University of Salford ranked 'first-class' for sustainability in 2021 People & Planet University League

The independent rankings, published by The Guardian, place the University 12th out of 154 UK institutions, an increase from 64th in the last league table in 2019. Compiled by the UK’s largest student campaigning network, People & Planet’s University League is the only comprehensive and independent league table of UK universities, ranking UK institutions by their environmental and ethical performance based on an evolving set of criteria from energy sources and waste to sustainable food and education for sustainable development.

This year, we scored highly in Policy and Strategy (90%), Environmental Management Systems (100%), Managing Carbon and Carbon Reduction (both 90%) and Education for Sustainable Development (100%). With an overall score of 72.6%, this is our highest total to date.

​​​Bec Bennett, Head of Environmental of Sustainability at the University, said: “I’m delighted that we have achieved First-Class status in the People & Planet University League. Our performance in this year’s league is testament to the level of commitment and action we have implemented in environmental sustainability.

"Since our first Carbon Management Plan launched in 2011, we have reduced carbon emissions by 70% compared to 2005/6. We are very proud of our achievements so far, but we recognise that we need to do more. Net Zero Carbon and acting with the pace necessary are key commitments for us going forward."

As part of the University's efforts to improve our sustainability, our plan, Striving for a Sustainable Salford, which was approved by University Council earlier this year, sets out our commitments and builds on the last ten years of action to reduce our operational environmental impact.

Bec added: “Our aim is to practice what we preach. We have some incredibly impactful research going on at the University in climate change mitigation and adaptation. We want to ensure we reinforce that through a sustainable campus operation and empowering our colleagues and students, and contribute to a more sustainable Salford, Greater Manchester and beyond.”

Read more information about the 2021 People & Planet University League.

How was the score decided?

Since 2007, People & Planet has been scoring universities using a set of criteria that investigates their environmental and ethical commitments and actions. Each criteria section adds up to 100% and this is referred to as ‘methodology’.

Half the criteria is scored using data collected and made public by the Higher Education Statistics Agency or other public verified data sources. The rest is scored based on information made public by the university itself. Universities that do not make their environmental information public online are not likely to score very highly – if People & Planet can’t find the information, the institution will score zero.

View the University of Salford's Environmental Sustainability Policy Statement.