Sustainability updates

We provide updates on our plans and policies on a regular basis. Each update relates to a specific policy that we have in place to support our environmental goals as outlined in our Environmental Strategic Framework.

SMART targets

How do we measure up against our sustainability targets?

Waste and Recycling

Target updates

Target MeasureableTarget 2025 - 26Progress 2024 -25Progress 2023-24Progress 2022-23Progress 2021 - 22

Annual reduction in the volume of scheduled (GW/ DMR) waste per staff/student FTE produced on site

Monthly reporting on volume of waste produced through the use of data obtained from refuse company 

30 kg per Student and Staff FTE  

30kg per Student and Staff FTE (value to be confirmed)

35kg per staff and student FTE

36.6kg per staff and student FTE

55.3 Kg per staff and student FTE  

Annual increase of recycling rate on campus (collected on site)

Monthly reporting on volume of waste produced through the use of data obtained from refuse company

60%

39.4%

32%

38%

 33.3%

Maintain 100% diversion from landfill for scheduled waste each year

Monthly reporting on volume of waste produced through the use of data obtained from refuse company

100%

 100%

100%

100%

 100%

Water/Wastewater

Target updates
 TargetMeasureableTarget 2025 - 26Progress 2024 - 25Progress 2023-24Progress 2022 - 23Progress 2021-22
Annual reduction in volume of water/wastewater Monthly reporting on volume of water supplied and associated wastewater from monthly invoices from water supplier, based on actual meter readings  38,000 cubic metres

42,937 cubic metres

Construction of Student Village has impacted this

41,599 cubic metres Realistic annual baseline of 43,752 cubic metres established, with projected potential savings of 13,130 cubic metres estimated  Accurate, transparent billing system/portal set up with new water retailer.

Travel and Transport

Target updates
TargetMeasureableTarget 2025 - 26Progress 2024 -25Progress 2023-24Progress 2022-23Progess 2021 - 22
Reduce the number of parking permits issued (as a % of staff/student numbers)  Annual data reporting 17% 21%  19% 30% Not recorded
Increase the EV within the University fleet Vehicle log  85%  67% 67% 67% 0%

Sustainable Procurement

Target updates
 TargetMeasureableTarget 2025 - 26Progress 2024 - 25Progress 2023-24Progess 2022 - 23Progress 2021-22
Increase the percentage of impactable spend in the Staffordshire Postcode area 

Engage with local suppliers to increase this percentage over time – annual data from finance system

35% 34% 30% 27% 15%

Increase the value of impactable spend (as %) with SMEs

Engage with SME suppliers to increase this percentage over time – annual data from finance system

55% 40% 59% 56% 52%

Reducing the Scope 3 emissions associated with influenceable activity (including estates and facilities, information technology’ laboratories and professional services)

Working with suppliers to understand supply chains, changing methods of working to reduce actual Scope 3 emissions – annual data from finance system with conversion factors applied

14,000t CO2e To be confirmed 16,000t CO2e 17,006t CO2e 22,400t CO2e

Biodiversity

Target updates
TargetMeasureableTarget 2025 - 26Progress 2024 - 25Progress 2023-24Progress 2022 - 23Progress 2021 - 22

Achieve annual Biodiversity Net Gains through corporate projects

Biodiversity net gain baseline and annual seasonal surveys relevant to each new corporate project (including offsetting sites and record of any credits purchased) 10% BNG to be achieved for each corporate project 10% BNG to be achieved for each corporate project  Establish annual seasonal surveys  Baseline to be established for whole campus  NA
Maintain an attractive campus for wildlife at Stoke Achieving Hedgehog Friendly Campus status annual assessment

Maintain Silver award

Maintained Bronze award

Maintain Bronze award Maintained Bronze award Bronze award achieved

Carbon Emissions

Target updates
TargetMeasurableTarget 2025 - 26Progress 2024 - 25Progress 2023-24Progress 2022 - 23Progress 2021 - 22
Reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions to net zero by 2030. This is a strategic priority for the University within the Strategic Plan 2022-27 published in 2022.

Setting of targets based on proposed/planned interventions for reduction of operational energy demand of university estate, and projected emissions factors of grid electricity.

Source data from external energy purchasing consortium used for procurement of energy

3206 tCO2e

 3858 tCO2e

3685 tCO2e

4031 tCO2e

4226 tCO2e

Measurement and verification of emissions to create baseline of 4226 tCO2e for 21-22

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