Sustainability Solutions
Taking a systems-thinking approach to tackling 21st-century global challenges
With our mission to advance knowledge and transform lives, the University embodies the spirit of enterprise and deep commitment to sustainability.
Sustainability Solutions is our commitment to delivering on the promise of securing a greener, cleaner future, working in partnership with communities, industry, policymakers and individuals to bring about the paradigm shifts and cultural changes our world needs to thrive.
Our commitment starts by creating a sustainable university and we are proud to be only the second university to be third party verified as carbon neutral. The key challenges facing our planet – as outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – inform and inspire all our research and teaching, as well as underpinning the way we work as a University.
A sustainable university
We achieved net zero verification through the independent PAS 2060 standard and met ambitious strategic targets three years ahead of schedule.
The University of Plymouth has won seven Green Gown accolades – and been shortlisted a total of 22 times – for our sustainability achievements. In the 2023 awards we have won the Reporting with Influence award and were Highly Commended in the 2030 Climate Action category, acknowledging the University’s long-held commitment to carbon reduction.
Across our estate, we have achieved a reduction of over 78% in scopes 1 and 2 carbon emissions, compared to our baseline year of 2005/06.
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
We are developing innovative solutions to benefit the whole of society, and providing the skills and talent to safeguard the planet.
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals - 3 Good health and well-being]()
Tackling the threat of antibiotic resistance
Developing new antibiotics to fight today’s superbugs
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG 4 - Quality Education]()
Raising aspirations through education
Supporting students to become resilient, thriving individuals and global citizens
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation]()
Securing the natural capital of water
Developing technologies and influencing international policy to improve water quality
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy]()
Powering the growth of renewable energy
Investing in sustainable wind, tidal and wave technologies
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![Container ship carrying container box in import export with quay crane, Global business cargo freight shipping commercial trade logistic and transportation oversea worldwide by container vessel. shutterstock]()
Advancing the Clean Maritime agenda
Delivering innovative solutions to decarbonise shipping
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities]()
Levelling up coastal communities
Rewriting the narrative on challenges facing seaside towns and cities
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities]()
Developing cities and communities with technology and tradition
Pioneering a new generation of energy efficient buildings
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG 13 - Climate Action]()
Working with communities to support climate action
Inspiring and enabling individuals and communities to act for the benefit of the global climate
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals - 14 Life below water]()
Driving action for clean and healthy oceans
Advancing the understanding and sustainable use of the oceans
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG - 15 – Life on Land]()
Future proofing for healthy soils
Developing sustainable soils from waste materials to support better land management and soil conservation
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![UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions]()
Empowering communities impacted by conflict
Contributing to national policy discussions on responses to mass atrocities, global conflicts and human rights crises
Our research on a global stage: COP29
11–22 November 2024
Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku, Azerbaijan
The University's COP29 delegation will focus on making meaningful connections with both industry and country representatives to drive research and innovation in critical areas supporting responsible use of the ocean: offshore renewable energy, floating offshore wind and plastic pollution.
Featured research
Research Centres
Each centre is home to a critical mass of researchers with the collective endeavour to find solutions to global challenges we face today.
Interdisciplinary research
Our diverse research spans three Strategic Institutes. Collaborative endeavour in rich, natural environments drives solutions to global challenges.
