Sustainability achievements

Sustainability Awards 

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

The University of Worcester has been ranked 1st in the UK for Quality Education in the latest rankings announced by the globally respected Times Higher Education, which highlights the contribution made by universities around the world to achieving the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which the United Nations adopted in 2016. The University is ranked 1st in the UK for Quality Education in the Times Higher Education's University Impact Rankings 2024 and has been in the top 5 every year since its inception in 2019.

Green Gowns

The University was shortlisted in the Green Gown Awards 2024, The University’s online sustainability magazine ‘Sus Things Out’ was named as a finalist in the Digital Futures category for this year’s Green Gown Awards. The blog was started 10 years ago by students, lecturers, and expert practitioners to share stories about how University of Worcester students and other contributors work to combat climate change and its impacts. Sus Things Out showcases internal and external events, student-led projects, talks, and conferences on campus and in the wider community. 

Green Apple

International Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice 2024

The University was Commended in the International Green Apple Environment Awards for its digital publishing project, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2024.

Sustainability Institution of the Year 2019 - Green Gown Winner

The Green Gown Awards, run by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) recognise ‘exceptional sustainability initiatives’ in universities and colleges across the UK.

International Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice 2023

The University won an International Green Apple in the Conservation and Wildlife Project Category for protecting and enhancing biodiversity at the University of Worcester for over a decade. The ceremony was held at the Houses of Parliament in London. For further details please visit our news article about the awards.

Sustainability Ranking

People & Planet University League

The University of Worcester has been awarded First Class Honours for environmental sustainability in the latest People & Planet national rankings. This is the 15th straight year that the University, one of Britain’s most sustainable, has earned First Class Honours. People & Planet’s University League has placed the University ninth out of 149 UK institutions in its latest 2024/25 table. The University scored 100% in 3 of the 14 categories and 90% or over in another 3, ranking 6th overall. 

The league, compiled annually by the UK student campaigning network People & Planet, ranks universities by environmental and ethical performance. They look at aspects including environmental policy, carbon management, how sustainably food is produced, and how the University equips students with the knowledge and understanding of sustainability, energy sources, waste and recycling, and carbon and water use reduction. 

EcoCampus Platinum

• We were the first English University to achieve EcoCampus Platinum status in June 2010
• We were also the second English University to gain ISO14001:2015 for all our campuses
• We were re-audited in 2024

Energy Management System 

• The University has been accredited with the ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System covering all activities, products and services across the entire institution

• The EnMS scope includes the University’s two major fuels type of natural gas and electricity. The accreditation is valid until October 2026

Responsible Futures Accreditation

We achieved Responsible Futures accreditation from the NUS, in its inaugural year helping to develop the accreditation as one of the pilot institutions.

This accreditation is for our whole institution approach, working jointly with Worcester Students’ Union, to social responsibility and sustainability. 

We have been reaccredited four times, every two years, each time increasing our scores. Our next review will take place in the July 2026.

Other awards

Fairtrade 

The University of Worcester has been accredited with Fairtrade status since 2008 and is reaccredited until June 2025. You can view our latest Fairtrade University Award Certificate. We are delighted to have signed up with the Fairtrade Foundation and SOS-UK to their new programme to give our campus activities renewed vigour. We are proud to have been awarded 2 Stars in our 2021-23 audit.