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Estates Services track our progress regularly through data collection and analysis, enabling targeted actions to improve sustainability. We report on our progress annually via the HESA Estates Management Record and our Annual Sustainability Report. These efforts align with our commitment to a more sustainable future.
Waste Management
Ulster University is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its waste. We send zero waste to landfill and promote a sustainable, circular approach across all campuses.
Most of our waste is non-hazardous and includes materials such as paper, plastics, packaging, and food waste. Where possible, food waste is separated for composting, while other materials, such as electrical equipment, cardboard, glass, cooking oil, fluorescent tubes, and printer and toner cartridges, are collected separately for recycling.
The remaining general waste is managed by the University’s appointed waste contractors and transported to Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in Belfast and Ringsend (near Coleraine). At these facilities, recyclable materials are extracted, and the remaining waste is sent for energy recovery.
We have made significant progress in waste management in recent years and remain committed to continuous improvement. Guided by the waste hierarchy, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Dispose, we aim to minimise the amount of waste generated and ensure it is managed sustainably across all campuses.
We use Warp It, an online reuse platform that helps staff share surplus furniture, equipment, and resources across our campuses. This initiative reduces waste, lowers costs, and supports our commitment to a circular economy by giving items a second life.
Water Use
At Ulster University, water is used in kitchens, toilets, laboratories, showers and during grounds maintenance. Estates Services has implemented a strategy to reduce usage across all campuses. These initiatives reflect the University’s strong commitment to sustainable water management.
Measures we are taking include installing water-efficient appliances and fittings, conducting leak detection surveys on underground pipework, and promoting water-saving behaviours among staff and students.
At the Belfast campus, a large rainwater harvesting system captures roof runoff to supply toilet facilities, reducing reliance on mains water by approximately 2,000 m³ of non-potable water annually.
The Jordanstown campus uses two well-water boreholes to sustainably irrigate sports pitches and provide non-potable water for the sports centre, saving around 5,000 m³ of mains water each year.
Path forward
Through sending zero waste to landfill, increasing recycling and reuse, and efficient water management, Ulster University is reducing its environmental impact and supporting a circular economy.
These actions are central to our vision for a sustainable campus that protects resources for future generations.
