We run a number of initiatives and campaigns to encourage behaviour change across the University, until sustainability becomes engrained in all that we do.
Student representation
The representation of students across committees and planning groups is important for development across the university. There are many committees that include student representatives.
Students’ Union representatives are a part of:
- Business Continuity
- Health, Safety and Environment Committee
- Warrington Project planning
SU will also be present in the Environmental Management System core group as well as supporting working groups.
Climate Action
In 2020 we launched the Climate Action programme which provides a toolkit for departments to work through and improve their sustainability performance. There are two parts to the programme, a list of 10 core actions that cover different themes of sustainability, and a project plan. The programme and actions have been designed so that they are relevant and achievable, regardless of whether the team are working from campus, home, or a combination of the two. The programme is re-launching in January 2023.
Chester Students’ Union take part in the NUS Green Impact programme and were awarded ‘Good’ following their work in the programme. You can find out more about their award here.
Hedgehog Friendly Campus Campaign
Hedgehog Friendly Campus campaign is a national campaign that is accredited by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. The University of Chester has been taking part in the campaign since April 2020 and have achieved their bronze and silver award. Over the past year, the team have organised many activities for students and staff to get involved with, this has included hedgehog house building at Exton Park and the University Allotment, a quiz night, hedgehog surveys and litter picks. Volunteers have also delivered presentations to students and staff during Go Green Festival and Digital Climate Cafes to update on their work.
If you would like to volunteer with the group, please contact Rebecca Turner, Laboratory Manager for Biological Sciences and project led for University of Chester Hedgehog Friendly Campus campaign. You can also follow the group on Instagram, twitter and Facebook.
Awards and achievements
People and Planet League
The People and Planet University League is the only comprehensive and independent league table of UK universities ranked by their environmental and ethical performance. The University of Chester is currently ranked in 78th place out of 154 institutions and received a 2:2 award class. Having previously held a first-class position in 2017, we aim to improve our position through implementing an Environmental Management System. Find out more about the People & Planet League Table here.
Fossil Free Declaration
In April 2017 the University joined 48 other UK Universities in pledging our commitment to not invest in Fossil Fuel industries. So far 76 universities have committed to divest from fossil fuels in some form.
We think it is important that efforts are made to stay within the parameters of 1.5-2 degrees limit of global warming as stated in the Paris Climate Change Agreement in 2015. We have therefore decided to confirm our commitment to the Fossil Free Declaration and, in doing so, our aspiration to be a part of the transition to a low-carbon economy. The University also set out its Policy for Socially Responsible Investment.
Green Gown Awards
The EAUC run the Green Gown Awards, established in 2004 and recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by Universities and Colleges. The University of Chester has entered the awards and has been winners and highly commended for a number of initiatives.
| Year | Award Title |
| 2014 | Student Engagement - How to turn the tap off with a trashion show! |
| 2016 | Student Champion - Karen Elliott |
| 2016 | Highly Commended - Student Research and Development - Alex Lerczak |
| 2016 | Winner Food & Drink - Encouraging sustainability through hospitality: the Chester Way |
| 2017 | Highly Commended - Carbon Reduction - Lights, Solar, Action |
| 2017 | Highly Commended Just the VEGANing |
| 2017 | Highly Commended Sustainability Champion - Shaunagh Smith |
| 2019 | Benefitting Society - Caring Cups for the Chester Community |
| 2019 | Campus Health, Food and Drink - Doing it the Chester Way - Championing Sustainable Palm Oil |
| 2019 | Student Engagement - 'Students Give it Some Welly' with Community Conservation Projects |
| 2019 | Sustainability Champion of the Year - Staff - Lauren Holmes |
| 2022 | Campus, Health, Food and Drink – Ready, Reset, Reuse, Go! |