Environment and sustainability news

Our students, staff and visitors all contribute to the University's environmental impact and we aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research, operational and international activities.

We are in the fortunate position of having a wealth of expertise and knowledge to share. Here are some examples of how we are responding to the climate emergency.

Corals as canaries in the coal mine

Professor of Molecular Ecology Michael Sweet discusses the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and how coral can act as a warning sign for climate impact.

Video of Professor Michael Sweet explaining the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and how coral can act as a warning sign for climate impact.

View Corals as canaries in the coal mine - Michael Sweet video transcript

Blogs

vapour rises from industrial chimneys and a haze covers the landscape
The environmental impact of coronavirus: what have we learned?

The University of Derby's Lecturer in Geoscience, Rosemary Horry, explores the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the environment and what lessons there are to take from this.

Posted: 25 May 2021
By: Rosemary Horry
An animated green leaf with a cityscape above
Why now could be the right time to DE-Carbonise

Dr Gary Wright, Senior Researcher in Low Carbon Technology at the University of Derby, looks at how businesses will play a big part in the UK's commitment to making a ‘net zero’ contribution to the world’s carbon emissions by 2050 and explains the ingenious ways that firms here in Derbyshire can reduce the environmental impact of their operations and cut their costs.

Posted: 24 February 2021
By: The Corporate Communications Team

Discover more

nature against a city backdrop
How the pandemic has changed our relationship with nature

As spending time in nature was the only leisure activity we could indulge in during lockdown, how has that affected our relationship with the environment?

Animated people representing different fields of employment standing next to a pound sign made of grass.
Do we have the green skills to get the green jobs done?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out a Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution to help reach the UK’s climate commitments while creating highly skilled jobs. Sounds great – but how r...

Person riding a Gotrax White Endura Electric Bike.
What we're doing

How the University of Derby estate is managed is a critical part of the sustainability of an institution. This is what we're doing.

wild flowers in the Peak District
Research and teaching

We nurture excellence in research and teaching and recognise the strong link between the two. Many areas of our research have an environmental element.