Our sustainability journey

2008

A motion was passed in University Council in 2008 committing the University to following a 'deep green' agenda

2009

Keele's BSc Environment and Sustainability and the MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology courses launch

2010

• Keele’s first carbon management plan launches
• Keele’s estate is one of the first universities to be awarded Carbon Trust Standard
• New waste recycling contract leads to increased recycling rates on campus
• The Higher Education Academy's ‘Green Academy’ at Keele pilots

2011

• The Keele University Sustainability Hub opens
• The Sustainability Student Bungalow is set up by students to showcase sustainable living
• Download the 2011 Sustainability Report

2012

• A dedicated Director of Education for Sustainability role and Sustainability Project Officer(s) is appointed
• An Environmental Sustainability Strategy Group is formed
• Jonathon Porritt becomes Chancellor, providing a guiding influence on shaping our commitment to environmental sustainability
• Keele's first Green Week is held
• Staff cycle to work scheme launches
• Walled Garden Allotments are established
• The Student Eats programme commences
• Download the 2012 Sustainability Report

2013

• Keele takes part in Green Impact, led by the National Union of Students
• British Heart Foundation #Pack For Good collection points are installed at each Halls of Residence
• The Student Action for Sustainability Conference is held
• Download the 2013 Sustainability Report

2014

• A new Head of Grounds arrived, committed to the development of Keele’s 617 acres and the consideration of both biodiversity and educational purposes in its management
• The National Cherry Tree Collection officially opens on campus
• The development of the Memorial Garden begins
• David Emley’s book on ‘The Natural History of Keele University’ is published

2015

• A new University strategy ‘to promote sustainability in all that we do’ is announced as one of six strategic aims
• The Great Donate campaign is created by student volunteers. The ‘Green Move Out’ is formed to reduce waste created as part of student halls move out.
• Keele Food Co-op: Led by student volunteers, the aim is to provide all students with affordable, organic vegetables, fruit, spices, oils and dry goods. This evolved into Student Eats and the Keele Campus Gardening project.

2016

• The World Student Environmental Network Summit takes place - a platform for students to share ideas on how to make universities more sustainable
• Download the 2016 Sustainability Report

2017

• Smart Energy Network Demonstrator and HyDeploy projects commence
• Keele's Root & Branch sustainability ‘brand’ is launched
• Warp-It reuse network is introduced at Keele

2018

• Keele Sustainability Network launches
• Keele wins Outstanding Leadership Team of the Year Award at the Green Gown Awards
• The Institute for Sustainable Futures launches
• Download the 2018 Sustainability Report

2019

• Keele declares a climate emergency
• Sir David Attenborough visits campus to open the David Attenborough Laboratories
• Recycle League pilot: Keele University took part in a National Union of Students pilot program ‘recycle league’

2020

• Keele wins Sustainability Institution of the Year Award at the Green Gown Awards
• Keele successfully achieved re-accreditation for the second time under the SOS-UK Responsible Futures scheme

2021

• Keele wins Global Sustainability Institution of the Year at the International Green Gown Awards
• The build of Keele's Low Carbon Energy Generation Park commences
• Keele Students' Union was re-accredited under the NUS Green Impact scheme for Students' Unions, achieving an 'Excellent' rating for the second year running

2022

• Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent Climate Commission founded: Chaired by Professor Zoe Robinson and key organisations and sustainability champions in the local area, the vision of the Climate Comission is to accelerate action and alignment through collaborative cross-sector working to deliver an inclusive and just transition to net zero and a nature-rich Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. 
• Keele signs a pledge to become a Nature Positive University

2023

• Keele wins the prestigious Green Energy Award for our groundbreaking Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND) and Low Carbon Energy Generation Park

2024

• Keele is announced as the host of the DfE's Climate Ambassadors Scheme West Midlands Hub
• Keele pledges to make research more sustainable as part of new national policy