News

Sustainable procurement key to the University’s journey to zero-carbon

30 March 2021

The University is delighted to announce the launch of the Finance Transformation Programme ’s Strategic Procurement and Purchasing (SPP) project . Whilst a bit of a mouthful, the SPP aims to support sustainably-informed purchasing choices, whilst maximising the potential of sustainable procurement to help secure a zero-...

Civil Engineering Building becomes our latest project to be awarded a BREEAM Excellent environmental rating

25 March 2021

The University’s new Civil Engineering Building provides over 4,000 sqm to house the National Research Facility for Infrastructure Sensing , part of the UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure & Cities, alongside the Department of Civil Engineering’s Geotechnical and Structures research activities...

Interested in sustainability and want to gain experience in environmental auditing?

22 March 2021

Gain valuable experience and a certificate in Environmental Auditing by taking part in free online training delivered by SOS-UK and approved by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) . You will then put your newfound skills into practice by conducting virtual Green Impact audits on 11 or 12 May...

World-first sustainable office retrofit begins at new University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership headquarters

17 March 2021

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has announced the start of works on its new visionary headquarters. This world first for a retrofitted sustainable office building will set new standards for low energy use, carbon emissions and impact on natural resources as well as user experience...

Thanks for sharing your views with us!

8 March 2021

The Sustainability Team are very grateful to the 27% of staff and 9% of students who completed our annual travel survey back in October 2020. Now more than ever, your responses really do matter and your feedback is crucial as we look to shape effective and sustainable transport projects. Keep a lookout for our upcoming Let...

World Book Day 2021: A celebration of nature reading

3 March 2021

I have always found solace in books. They make trusted companions on long journeys, allow for moments of quiet reflection, help us become better scholars and empaths, and provide a sometimes welcome escape from the world outside. Over the last year, the incredible value of books has crystallised in a way I hadn’t...

Share your wildlife sightings to support local biodiversity

3 March 2021

This World Wildlife Day we’re delighted to announce our latest citizen science opportunity! Some of you may remember that last year the University of Cambridge published its first-ever Biodiversity Action Plan , known locally as the BAP. Along with guidelines for enhancing biodiversity across the University, the BAP sets...

Which single-use disposables do we use the most and how can we reduce them?

25 February 2021

Earlier this year, we reported that an estimated 97% of the University’s waste comes from single-use items . This means a mountain of waste - roughly 1800 tonnes - is generated every year by staff, students, and visitors to our buildings from items which are only ever used once before disposal. In early 2021, we asked you...

Birdwatching for beginners

24 February 2021

If you’ve ever been interested in learning more about birds then you’ll know how daunting a 300-page guidebook can be. Not only that, but if you haven't ever tried to identify a species before how do you know what to pay attention to? Is it the colour that’s important? What about size? Or shape of the wings? Even once you’...

A fresh future for the University's Equipment Replacement Programme

24 February 2021

After almost five years and well over 200 replacement projects, the Equipment Replacement Programme (ERP) is undergoing a refresh this year. To make sure the programme continues to deliver energy and carbon savings, as well as facilitate smarter equipment purchasing choices, our funding options for you are changing. The...