Considerable progress on improving our climate change contributions have been made in recent years, we have exceeded our current carbon reduction targets and are developing a new Climate Strategy.
We communicate our progress via our Sustainability in Operations Website which highlights the breath of activities undertaken.
The Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST), the Centre for Engineering and Renewable Energies (CERE), and the Centre for Hydrogen Safety Research (HySAFER) all host researchers from across a wide range of disciplines, providing a platform for university-wide collaboration, innovation, impact and engagement.
At a Glance
Collaboration with Oxfam
Belfast School of Art's collaboration with Oxfam with students recycling and upcycling clothes donated by Oxfam that cannot be sold in their stores into new contemporary fashion garments.
New maritime consortium
In line with the UK Department for Transport’s Maritime 2050 emissions strategy, we’re part of a new maritime consortium, working to produce the world's first autonomously controlled 'fully submerged' electric hydro-foiling vessel.
Global glacier retreat has accelerated
International study reveals global glacier retreat has accelerated.
Report findings will be included in the next Assessment Report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Journey to net-zero carbon emissions
Dr Judith Wylie supports the 1,000 Chartered Accountants campaign, supporting Chartered Accountants who have committed - or want to commit - to begin their journey to net-zero carbon emissions, or who have been an active voice in decarbonising the economy.
The Architects of Change
Ulster University and Belfast City Council have come together in a unique research partnership. The Architects of Change project puts students from the School of Architecture and the Built Environment at the heart of developing a training programme for business leaders to bridge the green skills gap.
Roisin Hyde, Lecturer in Architecture researches the development of a high-performance, low-impact, cement-free geopolymer concrete through the use of innovative automated technologies including 3D Laser Scanning, Point Cloud Modelling and 3D Printing
Net Zero Challenge
We've launched the Net Zero Challenge, motivating staff and students to take steps to do better, and collectively, together make a big difference on our journey to net zero.
Low carbon technologies
The university has invested in several low carbon technologies within its estate:
- Two 800KW wind turbines at Coleraine campus generate over 40% of campus demand.
- Eight Solar Phot Voltaic Arrays with a total generation capacity of 180KW have been installed - with examples on all campuses.
- Combined Heat and Power systems at Jordanstown and Belfast Campuses and a ground source heating system at Jordanstown campus.
- Large Rain Water Harvesting system on the Belfast Campus
- Two wel-water boreholes at Jordanstown campus reduce mains water consumption.
Management systems, monitoring and benchmarking
Management systems, monitoring and benchmarking are key investment areas to help us continually improve performance:
- ISO14001 for Estates Services and Procurement Department
- NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey
- Higher Educations Sustainability Leadership Scorecard
Sustainable travel plan
The University’s sustainable travel plan encourages our key stakeholder’s staff, students and visitors to travel to and from the University by more sustainable means reducing carbon emissions and the local impacts of congestion and pollution.