Sustainable Development Goals

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.

Free community play group

A pair of friends from University of Staffordshire have been praised after setting up a free community play group during their studies.

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.

On campus gym

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

Free mental health support

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

Quality Education (SDG4)

Free microcrential courses

We are a teaching-intensive and research-inspired University which delivers excellence in work integrated learning, digital innovation, and entrepreneurial skills.

Free events

In December 2023, University of Staffordshire hosted a free online event providing the opportunity to discover wide range of fascinating topics delivered by the Games Design Department.

Professional training and development

University of Staffordshire offers short funded training courses and masterclasses to boost your skills and advance your career.

Educational outreach

University of Staffordshire offers an extensive portfolio of activities and workshops to schools and colleges across the region that can be tailored to meet the needs of your audience, and can be delivered both virtually and at your institution.

Lifelong learning

We are committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity to ensure we promote a positive culture where everyone is able to be themselves. We focus on equal opportunities for all our people and demonstrating our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Human Rights in everything we do.

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

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.

100% renewable energy pledge

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

Sustainability round-up April to June 2023

In the second quarter of 2023, the University continued to progress 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.

Net Zero Pathfinder

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

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.

Fantastical fungi folk feature in fine art show

In May 2023, University of Staffordshire invited art lovers onto campus for its annual Degree Show packed full of creative student work.

Community garden

In 2023, University of Staffordshire staff and students created a community garden on campus.

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

In September 2023, Obsolescence and Renewal by Professor of Ceramics Neil Brownsword could be seen at the Brampton Museum as part of the British Ceramics Biennial.

Sustainable practices

University of Staffordshire measure and set targets for more sustainable commuting and promote sustainable commuting.

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.

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.

Plans and policies

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

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.

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.

Staffs CAN

University of Staffordshire is proud to be home to Staffs CAN, a community and civic advisory network, where voices of our communities are represented and our Connected Communities priorities, activities and evaluation are driven forward by the communities and organisations best placed to understand local and regional needs.

Annual Statement on Research Integrity 2021/22

University of Staffordshire expects high standards in the conduct of research undertaken by staff, students, honorary and emeritus titleholders, associates, and consultants.

Academic strategy

Our vision is to be recognised for our intellectual contribution to the local and regional creative/digital and foundational economies through our approach to education, research (with enterprise, innovation and impact) and professional practice. In doing so, we will provide opportunities to critique and challenge disadvantage in order to enhance social mobility.

Financial statements 2022-23

University of Staffordshire publishes financial data. Read our financial statements for 2022-23.

Professor appointed to UK Government panel

University of Staffordshire Professor has been appointed to the UK Government panel to support the design and delivery of robust, high-quality evaluation.

Legal Advice Service

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

Researchers welcome government crackdown on gambling

Criminology experts at University of Staffordshire contributed to the UK’s first-ever inquiry into crime linked to gambling, led by the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms.

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.

Professors celebrate successful COP27

Sustainable engineering experts at University of Staffordshire are joining forces with partners around the globe to help tackle climate change.

Professor takes stage alongside leading explorers

A University of Staffordshire Professor has been sharing research on microplastic pollution at an event celebrating the world’s leading explorers.

Feasibility study for developing large scale narrow band gap polymeric solar cell

The purpose of this project is to generate low-cost electricity from flexible organic solar cells that can be easily transported to the outreach locations having no access to the mains grid.

Professor teams up with museum to share microplastic research

A University of Staffordshire Professor is among the first to receive new British Academy funding to engage the public with her research.

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.

2022-23 Financial Statements

University of Staffordshire publishes financial data. Read our financial statements for 2022-23.

Equality framework and reports

Our equality framework, objectives, and reports showing how we're performing can be viewed on our equality framework and reports webpage.

Environmental Sustainability Annual Review

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

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.

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.

Latest sustainability news

All sustainability news
Woodlands Day Nursery web

Inspirational university nursery scoops national award

University of Staffordshire’s Woodlands Day Nursery has won the National NMT Nursery Award 2025 for ‘Indoor Learning Environment of the Year’

Topping out ceremony plaque web

University of Staffordshire’s net zero student hub reaches key milestone as development progresses

University of Staffordshire has celebrated topping out the new 21,000 sq ft student village hub at its Stoke-on-Trent campus

Professor Gwinnett recently delivering wildlife crime scene training

Wildlife project to showcase breakthroughs in conservation at international event

Conservation experts are uniting to protect some of the world’s most endangered species and their habitats

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025 & TIGA Best Games Intuition 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021