1.Introduction
Purpose
This document provides evidence aligned to the People & Planet University League methodology, demonstrating environmental, ethical and operational performance.
Approach
Each section includes:
- Relevant criteria (summarised)
- Statement of alignment
- Public evidence
All evidence is publicly accessible however if you need to request any further information please email the Head of Group Sustainability, Health, Safety and Compliance Adam Gomes a.gomes@derby.ac.uk.
2. Environmental Policy & Strategy
Relevant Criteria:
Public policy; SMART targets; governance oversight; annual reporting
Statement
The University has a publicly available Environmental Policy and Sustainability Strategy that set out clear commitments, priorities and measurable targets for environmental performance. These include SMART objectives aligned to institutional sustainability and net zero ambitions.
Delivery is supported through established governance structures, including sustainability committees and senior leadership oversight, ensuring accountability and regular review of progress. Performance is monitored and reported through formal reporting mechanisms, including annual sustainability and impact reporting, providing transparency and demonstrating progress against agreed targets.
Evidence:
3. Environmental Auditing and EMS
Relevant Criteria:
Externally verified EMS; audit coverage; monitoring and reporting
Statement
The University operates an externally certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS), providing a structured framework for managing environmental impacts, ensuring legal compliance, and driving continuous improvement. The EMS is supported by a programme of internal and external audits, with defined monitoring and reporting processes in place across key environmental aspects such as energy, water, waste and emissions.
Performance is regularly reviewed through governance structures and reported through institutional mechanisms, including the Annual Impact Report. This ensures transparency, accountability, and ongoing evaluation against environmental objectives and targets, aligned with the University’s wider sustainability strategy.
Evidence:
4. Carbon Management Plan
Relevant Criteria:
Carbon baseline; targets (Scope 1–3); governance; reporting
Statement
The University monitors and manages its carbon emissions through a structured Carbon Management Plan, supported by wider sustainability strategies and reporting frameworks. A defined carbon baseline is in place, with clear reduction targets that encompass Scope 1, 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions. Progress is overseen through established governance structures, including sustainability committees and senior leadership groups, ensuring accountability and regular review.
Emissions data is reported transparently through institutional reporting mechanisms, including the Annual Impact Report, with performance tracked against targets and aligned to the University’s net zero ambitions. Key contributing areas such as energy use, staff travel, procurement, and accommodation are actively monitored, with initiatives in place to support continuous reduction and improved environmental performance.
Evidence:
5. Sustainable Food
Relevant Criteria:
Food policy; procurement standards; accreditation; plant-based provision
Statement
Sustainability principles are embedded within procurement practices and campus food provision, supporting responsible sourcing, ethical supply chains, and the promotion of sustainable consumption across the University. This includes consideration of environmental and social impacts in purchasing decisions, supplier engagement, and the provision of more sustainable and ethically sourced food options across campus, aligned to the University’s wider sustainability and net zero commitments.
Evidence:
6. Ethical Investment and Banking
Relevant Criteria:
Ethical investment policy; exclusions; transparency; banking commitments
Statement
The University has an Investment Policy that incorporates Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations, supported by clear governance and reporting structures. This ensures that investment decisions are made responsibly, with due regard to ethical considerations, risk management and transparency. The approach aligns with wider institutional commitments to sustainability and responsible procurement, including consideration of environmental and social impacts within financial decision-making.
Evidence
7. Ethical Careers and Recruitment
Relevant Criteria:
Ethical careers policy; employer screening; transparency
Statement
The University of Derby is committed to delivering careers and employability services in a transparent, ethical and socially responsible manner, ensuring alignment with institutional values relating to sustainability, equality and responsible practice. The University Careers and Employment Service facilitates engagement between students and third-party employers through structured processes designed to ensure fairness, accessibility and informed decision-making. Information about careers services is clearly published, including staff roles, responsibilities and contact details, enabling students to engage directly with support services.
The University promotes employer engagement through careers events, job platforms and recruitment activities, ensuring that opportunities are communicated openly and equitably. The Careers Service operates within a framework of responsible engagement, supporting students to critically evaluate employment opportunities in relation to ethical, environmental and social considerations. The University is continuing to strengthen its approach to ethical careers and recruitment by developing clear criteria governing employer engagement, ensuring alignment with best practice in sustainability and social responsibility.
The Careers and Employment Service is managed and operated by the University of Derby and is not part of any combined careers service.
The Career Service Staff information is available via the 'Meet the Team' link below.
Evidence
8. Staff and Operations
Relevant Criteria:
Senior responsibility; sustainability staff; digital sustainability
Statement
Sustainability at the University of Derby is embedded within institutional governance structures and supported by a dedicated sustainability team. The University operates an institution-wide Environmental Management System (EMS), which integrates environmental objectives, targets, and performance monitoring into strategic and operational decision-making. This demonstrates that sustainability is formally managed rather than treated as an ad hoc initiative.
In addition, responsibility for sustainability is assigned at a senior level, ensuring oversight and accountability within governance frameworks. The presence of a dedicated sustainability team, alongside structured staff engagement initiatives such as Sustainability Champions, indicates that the University has both the capacity and mechanisms to implement sustainability policies effectively across departments.
Furthermore, sustainability is embedded across multiple operational areas, including estates management, procurement, and staff engagement, reflecting a whole-institution approach. However, while governance structures and staffing arrangements are clearly established, the effectiveness of these systems ultimately depends on transparent reporting and measurable outcomes, which should be consistently evidenced through publicly available data.
Evidence
9. Workers' Rights
Relevant Criteria:
Living Wage; outsourcing; Fairtrade; supply chains; NDAs
Statement
The University demonstrates a strong commitment to fair employment practices and responsible procurement across its operations and supply chains. These principles are embedded within organisational policies and governance structures, ensuring staff are treated with dignity and respect and that ethical considerations are regularly reviewed at an institutional level.
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team actively promotes inclusive practice, with the University aligned to recognised initiatives such as Stonewall and the ‘Ban the Box’ campaign, supporting equitable access to employment. The University is also signed up to the 'Can't Buy my Silence' pledge.
The University also maintains a well-established commitment to ethical sourcing through its Fairtrade status. Working with partners, Fairtrade products are made available across campus, supported by awareness campaigns and student engagement. A Fairtrade Committee meets regularly to oversee delivery, monitor progress, and support continuous improvement.
The University is a member of the NEUPC which is affiliated with Electronics Watch on behalf of its members.
Evidence
10. Staff and Student Engagement
Relevant Criteria:
Engagement strategy; events; funding; representation
Statement
The University promotes sustainability engagement through a range of activities, initiatives and communications. The Environmental Sustainability Committee includes representation from the Students’ Union, ensuring the student voice is reflected in decision-making. In addition, the Sustainability Team works closely with the Students’ Union to deliver projects such as the University of Derby beehives, planting initiatives, and environmental awareness sessions.
Evidence
11. Education for Sustainable Development
Relevant Criteria:
ESD strategy; curriculum integration; reporting; support
Statement
Sustainability is embedded across teaching, learning and research, supporting the development of sustainable skills and knowledge. The Environmental Sustainability Committee includes a range of academic colleagues who actively support the implementation and roll-out of initiatives such as Carbon Literacy and Environmental Awareness training for staff, as well as shaping how environmental sustainability is integrated across all courses within the organisation.
Evidence
12. Energy Sources
Relevant Criteria:
Renewable generation; green tariffs
Statement
The University monitors and reports energy consumption and renewable energy use through sector-standard datasets. This is discussed at both the Environmental Sustainability Committee and the Estates Executive Leadership Team meetings. Updates on Environmental Sustainability are also provided to the Governing Council, enabling oversight and review against agreed objectives.
A programme of energy and environmental audits is also in place, with reports fed back to Schools, Colleges, and departments for review and action. These audits monitor key areas such as energy consumption, water usage, and other environmental performance indicators.
Evidence
13. Waste and Recycling
Relevant Criteria:
Recycling rate; waste per head
Statement
The University manages waste through sustainability targets and operational initiatives to increase recycling and reduce waste. This is discussed at both the Environmental Sustainability Committee and the Estates Executive Leadership Team meetings. Updates on Environmental Sustainability are also provided to the Governing Council, enabling oversight and review against agreed objectives.
A programme of energy and environmental audits is also in place, with reports fed back to Schools, Colleges, and departments for review and action. These audits monitor key areas such as energy consumption, water usage, and other environmental performance indicators.
Evidence
14. Carbon Reduction
Relevant Criteria:
Intensity reduction; baseline reduction
Statement
The University monitors carbon emissions and tracks performance against sector expectations. This is discussed at both the Environmental Sustainability Committee and the Estates Executive Leadership Team meetings. Updates on Environmental Sustainability are also provided to the Governing Council, enabling oversight and review against agreed objectives.
A programme of energy and environmental audits is also in place, with reports fed back to Schools, Colleges, and departments for review and action. These audits monitor key areas such as energy consumption, water usage, and other environmental performance indicators.
Evidence
15. Water Reduction
Relevant Criteria:
Consumption per head; grey water use
Statement
The University monitors water consumption and implements measures to improve efficiency. This is discussed at both the Environmental Sustainability Committee and the Estates Executive Leadership Team meetings. Updates on Environmental Sustainability are also provided to the Governing Council, enabling oversight and review against agreed objectives.
A programme of energy and environmental audits is also in place, with reports fed back to Schools, Colleges, and departments for review and action. These audits monitor key areas such as energy consumption, water usage, and other environmental performance indicators.
Evidence