Goal 15: Policies, processes and practices

The following page outlines specific policies, process and practices in support of Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on land

Sustainable use, conservation and restoration of land

Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, Our Sustainable Future (2023 – 2028), outlines how we ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of our terrestrial ecosystems. This is further detailed in our Valuing Nature Action Plan (reviewed 2023), which focuses on three main commitments:

Integrate biodiversity into the Estates strategy, ensuring nature and green spaces are central to planning, with a minimum 20% biodiversity net gain on major construction and refurbishment projects.
Improve green space quality by 30% (based on Defra’s biodiversity metric) by 2028, using 2022 as the baseline.
Expand green space by 10% by 2028, from 2018 levels.

In December 2022, we also became a founding member of the Nature Positive Universities Alliance, led by the University of Oxford and UNEP, to address nature loss and restore ecosystems impacted by university activities.

The pledge includes four key commitments: conducting biodiversity baseline assessments; setting measurable, time-bound targets; taking bold action to reduce biodiversity impacts and protect and restore species and ecosystems (while influencing others to do the same); and providing transparent annual reporting.

We are also a partner The City of Manchester’s 2022-2030 Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to enhance and protect the city’s natural environment by promoting biodiversity, restoring green spaces, and increasing community engagement in sustainable practices to create a healthier, more resilient urban ecosystem.

Education and outreach initiatives

Ecosystems:

We offer a variety of free educational programmes on ecosystems for local and national communities, focusing on wild flora and fauna. Our academics have collaborated with a conservation NGO, NGO Oceanus, to develop the educational video game Mangrove.World (2024) that involves the acoustic analysis of bird and bat species in mangrove ecosystems. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of the health of local mangrove areas in the Philippines while raising awareness of mangrove deforestation and its impacts on the ecosystem, ultimately inspiring players to take real-world action.

Additionally, our Manchester Museum delivers Learning with Lucy, an educational initiative focused on rainforest ecosystems and their wild flora and fauna. Developed by museum staff and researchers, the programme provides schools and community groups with resources and workshops exploring critically endangered species from Costa Rica and the importance of biodiversity and conservation. The accompanying booklet encourages participants to learn about ecosystem relationships, habitat protection, and the role of humans in preserving wildlife. Manchester Museum also hosts events, school workshops, tours, and community activities tied to ecological collections, biodiversity, and environment topics.

Agriculture:

We offer a variety of free educational programs and outreach initiatives for local and national communities focused on the sustainable management of agricultural land. Our researchers are working on a soil biodiversity project aimed at raising public and policy awareness about the vital importance of soil biodiversity in agricultural land and its sustainable management on a global scale. This research highlights the significance of healthy soils in sustainable land management, their role in responding to climate change, and their value as natural capital. For example, our work explores how native soil microbiomes and plant microbe interactions can accelerate recovery of degraded soils.

The team is also seeking to provide accessible and practical knowledge and tools for local communities to use in repairing soils. We are part of the collaborative research network SOIL-HEAL, which brings together researchers across four countries with the goal of translating new knowledge into sustainable agricultural management practices.

Another key outreach tool is our AquaPlan app, launched in August 2023, which allows users to interactively define a farming system and view and evaluate graphs of crop yields and water requirements tailored to their specific location. Farmers, businesses, and governments can assess the impacts of future climate change scenarios on sustainable management of land for agriculture. These initiatives play a critical role in educating local and national communities about sustainable management, and are essential for supporting farmers and the broader agriculture sector.

Land tourism:

We offer a variety of free educational programmes and outreach for local and national communities on sustainable management of land tourism. Firstly, we own 35 acres of land that are used for tourism at our Jodrell Bank site, with 120,000 visitors each year. Visitors can engage with our educational outreach displays throughout our outdoor Arboretum, which demonstrate our approach to maintaining the land responsibly.

Secondly, in partnership with UNESCO, we’ve developed Roundview, a participatory educational outreach game. This initiative helps visitors to UNESCO sites understand the environmental challenges and opportunities involved in managing tourist destinations sustainably.

Thirdly, we’ve worked with the National Trust on an educational outreach initiative with the public at their Quarry Bank Mill tourist site, which has developed an educational toolkit for how cultural tourist sites are sustainably managed as major visitor attraction.

Fourthly, we have also worked with the band Massive Attack to create an open educational resource for the music industry and the public, highlighting how tourism from music concerts impacts urban land management, such as transport infrastructure.

Collaboration for shared land ecosystems

Our university is committed to collaborating with the local Manchester community to maintain and enhance shared land ecosystems, creating a positive impact for all.

We are official partners of Manchester’s 2022-2030 Biodiversity Strategy which focuses on enhancing the City of Manchester’s rivers, canals, wetlands, and ponds. We collaborate on improving water quality and expanding green corridors, we support the restoration of critical habitats while working with the community to improve connectivity between green spaces.

We are also an offical partner of the city-wide iniative CyanLines; a project that aims to connect Greater Manchester’s blue and green spaces into a high quality network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes for residents, for visitors and for nature.By linking rivers, canals, wetlands, parks and woodlands, CyanLines enhances connectivity allowing ecosystems to thrive. This will deliver a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient city for the future.

We collaborate with local groups like Ardwick Climate Action Group (ACA) to support shared land ecosystems. Our researchers contributed insights into local environmental challenges, aiding in the creation of the “Green Route,” a safe, biodiverse path for residents. This route features QR-coded signs with information on local ecology and plant species supporting Manchester’s biodiversity. Through this partnership, we engage the community in enhancing biodiversity and regenerating green spaces.

A another key initiative, Incredible Edible Manchester, empowers residents to grow their own sustainable fruit and vegetables. This collaboration not only improves access to fresh produce but also enhances local biodiversity, transforming shared spaces into thriving green areas.

Additionally, our student group, the Tree Musketeers, partners with local environmental organizations to support conservation efforts throughout Manchester. Students engage with community members in activities such as tree planting, scrub clearance, and building bird and bat boxes. These projects not only improve local ecosystems but also foster a shared sense of responsibility for protecting our environment.

In December 2022, we became a founding member of the Nature Positive Universities Alliance, allowing us to collaborate with national and local HE stakeholders to address nature loss and restore impacted ecosystems. Our pledge includes conducting biodiversity assessments and setting measurable targets for habitat improvement.

Promoting conservation and sustainable utilisation of land

We support and organise events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of the land, including forests and wild land. As part of our Valuing Nature Action Plan (reviewed 2023), we commit to provide opportunities for our staff, students and external partners to engage with sustainability and take meaningful action, personally and professionally.

As part of the Nature Positive Ambassadors programme, a group of volunteers are tasked with delivering at least 10 nature related events a year. As part of this programme, we commit to develop and agree strategic partnerships to engage our communities to support proven natural solutions to capture carbon, restore the natural world and enhance environmental sustainability. Annually, we also support a minimum of 6 student research projects designed to enhance biodiversity and conservation, 3 for local businesses, and 3 using our own campus as a Living Lab.

We regularly carry out Bioblitzes, such as the Michael Smith Quad Spring BioBlitz. This event invited staff, students and members of the public to observe and record species (plants, invertebrates, birds) using our iNaturalist app, directly promoting awareness of campus biodiversity and land stewardship.

In addition to this, we also work with local conservation organisations planting trees and helping with repairs in nature reserves and woodlands. For example, we worked with a local resident conservation group in our local community in Ardwick on a tree planting project to enhance nature and wildlife. We have also partnered with the Eden Reforestation Project helping to plant over 4,500 trees – that’s over 1,400 tonnes of CO2 sequestered over the next 25 years. Additionally, we are partnered with City of Trees, Community Forest charity for the Greater Manchester area. As part of this we are working with City of Trees to plant 200 trees across new woodland sites in Greater Manchester.

Our Manchester Museum also hosts events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of the land. For instance, the lecture series Wild Talks, a public lecture series exploring rewilding, biodiversity, ecosystem restoration and human–landscape relationships. Topics such as ‘Born to Rewild’ and ‘Hunt for the shadow wolf’ address how land ecosystems can be managed, restored or allowed to regenerate in ways that support wildlife and ecological balance.

Maintain and extend current ecosystems’ biodiversity

We work directly to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity. We have three main commitments — 1) achieving 20% biodiversity net gain on all new construction and refurbishment projects, 2) increasing green space by 10% by 2028 (from 2018 levels), and 3) improving green space quality by 30% by 2028 (based on Defra’s biodiversity metric from the 2022 baseline)—

We have additional measures in our Valuing Nature Action Plan (reviewed 2023):

Enhance the condition of existing ponds to ‘moderate’ and create at least one new pond by 2028.
Increase bug, bat, and bird boxes by 20% by 2028.
Achieve Bronze Accreditation in the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Awards by 2028.
Improve grassland and woodland habitats to ‘good’ and ‘moderate’ condition, respectively, by 2028.
To establish baselines and protect ecosystems, we map campus biodiversity through the iNaturalist app, engaging in the City Nature Challenge annually, as well as conducting our own biodiversity audits. Our researchers conduct field studies across the UK and globally, assessing local ecosystem health to maintain biodiversity.

Oversight is provided by the Nature Action Group, who meet bi-monthly and provide advice on issues relating to the natural environment including biodiversity and resilience to climate change.

A key example of extending ecosystem biodiversity on campus is the transformation of a former tarmac car park into a vibrant, climate-resilient green space. This redevelopment delivered an 80% biodiversity net gain through the introduction of 16 trees, 4,500 plants with 65 different species, native hedging to attract pollinators and local wildlife, and wildlife habitats.

Located on the Fallowfield campus, the Firs Environmental Research Station offers a green space for research and community engagement on biodiversity and food security. It includes a new research greenhouse, the Manchester Air Quality Supersite and outdoor experimental areas, and the University’s Living Plant Collection, featuring rare and endangered plant species curated in botanical biomes.

We also lead government-funded research into climate change impacts, focusing on alpine ecosystems and the effects of reduced snow cover on soil microbial communities. This research explores carbon and nitrogen loss and methods to mitigate climate-related biodiversity decline. This research explores carbon and nitrogen loss and methods to mitigate climate-related biodiversity decline.

Sustainably farmed food on campus

The University has established robust policies and practices to ensure that food served across campus is sustainably sourced, with requirements and verification mechanisms embedded into procurement, contracting, and operations. Catering operations and procurement acress campus must adhere to our Sustainable Food Policy (reviewed 2023), Animal welfare policy (2023/24) and Sustainable Seafood Policy.

Measures included in these policies:

Suppliers must have Farm-Assured and Red Tractor accreditation to supply poultry and dairy to the University.
The University will only purchase British poultry and eggs.
The University will only source fish from sustainable sources and will avoid any species
named on the Marine Stewardship Council endangered list.

We strive to ensure that we offer healthy, sustainable catering that is produced, processed and traded in ways that contribute to the local economies and sustainable livelihoods, avoid damaging our planet, enhance animal welfare and provide social benefits. We do this by buying locally to support UK producers; by continuing to be a member of Manchester Veg People, a co-operative of local organic growers and buyers who worked together to help develop a new model for the local food supply chain; by purchasing high welfare meat and dairy; and by sourcing sustainable seafood to help reduce the negative impacts on fish stocks.

Our Sustainable food in tender specifcations shows our commitment to food sustainability and demonstrates how we include sustainably farmed food in our tenders. We have also been awarded the Fairtrade University two-star award, building on our long-standing one-star status first awarded in 2005. This award recognises that we are; embedding Fairtrade into our strategy and operations, actively engaging students and staff in campaigns and education, supporting ethical procurement and supply chains, and collaborating with local and global partners to promote social justice.

Monitoring IUCN and other conservation species

We have policies and processes in place to identify, monitor, and protect IUCN Red Listed species and nationally protected species whose habitats are affected by our operations.

Our approach is set out in the Valuing Nature Action Plan (reviewed 2023) and embedded in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, Our Sustainable Future (2023–2028). These policies require biodiversity audits to be conducted as part of all estate development and land management processes, ensuring that any species of conservation concern are identified and protected.

Working with local conservation experts and volunteers, we use biodiversity monitoring tools such as the iNaturalist app to record and map species across the University estate. This supports ongoing identification and protection of species in our operational areas.

Through these assessments, we have identified four species listed as UK Biodiversity Priority Species and two listed as amber on the Birds of Conservation Concern list. In response, we have implemented protective measures, including habitat creation, installation of additional bird, bat, and insect boxes, and maintenance of suitable feeding and nesting areas.

Our policy also commits to achieving Bronze Accreditation in the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Awards by 2028, recognising our protection of hedgehogs, which appear on the IUCN Red List. The Hedgehog Action Group undertakes monitoring, nest site creation, and community education to safeguard the species.

At Jodrell Bank, we have implemented measures to protect the Great Crested Newt, an IUCN Red Listed species. This includes habitat restoration, pond creation, and a relocation programme developed in collaboration with local ecological consultants to minimise disturbance from construction.

These activities are governed by the Nature Action Group, which oversees the implementation of the Valuing Nature Action Plan and ensures all development projects deliver a minimum of 20% biodiversity net gain. Together, these policies and practices ensure the University actively identifies, monitors, and protects conservation-listed species across all its sites.

Local biodiversity included in planning and development

We fully integrate local biodiversity into all planning and development processes as part of our commitment to sustainability. Before any new construction or refurbishment, we review our biodiversity audits to identify affected habitats or species, ensuring we understand and mitigate potential impacts on local ecosystems.

Through our Living Campus Plan, we establish an ecological baseline for each site and implement measures to achieve a net positive impact on biodiversity. We ensure no net loss of green infrastructure and explore options like green roofs and walls to reduce surface water run-off and enhance biodiversity. We also set targets for sustainable urban drainage and habitat protection through our Valuing Nature Action Plan (reviewed 2023) and Design Code of Practice.

Development proposals contribute to:

Prioritizing local species that support wildlife and prolong the flowering season.
Supporting invertebrate diversity (bees, moths, butterflies).
Preserving priority bird species (six priority species identified in the Living Campus Plan)
Supporting bat populations through habitat conservation.

Where trees must be removed, we plant two semi-mature trees for every one lost. Landscaping is enhanced with wildflower turf, pollinator-friendly plants, and hedgerows to support local wildlife.

We also work with ecologists and conservation experts to protect species like the Great Crested Newt at Jodrell Bank, through habitat relocation, green space creation, and wildlife-friendly infrastructure (bird, bat, and bug boxes).

Further examples include:

The MECD project, featuring a green roof, tree planting, and pollinator-friendly landscaping.
University Green with tree planting and species for pollinator support.
The Henry Royce Institute, featuring tree and hedgerow planting and wildflowers.
The GEIC Pocket Park, expanding green spaces on campus.
The Old Quad redevelopment introduced 16 new trees, 4,500 plants, log piles, shallow pools, and bat and bird boxes, resulting in an 80% biodiversity net gain

For all major construction and refurbishment projects, we commit to a minimum of 20% biodiversity net gain (BNG), ensuring that developments reduce environmental impact while enhancing local ecosystems. This is monitored through the Environmental Sustainability Project Tracker, which embeds sustainability principles in the design and construction of new builds and major refurbishments.

Alien species on campus

Our policy is to fully align with UK government guidelines regarding alien and/or invasive species on campus. We conduct regular campus audits to identify and manage invasive species listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. We are also a partner The City of Manchester’s 2022-2030 Biodiversity Strategy, which includes the development of Invasive Non-Native Species Action Plan for Manchester.

We prioritize the effective management of alien and invasive species and closely monitor our landscaping practices. If invasive species are detected, we take immediate action to contain them. For example, during recent construction work on our new Fallowfield Student Village, we discovered Japanese Hogweed. Prompt and responsible removal was necessary to mitigate its impact. We utilize approved water-based herbicides, such as glyphosate, and ensure that all invasive materials are disposed of in compliance with the legal requirements outlined in the provided links.

In addition to these management efforts, we actively engage the community through educational events and activities aimed at reducing the presence of alien species on campus and beyond. For instance, our student group, the “Tree Musketeers,” plays a hands-on role in removing invasive species, such as clearing rhododendrons from local pathways. Meanwhile, our Manchester Museum has launched initiatives to help local residents identify invasive species in ponds and provided practical guidance on effective management strategies. These efforts are designed to raise awareness and foster a collaborative approach to preserving our natural environment.

Hazardous waste disposal

We have established processes, policies, and practices to ensure the responsible management of hazardous waste at the University. Our Environmental Sustainability Code of Practice for Professional Services, published in 2024, outlines operational priorities and commitments, emphasizing that both staff and students play a crucial role in reducing our environmental impact, including processes, policies and practices designed to ensure hazardous waste is managed responsibly.

We have comprehensive staff guidelines on how to dispose of all waste types and a supplementary policy for hazardous waste. These policies cover the identification, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials, including chemicals, biological waste, and electronic waste. We partner with certified disposal companies to ensure that hazardous waste is treated and transported safely, adhering to all legal requirements.

We also prioritize education, providing toolkits and training for staff, students, and personnel on waste disposal protocols, including the proper identification, storage, and record-keeping for hazardous materials. These measures ensure that our community is well-equipped to manage hazardous waste responsibly while contributing to the university’s environmental sustainability goals.

All relevant staff undergo thorough training to ensure they are equipped to handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely and in accordance with regulations. Our A-Z of waste guide provides specific advice for various types of waste, while our dedicated Hazardous Waste Policy outlines detailed procedures for managing hazardous materials. We offer advice and guidance on identifying hazardous waste, handling its disposal, and maintaining accurate records, particularly in our laboratories.

In our laboratories, we follow the LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework), which ensures proper chemical labelling and storage to support correct disposal in line with the Hazardous Waste Policy. LEAF also ensures that waste materials are disposed of correctly, preventing cross-contamination with other waste streams. Laboratories are equipped with chemical spill kits to manage hazardous spills safely and efficiently, ensuring minimal risk to staff and the environment.

Through these initiatives, we remain committed to protecting both the campus environment and the broader ecosystem.

Water discharge guidelines and standards

Our university is dedicated to maintaining high water quality standards and guidelines for all water discharges, ensuring the protection of ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Our approach is informed by national regulations and best practices in environmental sustainability.

Regulatory Compliance: We strictly adhere to UK government guidelines concerning water quality, ensuring that all discharges meet or exceed established legal requirements. We maintain the necessary permits to oversee and regulate our water discharge activities where appropriate. Our water is treated by United Utilities at one of their 569 wastewater treatment works, ensuring compliance with rigorous quality standards.
Wastewater Management: During the design phase of our construction projects, our Design Code of Practice mandates that all construction or refurbishment projects include criteria for sustainable urban drainage systems. We thoroughly assess the effectiveness and capacity of these drainage systems to ensure optimal performance in managing stormwater and wastewater. Additionally, we are committed to reducing our overall water reducing our overall water consumption by 15% by 2028, using 2022 as our baseline. This will be achieved through proactive measures, such as addressing leaks and replacing inefficient equipment.
Pollution Prevention Targets: As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, we aim for zero reportable pollution incidents affecting air, land, and water across the university estate by 2028. We are also focused on minimizing our environmental impact by reducing pesticide usage on campus by 10% each year.
Liquid and Hazardous Waste Guidelines: We implement strict guidelines for managing liquid and hazardous waste to ensure proper treatment and disposal, thereby protecting water quality. Our comprehensive hazardous waste policy outlines safe disposal practices and is accompanied by an A-Z of waste guide for easy reference. Additionally, our laboratory facilities are equipped with chemical spill kits, and we provide staff training on safe handling and disposal practices, including environmental training through our LEAF program.

Through these comprehensive measures, our university strives to uphold water quality standards that not only protect ecosystems and wildlife but also promote the health and welfare of the community.

Plastic waste reduction

We have a formal policy framework in place to reduce plastic waste across all areas of campus. Our Responsible Plastic Action Plan (2024) outlines specific actions and measurable targets to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics and embed sustainable material use by 2025. This policy is guided by our ‘Plastic 6R’ framework (refine, reduce, reuse, refill, replace, recycle[d]), that is applied across teaching laboratories, home, campus and workplace environments. Through this framework we have eliminated more than 37,000 pieces of single-use plastic annually. Further measures include; publicly available water dispensers, the Bee Cup initiative to reduce the number of single-use cups used, plastic-free drinks service at campus bar Squirrels, Want Not Waste Store in the Student’s Union which offers a stationery recycling facility via Teracycle.

To support this goal, we have established a dedicated , consisting of operational and academic experts. This group meets regularly to drive efficiencies and embed lifecycle considerations regarding waste and recycling into decision-making and operations across the university. They are resopnsible for providing ideas and monitoring progress.

Oversight of this policy is provided by the Material Resources Management Group, a cross-university team of operational and academic experts responsible for monitoring progress, driving innovation, and embedding lifecycle thinking into procurement, waste, and recycling decisions. The policy and its delivery form a core part of our Environmental Sustainability Strategy (2023–2028) and support the University’s commitment to circular economy principles.

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