Plans and policy

Keele is committed towards achieving sustainability at different levels within the University. We are delighted to have Jonathon Porritt as our Chancellor. As a well-known supporter and advocate of environmentally friendly initiatives and with his passion for sustainability he is a fantastic advocate for our strategic aims and objectives.

Our aim at Keele University is to 'embed sustainability in all that we do' which includes all aspects of our activity from leadership and governance to research and education, our day to day operations and external parternships and engagement. Our Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy 2021 outlines the University's environmental, social and sustainability commitments and objectives.

The delivery of the Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy is supported by an annually reviewed operational plan, the Eco Campus Objectives and Targets.

Implementation of our sustainability plans, policies and initiatives are overseen by the Environment and Sustainability Steering Group (ESSG), chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor. 

Funding our sustainability strategy and student-led sustainability proects

The University holds a central sustainability budget to fund sustainability activities and initiatives. The annual budget for 2021/22 academic year is £20k. Some examples include:

  • Supporting the Sustainability Network, Innovation in Sustainability Projects Fund and Sustainability Awards scheme
  • Funding x3 student sustainability intern to support ESD actions and initiatives
  • Green Week and other sustainability-themed events
  • Supporting student-led initiaitves such as Hedgehog Friendly Campus, Student Eats, Great Donate
  • Hosting the World Student Environmental Network global summit
  • Enabling staff and students to attend sustainability conferences and events such as NUS conferences, the EAUC conference, and WSEN global summits.

The Estate and Campus Services Directorate also holds a budget for various energy/carbon and environmental activities. The annual budget for the 2021/22 academic year is £425k to implement energy/carbon reduction projects and £40k for other environmental sustainability initiatives including (but not limited to):

  • Funding x2 student sustainability interns to work on sustainability initiaitves
  • Environmental training and awareness
  • Recycling Audits and engagement
  • Walled Garden Allotments
  • Soil association catering standard
  • Ecocampus/ISO standard, and ISO 50001 standard.

Keele University is also ensuring that financial investments are ethical and reflect the mission and values of the University. To support this commitment an Ethical Investments Code of Practice is followed and is reviewed annually. Keele has also committed to divestment and investing in companies with a positive environmental and social impact, including in clean energy. Staff, students and stakeholders can engage with the Ethical Investments code of practice:

"The code of practice allows for any group or individual member of the University community to make representations to the University regarding its investments. This should be done in writing to the Director of Finance & IT. The representations will then be considered by the Business Review Committee on behalf of Council."

Keele University have implemented the Soil association Food for Life Award which helps us acheive our sustainable food policy objectives.

At Keele every year we organise sustainability forum for students, staff and the Keele community to discuss about green issues on campus. Please see the key discussion and action points: Sustainability Forum 2013, Sustainability Forum 2014 and Sustainability Forum 2015.

To find out more about our progress please download the latest and past sustainability reports.

Staff Sustainability Induction

All new staff will be made aware of Keele University's Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy within their local staff inductions.

New staff members are also required to attend a Welcome to Keele session delivered by the Sustainability Team which includes Keele's sustainability strategy, along with information on recycling, energy, engagement opportunities, education for sustainability and the Sustainability Network. 

Staff have access to online training via the Learning Pool and Carbon Literacy Project training facilitated internally.