how our once green world is becoming grey have been highlighted through a new biodiversity stripes website.

A large building surrounding by trees and grass

The University of Derby has become part of Nature Positive Universities Alliance, a new global network of 111 universities that have made an official pledge to work towards a global Nature Positive goal.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust logo

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the University of Derby have agreed a series of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to combine the skills and know-how needed to support the Trust’s ambitions to be at the forefront of ecosystem services provision.

Resilent Lagoon Network logo

Researchers from the University of Derby are leading a major new international effort to ensure the long-term future of the world’s lagoons and the communities that depend on them.

Silver bell

More than 125 trees have been planted at the University of Derby to the chimes of the Tree Charter Bell as part of the Woodland Trust’s pledge to plant 50 million trees by 2025 and help tackle climate change. 

A CGI image of the new East Midlands Institute of Technology

The Government has given the green light for a new £13m East Midlands Institute of Technology (IoT).

Sign outside Kedleston Road campus that reads #DerbyUni.

Game-changing research that has transformed the way people interact with nature to improve wellbeing and promote pro-nature behaviour has received national recognition at the prestigious Green Gown Awards 2021, which recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world.

Logo of the National Student Housing Awards - Best Environmental Management category

The University of Derby's Student Living team has scooped the ‘Best Environmental Management’ accolade at the 2021 National Student Housing Awards.

University of Derby Kedleston Road campus

The University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber have become signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Race to Zero campaign.


Corals as canaries in the coal mine

Professor of Molecular Ecology Michael Sweet discusses the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and how coral can act as a warning sign for climate impact.

Video of Professor Michael Sweet explaining the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and how coral can act as a warning sign for climate impact.

View Corals as canaries in the coal mine - Michael Sweet video transcript


Blogs

Woman's hands catching water in a shower

With energy costs increasing, it can be difficult to cover bills as a student. Here are five easy methods to save energy, reduce costs and lower your carbon footprint.

Individual holding a plant

Masters Creative Writing student, Medha Godbole, encourages us to think and be responsible.

World map assembled in green leaves

Olivia shares easy things to think about as a student that go towards helping the planet, while saving money!

Shopping with a canvas bag in a supermarket

When considering your grocery shop, are you thinking of price, convenience, or sustainability? A few quick swaps can allow you to easily shop sustainably on a budget. Here's a few tips.

A box of home-grown vegetables

What day-to-day actions can we all take to help fight climate change? And how do we approach this in a cost of living crisis? University of Derby Behaviour Change lecturers Dr Jenny Lunt and Johanna Beswick explore possible solutions with students Katie Johns, Julie Kempthorne and Claire Thomas.

students looking at a presentation about the 7P's of marketing

Through green and sustainable marketing, you can help consumers make the right choice. In this blog, we help you navigate key environmental issues for the marketing function of your organisation.

A cartoon hedgehog wearing a graduation cap and holding a scroll. Underneath reads 'Silver Award 2021/22'

From achieving the bronze award in 2021, the University of Derby has now successfully attained the silver award for making its campuses more hedgehog friendly! This blog details some of the activities the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Group Derby undertook in the run-up to this achievement.

growing piles of coins in soil with plant shoots on top of them

Orla Kelleher, Senior Lecturer in Responsible Management at the University of Derby, investigates the challenges business leaders face in light of the urgent need to address sustainability.

solar panels and wind turbines in a green space

Dr Fred Paterson, Associate Professor of Sustainable Business and Clean Growth at the University of Derby, examines the results of a six-year study into pro-environmental business and clean growth trends undertaken by the University’s Sustainable Business Research group in collaboration with the East Midlands Chamber.

Person sifting through shirts in a vintage shop.

Ray Underwood studies Marketing Management and is often finding ways to be more sustainable as a student. Discover ways you can help the environment in her blog.