Elsewhere on Ulster
We seek to reduce waste on campus and incorporate sustainability considerations into our procurement practices when purchasing goods and services.
Our operational activity seeks to reduce waste and incorporate sustainability considerations within procurement activity.
With 10.2million tonnes of food and drink was wasted in the UK in 2019, our research seeks to use predictive tools to reduce waste among grocery retailers.
The Academy Restaurant, located on our Belfast campus and part of Ulster University Business School, was awarded the Green Key certification – an international eco-label recognising excellence in environmental and sustainable practices. This achievement reflects the restaurant’s commitment to responsible resource management, waste reduction, and the promotion of local and sustainable food sourcing. As a student-led establishment, it also plays a key role in embedding sustainability within the learning experience for future hospitality professionals.
Ulster University is growing a culture of sustainability through two vibrant campus gardens. In Coleraine, the Wellbeing Garden features dedicated beds where staff and students can cultivate their own fruit, vegetables, and herbs, promoting hands-on learning, healthy living, and community connection. On the Belfast campus, the Herb Garden supplies fresh, seasonal herbs directly to the Academy Restaurant, supporting sustainable, local food sourcing. Together, these green spaces reflect our commitment to environmental responsibility and creating healthier, more sustainable campuses.
Vert Café, located on our Belfast campus, champions sustainable eating by offering an entirely plant-based menu. By focusing on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, Vert reduces the environmental impact associated with food production, particularly carbon emissions, water use, and deforestation linked to animal agriculture. The café provides a delicious, low-impact alternative that supports both personal health and planetary wellbeing, aligning with Ulster University’s commitment to sustainability in everyday campus life.
Our Ethical Investment Policy Statement sets out principles that ensure the University’s investments support positive social and environmental outcomes. The policy reflects our broader commitment to environmental and social responsibility across all areas of University life. The Ethical Investment Policy is approved by the Resources Committee.
Read the full policy statement
Ulster University is committed to ethical supply chains. The Modern Slavery Statement outlines actions taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking, including supplier engagement through a sustainability action-planning tool and strong procurement practices. We work proactively with high-risk sectors, ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities, and embed social responsibility across our operations to support ethical, sustainable sourcing.
Read the full policy statement
Ulster University’s Gifts, Gratuities and Hospitality Policy ensures transparent and ethical decision-making across our operations. All staff must declare gifts or hospitality over a specified value, with provisions for approval, recording, and regular monitoring. These safeguards help prevent conflicts of interest and promote responsible stewardship of university resources, reinforcing our commitment to integrity, accountability, and sustainable governance.
Ulster University is committed to responsible procurement practices that uphold human rights and promote fair working conditions. As a member of the North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC), we are affiliated with Electronics Watch, an independent monitoring organisation dedicated to improving labour rights and working conditions in global electronics supply chains.
