Sustainable Development Goals - University of Staffordshire

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The 17 SDGs are integrated—they recognise that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.

The University currently focuses on the below 8 SDG's within its strategic vision. The SDG Goals form important parts of two international University rankings: Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability which the University currently submits to.

The University in the THE Impact Rankings 2025 are:

Ranked 63rd (out of 1265 institutions) up from 201-300 rank last year, in SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and 9th in the UK

Continue to be ranked 101-200 (out of 1681 institutions) in SDG 4 Quality Education, now Joint 1st in the UK.

SDG3

Good Health and Wellbeing

SDG4

Quality Education

SDG7

Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG11

Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG12

Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG13

Climate Action

SDG16

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

SDG17

Partnerships for the Goals

Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG3)

Local collaboration at our Centre for Health Innovation

University of Staffordshire is already helping individuals, communities and businesses make the transition from idea to innovation.

Learn to ‘Restart A Heart’ with free CPR training at University of Staffordshire

University of Staffordshire has teamed up with the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust to deliver free CPR Training sessions.

More breastfeeding friendly spaces

A group of mums and researchers from University of Staffordshire have teamed up to help create more breastfeeding friendly spaces in Stoke-on-Trent.

Open Clinic

Sexual and reproductive health care services for students.

Free mental health support

Including exercise referral schemes, self-help guides, workshops and events.

Student wellbeing and safeguarding events

Mental health support for staff

Including our 24/7 access Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health Services and a supportive, friendly team.

No Smoking Policy - February 2023

University of Staffordshire recognises the right of all staff and students to work in a smoke free environment and has operated a policy of no smoking within its buildings for many years.

On campus gym

University of Staffordshire offers gym membership plans for students, staff members and the community.

Mental Health First Aiders

The initiatives and process Staffordshire have put in place to improve staff wellbeing and mental health are evidenced by comparing our latest absence statistics with those from UCEA.

Quality Education (SDG4)

Funded training and development

Welcome to your one-stop hub for cutting-edge knowledge and skills, designed to empower businesses and young professionals to thrive in today’s competitive world.

Library membership

Free access for University of Staffordshire staff and students.

Beyond Stereotypes: Perspectives on Masculinity and Feminism Public Lecture

A thought-provoking public lecture that delved into the complex and evolving perceptions of masculinity and femininity.

Make Plastic History

University of Staffordshire joined Potteries Museum for a day of exploring creativity in tackling plastic pollution.

Volunteering opportunities

Equality framework and reports

View our equality framework, objectives, and reports showing how we're performing.

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7)

Energy-efficient policies

University of Staffordshire has policies in place to ensure all renovations or new builds are following energy efficiency standards as well as having plans to upgrade buildings to higher energy efficiency and a divestment policy.

Carbon Reduction Plan Scopes 1 and 2

A carbon reduction plan is in place to reduce carbon and emissions, reduce overall energy consumption and to identify areas where energy waste is highest.

Carbon Reduction Plan Scope 3

In 2022, the University published a target of achieving Carbon Net Zero for Scope 3 emissions (those associated with external income and expenditure) by 2050.

Net Zero Pathfinder

Tailored fully funded* support for businesses in the Cannock Chase District area to take the first step towards Net Zero targets.

Environmental sustainability strategic framework

Environmental sustainability is one aspect of the University’s response to Environmental, Societal and Governance (ESG) issues and also to the broader agenda of sustainable development.

Community Carbon Literacy Training Day

On Monday 4 December 2023, University of Staffordshire hosted a Big Community Carbon Literacy Day at its Stoke-on-Trent campus.

Environmental Sustainability

To help reduce our environmental impact, we have also set some challenging targets. They include a commitment to operate our buildings as carbon neutral by 2030.

Quarterly sustainability update – April-June 2024

In the second quarter of 2024, the University continued to make progress in its sustainability agenda, achieving milestones across its campuses.

Staffordshire Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Engineering

Our vision is to carry out world-leading theoretical and applied research and knowledge exchange to address complex real-world engineering challenges to improve peoples’ lives and the environment they live in, improving life satisfaction, productivity, and sustainability.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11)

Catalyst building

A 8,800 sqm, four storey building, bringing together the delivery of apprenticeships and skills, to meet employer demand, in a flexible, high-quality, digitally enabled space.

Public access to libraries

Registered members and members of the public can have access to the Library.

Betty Smithers Design Collection (BSDC)

The BSDC exists as a learning resource and therefore all the objects are available to borrow and handle by staff, students and the wider educational community.

Degree Show 2024

View the preview of the Degree Show 2024. This is our annual series of events and exhibitions built around the creative work of hundreds of graduating students from Art and Design, and Media and Performance Courses.

Biodiversity

The biodiversity of the campuses by is improved by increasing the proportion of mixed planting including wildflower meadows and hedgerows, and by planting trees.

Connected Communities Newsletter Summer 2024

This newsletter looks at some of the ways University of Staffordshire are helping to make a difference in partnership with communities across Staffordshire.

On campus accommodation

We have a range of accommodation to choose from, to suit all lifestyles and budgets.

15-Minute Campus Project

The Geography department at University of Staffordshire have been mapping a 15-minute campus, inspired by the 15-minute city.

Professor’s BCB exhibition shines a light on Newcastle-under-Lyme

17th century teapots, 3d printed copies, x-rays of broken ceramics and digitally fabricated tapestries all feature in a new exhibition.

Critical Ecologies event

The event was an opportunity for academic and non-academic staff to come together and share research in alliance with communities and ecologies.

C3 Staff involved in securing Stoke-on-Trent’s title for World Craft City

Stoke-on-Trent was awarded World Craft City status in summer 2024. The award recognises the city’s rich heritage, global reputation, and innovative spirit within the ceramics industry.

Exhibition by Ukranian artist explores war, memory and resilience in her home country

Fine Art student, Yuliia Holovatiuk-Ungureanu took over the Henrion Gallery with her second exhibition, bringing the reality home of the war in Ukraine.

Remote working for staff

We operate a Location Based Working Framework, which allows work activities to take place in the most appropriate location.

Environmental Sustainability updates

Success is measured by the targets set in the Environmental Sustainability Strategic Framework which sets out a vision for 2030.

Plans and policies

Find out how we're keeping our commitment to our planet, and how we plan to meet our sustainability goals.

Sustainable construction

Building materials which are used for new builds and refurbishments are sustainable and selected for their contribution to the Carbon Net Zero target.

Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12)

Sustainability plans and policies

Find out how we're keeping our commitment to our planet, and how we plan to meet our sustainability goals.

Waste management

Waste is minimised and recycling is maximised by providing properly segregated recycling in all buildings and outdoor spaces. Furniture and fixtures and fittings are reused and recycled wherever possible, proudly displaying a tag saying ‘Recycled’.

Environmental Sustainability Annual Review

Success is measured by the targets set in the Environmental Sustainability Strategic Framework which sets out a vision for 2030.

Climate Action (SDG13)

Carbon Reduction Plan Scopes 1 & 2

Approved by Sustainability and Resources on 13 June 2023. This plan replaces the plan approved by Sustainability and Resources Committee 22 November 2022.

Carbon Reduction Plan Scope 3

Approved by Sustainability and Resources Committee 13 June 2022.

Climate related risk and opportunities

The University has a Climate Change Response and Risk Management Policy which sets out its responsibilities and approach towards managing risks and opportunities arising from climate change.

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent COP launch

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent COP aims to create a shared roadmap improving the future of people, place and planet.

Community Carbon Literacy Training Day

On Monday 4 December 2023, University of Staffordshire hosted a Big Community Carbon Literacy Day at its Stoke-on-Trent campus.

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG16)

Governance

The University has a Board of Governors, the responsibilities of which are set out in the Instrument of Government. In summary, the Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic development of the University and for the effective and efficient use of resources.

Students' Union

University of Staffordshire has an independent Students' Union which provides governance input to the university, support and social activities for students.

Connected Communities

Connected Communities is University of Staffordshire's approach to civic and community engagement that makes a positive difference to our place. Through Connected Communities, University of Staffordshire aims to make a positive difference to our place and communities by addressing some of society’s greatest challenges by co-creating positive outcomes for our communities.

Fraud Prevention

In summary, the purpose of the Fraud Response Plan is to define authority levels, responsibilities for action and reporting lines in the event of a suspected fraud or financial irregularity.

Standards in governance

The University of Staffordshire is fully committed to promoting effective, well-informed and accountable corporate and charitable governance, enabling the highest standards of ethical conduct.

2023-24 financial statements

Stigma a barrier to women accessing drug and alcohol treatment

Women using drugs and alcohol can feel stigmatised and shamed when seeking support from professional services, a new study has found.

Identifying alcohol and drug related harms and appropriate treatment pathways for women

Sarah Page, Fiona McCormack, Sophie Oldfield and Stephen Whitehead discuss how more work needs to be done to address women’s experiences.

Professor Martin Jones

At Universities UK (UUK), we’re the collective voice of 141 universities. We work with the government and higher education sector to champion UK higher education.

Report on Gambling Harms and the Criminal Justice System

Research Conducted by the University of Staffordshire on behalf of the Centre for Crime, Justice and Security in partnership and commissioned by GamCare and HMPPS.

Prevent Duty

These pages are intended to provide our community with an understanding of what the Prevent Duty is, how it relates to University of Staffordshire and our approach is meeting our obligations and keeping those within our community safe and protected.

Legal Advice Service

Our Legal Advice Service includes clinics offering free advice to the local community on a wide range of legal matters.

Partnerships for the Goals (SDG17)

Environmental sustainability

University of Staffordshire give and receive support from a range of organisations including local authorities and sector bodies.

Enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism

Transmits report of the Independent Expert, Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, pursuant to Human Rights Council resolutions 28/6 and 55/18.

Universities resilient to climate change

Since 2021 Alexandria and University of Staffordshire have been engaged in a program of research developing Organic/polymeric solar cell and we have had considerable technological success which contributes towards tackling climate change.

Students helping to save lives and landfill

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and civic partnerships we have, across the Stoke campus, 4 clothes bins dedicated to the collection of donations for the British Heart Foundation, supporting their #PackForGood campaign.

Empowering Young People with Cleft Through Participatory Research

This research is contributing to real-world change in clinical practice, self-advocacy, and education.

Centre for Health and Development (CHAD)

CHAD's purpose is to undertake translational, applied research to improve the health and wellbeing of our local population and contribute to the reduction of social and health inequalities.

Health, science and wellbeing

We offer short courses as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, all designed alongside professional bodies to make a positive difference to the quality of care from Level 3 (A-Level equivalent) to Level 8 (PHD).

2023-24 financial statements

Environmental Sustainability Annual Review

Success is measured by the targets set in the Environmental Sustainability Strategic Framework which sets out a vision for 2030.

Annual reports

Each year we publish a report summarising our activities relating to diversity over the last academic year and giving data concerning staff and students. The report also includes progress on our objectives.

Connected Communities

Connected Communities is University of Staffordshire's approach to civic and community engagement that makes a positive difference to our place. Through Connected Communities, University of Staffordshire aims to make a positive difference to our place and communities by addressing some of society’s greatest challenges by co-creating positive outcomes for our communities.

Business Management (Sustainability) BSc (Hons)

Learn how to become a responsible business leader by putting social impact and sustainability at the heart of corporate decision-making.

Social responsibility

University of Staffordshire is firmly committed to its social, economic and environmental responsibilities and to achieving benefits for all of our stakeholders, including students, staff and the communities we work with.

Latest sustainability news

All sustainability news