Sustainability performance
Our sustainability performance reflects a whole-institution approach, embedding environmental responsibility, social value, and inclusive growth into everything we do. We are proud to be recognised in 5th position in the 2025-26 People & Planet University League, where our ranking highlights the progress we are making in areas such as carbon reduction, environmental management, and student engagement in sustainability. This recognition is driven by the passion and collective action of our students, staff, and partners, whose contributions continue to shape a greener, fairer campus and community for present and future generations.
You can follow our journey through our annual sustainability reports. A summary of our performance is also included in the University Annual Report. You can see details of key activities in each goal area through our Sustainability at The University of Salford blog.
We have also considered the outcomes of the SOS-UK Sustainability Skills Survey; we have produced a summary report for University of Salford respondents in the 2024-25 academic year.
Annual Sustainability Reports
2024-25 Annual Sustainability Report
In 2024–25, we continue to demonstrate strong progress across our sustainability priorities, delivering measurable improvements in environmental performance while strengthening our wider social and economic impact. Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions have been reduced by 78% against the 2005–06 baseline, with energy efficiency improving by 37% since 2016–17, reflecting sustained investment in decarbonisation and campus infrastructure. Waste generation has fallen to 450 tonnes (over 30% below the baseline) with a recycling rate of 48%, alongside significant gains in reuse and circular economy initiatives. We have also maintained key environmental certifications, achieved zero compliance breaches, and expanded biodiversity and sustainable travel initiatives. Beyond operations, progress has been made in embedding sustainability into education, research, and community engagement, with increased participation in sustainability activities and a first submission to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Overall, performance in 2024–25 shows the University is on track towards its Net Zero 2038 target while continuing to enhance its contribution to people, place, and planet.
Previous Annual Sustainability Reports
Our Sustainability Accreditations
EcoCampus, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001
The University Environmental and Energy Management System has been certified to the internationally recognised standards ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 since 2019.
The University implemented a phased approach to development of the EEMS using the EcoCampus framework for which Platinum was achieved in 2019, alongside the ISO standards.
Responsible Futures
The University and Salford Students' Union achieved Responsible Futures accreditation in November 2025.
Responsible Futures is run internationally by SOS-UK, and provides a framework of criteria drawn from good practice across the sector, to support a whole-institution approach to weave holistic sustainability through the formal, informal, and subliminal curriculum, with an emphasis on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
EcoSmart Platinum
The University of Salford Conferencing Team with support from the Environmental Sustainability Team achieved the Platinum EcoSmart award in February 2026.
ECOsmart is a certification awarded by Greengage to venues that demonstrate strong environmental practices. The assessment covers a wide range of building operations, including waste and recycling, energy and water usage, and sustainable building infrastructure.
Green Flag Award
The University of Salford first won a Green Flag Award in 2019 and have successfully maintained the standard to win it every year since (there was no Award in 2020 during Covid).
The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Food Made Good Award
In March 2025, the Eat and Drink on Campus Team were awarded two stars in our first evaluation in the Food Made Good Awards. The awards, run by the Sustainable Restaurant Association assesses businesses on their commitment to ethical sourcing, reducing environmental impact, and fostering a positive social impact.
This award positively endorses our Sustainable Food Policy.
Hedgehog Friendly Campus Platinum
The University of Salford was awarded a Platinum Hedgehog Friendly Campus in 2024.
The Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme aims to turn university campuses into habitats where hedgehogs can safely live and thrive. It’s a chance for our community to come together to make real changes for the local wildlife. Platinum accreditation means that we have taken action to promote best practice on our campus and beyond, by increasing hazard management, the number of hedgehog habitats and our community engagement.
Cycle Friendly Employer Gold
The University of Salford has the Cycle Friendly Employer Gold award.
Run by Cycling UK, the Cycle Friendly Employer award is the international benchmark for active travel culture and infrastructure in the workplace.
Our Sustainability Awards
Green Gown Awards
The UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards recognise, celebrate and showcase exceptional sustainability initiatives from universities, colleges and other post-16 institutions across the UK and Ireland. Established in 2004, the awards have become one of the most prestigious recognitions of leading sustainability practice within the further and higher education sector. The awards are delivered by EAUC in partnership with UKRI.
Charlotte Stevenson-Stoddard - Student Sustainability Champion finalist
From Campus to City Region: The University of Salford x GM2038 - Carbon 2030 finalist
Environmental Justice for Sociologists, Criminologists and Beyond - Next Generation Learning and Skills finalist
2024: 5 finalist projects, 1 highly commended
Energy House 2.0 - Research with impact (institution) Highly Commended
Lizzie King - Student Sustainability Champion finalist
The first UK MSc in sustainable air transport - Next Generation Learning and Skills finalist
Production Managing the Planet - Next Generation Learning and Skills finalist
Friends of Energy House 2.0 - Money for Good finalist
Gwen Riley Jones - Staff Sustainability Champion finalist
Virtual Peel Park - Digital Futures finalist
2020: 2 finalist projects, 1 highly commended
Fashion, Image, Making and Styling - Next Generation Learning and Skills Highly Commended
XR Takeover - Next Generation Learning and Skills finalist
BEST Learning for Next Generation Sustainability - Next Generation Learning and Skills finalist
2017: 2 finalist projects, 1 winner
Energy House - Research and Development (Institution) Winner
Gemma Small - Research and Development (Student) finalist
2016: 3 finalist projects, 2 winners
Danielle Butler - Research and Development (Student) Winner
Keeping Salford Dry - Community Innovation Winner
2015: 1 finalist project
Clever Classrooms in Sustainable Schools - Research and Development finalist
2014: 4 finalist projects
Diana Baker - Student Sustainability Champion finalist
Creating a Carbon Saving Case Study on Campus - Carbon Reduction finalist
State of the Art Carbon Savings - Carbon Reduction finalist
The Salford Institute for Dementia and becoming a Dementia Friendly University - Social Responsibility finalist
2013: 3 finalist projects, 1 highly commended
Trees for Printers: A reward for supporting sustainable change - Facilities and Services Highly Commended
Developing an energy and low carbon professional development centre at the University of Salford – Energy Professional Development - Learning and Skills finalist
Salford Solar Research, Prototyping and Production Facility - Research and Development finalist
2012: 1 finalist project highly commended
New Life for Old Pants - Promoting Positive Behaviour Highly Commended
2011: 1 finalist project winner
Energy House - Research (Institution) Winner
Green Impact National Awards
The SOS-UK Green Impact National Awards celebrate the remarkable efforts of institutions and organisations across the UK in advancing sustainability and social responsibility. Each year, these awards highlight inspiring action that extend beyond the typical Green Impact Bronze, Silver and Gold team achievements, showcasing innovative and impactful contributions to a greener future.
In 2023, the University of Salford Art Collection Team were recognised with two Green Impact National Awards: Innovation for Engagement and Sustainability Hero, for their continuing commitment to sustainability action and engagement.