Sustainable UEA

UEA has been a pioneer in environmental sciences and climate change research for 50 years. 

We recognise our global impact and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our work with the Aurora Universities Network and as a signatory to the SDG Accord. We were one of the first universities to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency in June 2019.  

But we also have our own climate ambitions as a university, for our staff and students, and as an institution that plays a key role in our local and regional community.  

In this critical decade for climate action the University working with the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research has outlined its journey to a net zero UEA

  • To be over 80% net zero campus emissions by 2030* 
  • To be 100% net zero by 2045 or earlier
  • To pledge not to rely on off-setting for our carbon emission targets

*Against a baseline of 2015 – year of the UN Paris Agreement 

Our work

Across our campus, departments and teams are working hard to identity the measures needed to deliver on our ambitions. Some of the work will mean changes to how we run and manage our campus, others will include how we work with our suppliers, our business travel and waste and recycling plans. 

Vital to our net zero journey is the refurbishment of the Lasdun Wall and the exploration of new ways of working as part of our Campus Development Programme.   

In this year of the COP26 Climate Change Conference, we developed our Climate of Change campaign to engage and inspire activity around tackling the defining issue of our time.  

The SustainableUEA Awards recognise the achievements of staff and students across UEA who have made contributions to our sustainability agenda. 

Together as a University, as a leader in climate research and collaborating with our global and local partners we need to ensure we have a workplace and world fit for a dynamic and sustainable future.

Contact us


X logo Join SustainableUEA on X (formerly known as Twitter)