The University of Manchester has been shortlisted for a Green Gown Award in the 2030 Climate Action category for its work supporting our new Environmental Sustainability strategy. The awards ceremony will take place this November.

Our new Environmental Sustainability (ES) strategy – drafted following extensive consultation with colleagues and students and approved by our Board of Governors – was launched in July 2023.

It builds on our University’s core goals of teaching and learning, research and discovery and social responsibility and stresses the need for all decisions to be taken in the light of our existing carbon commitments. It also highlights six priority operational areas, all linking back to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our University has been shortlisted for the award for our work around decarbonising the University’s operations, a major part of the strategy. This work has been shared with other higher education institutions and our city neighbours as we rise to the challenge of climate change.

Head of Environmental Sustainability, Richard Smith explained: “In two years we’ve gone from having a ‘true zero not net zero’ target without a plan to a having a timeline of what needs doing, when, an estimate of cost, and sector-leading funding to kick things off. This ‘what, when, how much?’ approach has brought the target to life for everyone from engineers to the Board of Governors. We’ve secured nearly £140m of internal funding and scored three big wins from external sources.”

“We’re now beyond strategising and into delivery, with our first air-source heat pump-only building ready soon, and much more to come.”

• Read our ES strategy, including a full list of commitments: Our Sustainable Future – Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2023-28

There will be regular updates and progress reports on the environmental sustainability strategy and opportunities to engage in the process.

• To find out more email: es@manchester.ac.uk