Our sustainability journey

Keele has been recognised as a leader in sustainability in higher education through a number of awards and accreditations. See a timeline of our progress below.

2008

A motion was passed in University Council in 2008 committing the University to following a 'deep green' agenda

Aerial campus shot.

2010

  • Keele’s first carbon management plan launches
  • Keele’s estate is one of the first universities to be awarded Carbon Trust Standard
  • New waste recycling contract leads to increased recycling rates on campus
  • The Higher Education Academy's ‘Green Academy’ at Keele pilots

2011

Sustainability hub

2012

  • A dedicated Director of Education for Sustainability role and Sustainability Project Officer(s) is appointed
  • An Environmental Sustainability Strategy Group is formed
  • Jonathon Porritt becomes Chancellor, providing a guiding influence on shaping our commitment to environmental sustainability
  • Keele's first Green Week is held
  • Staff cycle to work scheme launches
  • Walled Garden Allotments are established
  • The Student Eats programme commences
  • Download the 2012 Sustainability Report
Jonathon Porritt

2013

  • Keele takes part in Green Impact, led by the National Union of Students
  • British Heart Foundation #Pack For Good collection points are installed at each Halls of Residence
  • The Student Action for Sustainability Conference is held
  • Download the 2013 Sustainability Report

2014

  • A new Head of Grounds arrived, committed to the development of Keele’s 617 acres and the consideration of both biodiversity and educational purposes in its management
  • The National Cherry Tree Collection officially opens on campus
  • The development of the Memorial Garden begins
  • David Emley’s book on ‘The Natural History of Keele University’ is published
Cherry tree walk

2015

  • A new University strategy ‘to promote sustainability in all that we do’ is announced as one of six strategic aims
  • The Great Donate campaign is created by student volunteers. The ‘Green Move Out’ is formed to reduce waste created as part of student halls move out.
  • Keele Food Co-op: Led by student volunteers, the aim is to provide all students with affordable, organic vegetables, fruit, spices, oils and dry goods. This evolved into Student Eats and the Keele Campus Gardening project.

2016

  • The World Student Environmental Network Summit takes place - a platform for students to share ideas on how to make universities more sustainable
  • Download the 2016 Sustainability Report

2017

  • Smart Energy Network Demonstrator and HyDeploy projects commence
  • Keele's Root & Branch sustainability ‘brand’ is launched
  • Warp-It reuse network is introduced at Keele
Horwood energy centre

2019

David Attenborough

2020

  • Keele wins Sustainability Institution of the Year Award at the Green Gown Awards
  • Keele successfully achieved re-accreditation for the second time under the SOS-UK Responsible Futures scheme

2021

  • Keele wins Global Sustainability Institution of the Year at the International Green Gown Awards
  • The build of Keele's Low Carbon Energy Generation Park commences
  • Keele Students' Union was re-accredited under the NUS Green Impact scheme for Students' Unions, achieving an 'Excellent' rating for the second year running
Green Gown Awards banner

2022

  • Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent Climate Commission founded: Chaired by Professor Zoe Robinson and key organisations and sustainability champions in the local area, the vision of the Climate Comission is to accelerate action and alignment through collaborative cross-sector working to deliver an inclusive and just transition to net zero and a nature-rich Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. 
  • Keele signs a pledge to become a Nature Positive University

2023

Low carbon energy park