Category Archives: News

Food Waste at Newcastle University

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In the UK, it’s estimated that 4.4 million tonnes of edible food is thrown away each year. This equates to £17.5 billion worth of food being wasted, and 16 million tonnes of greenhouse gases being created by food waste, harming the environment as well as our pockets.

It is therefore essential we avoid food waste where we can, and that where food waste can’t be avoided, we process it in the best way possible.

Food waste at Newcastle University

In March 2025, the Simpler Recycling legislation came into force, meaning that all UK businesses with 10 or more employees must have food waste segregation and collections in place. While Newcastle University has had food waste caddies and collections for several years on campus, this was expanded to all University-owned accommodation in January 2025.

All food waste is taken by Biffa to a local anaerobic digestion (AD) facility. Here, food waste is processed into fertiliser, as well as a methane-rich ‘biogas’ which is fed back into the national grid.

Newcastle University is highly aware of the issues surrounding food waste and has also implemented several initiatives to combat them, such as: 

  • Giving excess food to local food banks and to our new Student Pantry. 
  • Catered events are advised to order an amount of food which is less than the amount of people visiting so there is less waste. 
  • Ingredients which are left over are used to make other meals if possible.
  • If one food outlet closes earlier than another, the food is transported to another that is open later.

How to reduce food waste

Want to save some money and produce less food waste? Check out these top tips from Love Food Hate Waste…

  1. Think before you shop

Take a few moments to consider what you need before you hit the shop. Check what you actually need in your fridge, freezer, and cupboards, and plan to use up anything that’s going to expire soon. And don’t forget to take your shopping list with you to keep you on track!

  1. Plan your meals 

Create a realistic flexible meal plan, and leave space for a ‘use up fridge food’ meal. Planning for what you’ll eat during the week reduces buying any ‘just in case’ food, saving you money and reducing the possibility of wasting food.

  1. Don’t throw your leftovers 

If you have food leftover from a meal, put it in the fridge or freezer. This means you can eat it at a later date, and it doesn’t get wasted!

Top tip: Make sure to label your food with a date so you know how long it has been there to ensure its safe to eat. 

  1. Store your food right

Putting your food away in the right places will help keep it fresher for longer. This guide created by Love Food Hate Waste has some great tips about how to best store different food items, and the visual guide below shows what should go where in the fridge.

A guide how to organise your fridge by Love Food Hate Waste

  1. Eat every edible morsel of food

Get more value and nourishment from your food by eating and using all the edible parts and reduce what goes in the bin. One example would be to save yourself some time by not peeling carrots or potatoes – less food waste and time saved is surely a win-win situation!

  1. Try a food waste app 

If you know you won’t use your item and it is still within its use-by date, list it on a food waste app like Olio. This way, you can get rid of items you won’t use and somebody in your community can benefit from a free food donation!   

For more good food habits, recipe information and more, visit Love Food Hate Waste.

LEAF Audit Workshop

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Last week we hosted the North East’s first LEAF Audit training workshop! 

The event was organised by one of our sustainability officers, Phoebe, and was open to all Universities in the region taking part in LEAF. Attendees joined us from Newcastle, Northumbria University and Durham University.

This in person training session was delivered by Caitlin Broadbent a member of the UCL LEAF team, who expertly informed our participants on how to audit a LEAF lab to a high level. A range of discussions of scenarios taking place in labs across the institutions led to some great deliberations. As a result, all workshop attendees are now equipped as LEAF lab auditors!

LEAF Audit Workshop

What is LEAF?

LEAF, or the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework, is an online platform for laboratory users designed by UCL to improve the sustainability and efficiency of working practices within wet labs.  Teams work through sustainability actions covering a wide range of topics to reduce waste, water, and energy along with improving the efficiency of other resources aiming to get either a bronze, silver or gold accreditation. 

We have a rapidly growing group of LEAF Labs and auditors at Newcastle University, and we’re excited to see how our community grows over 2026.

How to get involved?

  1. Sign up on the LEAF portal
  2. Register with your institutional email, then login and either join an existing lab, or request a new lab (if your lab is not already listed).
  3. After your account is verified, work with your team through the wide range of criteria. Submit for your answers and then you will be audited.
  4. Every year, progress to a higher certificate, or re-audit to keep your accreditation.

Sustainability Team Beach Clean 2025!

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This week the Sustainability Team headed to Tynemouth Longsands Beach and Cullercoats for a beach litter pick in support of the Great British Beach Clean 2025.

Every September, thousands of people across the UK head to the coast to take part in this nationwide event, organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). Last year volunteers across the UK removed over 764,000 litter items from our beaches, weighing more than 16,800kg. This year’s Great British Beach Clean is running from Friday 19th to Sunday 28th September, and we were proud to play our part in helping protect our local coastline.

Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and clipboards, we spent the afternoon collecting waste along the shoreline, aiming to improve the environment for people and wildlife.

We used the MCS litter survey forms to record the types and amounts of waste we found. These forms are an essential part of the Beach Clean, allowing the MCS to track pollution trends and build evidence to campaign for cleaner seas and stronger environmental policies.

Some of the most commonly found items included:

  • Small pieces of plastic
  • Bottle tops and lids
  • Cigarette butts
  • Fishing line and small netting fragments

The data we collected will now feed directly into the MCS’s national database, helping researchers and policymakers better understand the scale and sources of beach litter.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part! And we are happy to report there wasn’t an awful lot of litter at the beach, thanks to the local community who regularly litter pick.

Want to get involved?
The Great British Beach Clean is running until Sunday 28th September, and there are events happening all over the UK. Visit the Marine Conservation Society website to find out how you can take part and help protect our beaches.

Let’s keep our coastline clean!

World Car Free Day

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Monday 22nd September is World Car Free Day and Newcastle University is taking a city-wide approach with local institutions including Newcastle City Council, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Nexus.

We are asking those who can, to take the Newcastle Car Free Day pledge and commute to campus using a car free mode of transport such as cycling, walking or wheeling, metro or bus. 

We know trying a new mode of transport to commute can be daunting, so we have asked colleagues what advice they would give to people trying their preferred modes for the first time. You can read the testimonials below – make notes of the helpful tips they provide!

Public Transport

Charlotte Robson commutes via the metro

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I commute via the metro as it is a quick and sustainable mode of transport. I like to use the commuting time to find some calm (at the start and/ or the end of your day), I often do this by reading a book or listening to a podcast.
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? The Nexus Pop app is a great way to keep track of what’s happening on the metro network, you can check train times so you can minimise your wait on the platform. Always pack an umbrella in case it is raining when you get off the train (the weather in Newcastle can be a tad unpredictable). If you become a regular user of public transport during the week and on the weekends, look at the University public transport page as an annual travel ticket for one of the local providers may work out cheaper for you.

Cycling

Amy Johnson commutes via cycling on a hybrid bike

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? Cycling is much cheaper than the bus (£5 per day) and quicker! I have a car but driving into the city centre during rush hour and having to pay for parking doesn’t appeal to me. It’s also nice to get some fresh air on the way to and from work. 
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Investigate your options first, see if your workplace has a cycle to work scheme. Can you secure your bike securely at home and at work? Does your work have lockers? It can be a bit of money to begin with – for example getting a bike, helmet, lock, high vis jacket etc but once you’ve got it all its much cheaper than other modes of transport. Cycling can be intimidating to start with for example getting used to traffic etc, but once you get the hang of it and become more confident its much easier. The more of us that can cycle to work, the better – it increases safety in numbers, will make drivers more aware of cyclists and lead to shifts in behaviour (think about cycling somewhere like Amsterdam!)

Jane Robinson uses a bike to commute to campus

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I cycle along the river from Wylam – it’s a beautiful, safe (and flat!) route – it gives me time to think and prepare for the day and unwind on the way home and I fit in my exercise as part of the day. 
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Make the most of Cycle to Work scheme. Wear bright colours and always use your lights. Most importantly, enjoy the ride!

Carys Watts commutes via cycling

  1. What form of sustainable transport do you use to commute? I cycle to work from Gateshead to Newcastle, half of my route is off-road, the rest is shared use or cycle lanes. Previously to help with timings for the school-run, I drove partway with my bike in the car, then cycled the rest.
  2. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? My commute time is reliable and I feel alert, relaxed and healthy, plus there is no daily cost.
  3. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Starting out cycling I would invest in a helmet, a bright (neon) waterproof jacket and decent bike lights for visibility. Get a strong bike lock and ask friends/co-workers their advice on their recommended routes, bike parking and servicing.

Walking

Hannah Owens walks to work

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I enjoy being out in the fresh air and getting some exercise through my commute. It’s roughly a 35-minute walk so it’s a good amount of time to prepare for the day ahead on the way in and unwind on the way home. It’s also great for enjoying nature and green spaces- I love that in the summer months I get to experience fields of cows on my city centre commute!
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Layered clothing and comfortable/sturdy footwear, and it’s a great way to enjoy podcasts.

If you would like some additional information, you can find more advice and helpful information on the Sustainable Campus Travel pages.

Sustainable September: What’s coming up!

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September is a big month for environmental awareness, conscious consumerism, and collective action. Whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your impact, here’s what’s coming up next month and how you can get involved!

Organic September

Led by the Soil Association, Organic September celebrates organic food and farming. It’s a chance to learn about the benefits of choosing organic for our health and the planet. This Organic Septembers focus is the connection between healthy soil and healthy food. Try swapping one or two regular shopping items for organic alternatives and support farmers who are working with nature.

Tip: Look for the Soil Association organic certification logo next time your food shopping, or read the Soil Associations Organic Living Guide

Second-hand September

Fashion is famously one of the most polluting industries, with millions of clothes ending up in landfill every year. Hosted by Oxfam, Second-hand September encourages people to say no to new clothes for 30 days and take a stance against fast fashion.

Challenge yourself to find an outfit from a thrift shop or host a clothes swap with friends.

Tip: Read our blog for tips on tackling fast fashion.

Photo: Oxfam

World Car Free Day: 22nd September

Join cities around the world in ditching your car for the day. Whether you walk, wheel, take public transport, reducing car use is great for the environment and your health.Map out a car-free route to work/ university and give it a go! Keep an eye on our World Car Free Day events page to find out how Newcastle University are getting involved.

Tip: Cycle in and use our Dr Bike services at Bike Week for free minor repairs!

Recycle Week: 22nd – 28th September

Run by Recycle Now, this national campaign reminds us all to keep recycling correctly. It’s a great time to brush up on what can and can’t go in your recycling bin, and to explore local recycling services.

Tip: Check out our waste A-Z to see what can be recycled on campus.

Great British Beach Clean: 19th – 28th September

Organised by the Marine Conservation Society, the Great British Beach Clean is more than just a litter picking event. Volunteers record the types of litter they find to help push for policy change. There data has helped to make positive change, including the introduction of the plastic bag charge, banning microplastics in personal care products, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items.

Tip: Find a local clean-up event or organise your own with friends and family.

Photo: Great British Beach Clean

Sustainable September is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and act. Which of these events will you take part in?

More awareness days:

What are compliance obligations and why do they matter?

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Each year, Newcastle University undergoes an external audit to ensure that our Environmental Management System (EMS) and Energy Management System (EnMS) meet the requirements of the ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards. These audits are rooted in our list of compliance obligations (COs). In this blog, we will explore what compliance obligations are, some examples, and how they affect the wider University community. 

What are compliance obligations? 

Compliance obligations are described by ISO as: 

“Legal requirements that an organization has to comply with and any other requirements that an organization has to or chooses to comply with” 

The University has a register of environmental and energy commitments it must adhere to, like those required by the law and others which are voluntary. We work with Barbour EHS, a consultancy that provides compliance and information services, to help us keep our obligations register up-to-date, especially when new legislation comes into place. 

During the external audit, auditors review the list of compliance obligations and assess how these requirements are being met. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the University losing its ISO accreditation. 

What are some examples of compliance obligations? 

The concept may sound rather abstract, so here are some examples of obligations on our register. 

As you can see, many of the obligations link back to our key themes, looking at carbon, water, waste and biodiversity. This highlights how compliance obligations serve not just as checkboxes, but as practical drivers of environmental action across departments. 

Nature Positive Universities is just one of many voluntary obligations we’ve committed to, alongside our Net Zero targets, membership to the EAUC, participation in the People & Planet University League, the Race to Zero campaign, the SDG Accord, and the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. 

How do we integrate compliance obligations into our work? 

Compliance obligations guide how we plan, implement, and monitor environmental and energy practices across campus. The process usually begins with changes in legislation or voluntary initiatives, which are then translated into internal actions. These updates are reviewed during both internal and external audits, helping us track progress and identify areas for improvement. 

For example, when the Simpler Recycling legislation came into play in March 2025, we responded by reviewing how waste was being managed in all areas of campus, especially student accommodation. This led to collaboration with our waste contractor, Biffa, to introduce food waste bins and expand glass recycling across key locations. These operational changes directly support compliance obligations related to waste segregation and management. Auditors can assess these during their visits and may even offer feedback in the form of an OFI (Opportunity for Improvement), which helps us refine our systems further. 

How are students and colleagues involved? 

From the table above, you can see that COs extend the scope of the Sustainability Team’s work – we work closely with colleagues across the University to meet them. Everybody at the University plays a role in meeting environmental responsibilities. From Estates designing efficient building systems and maintaining green spaces, to individuals recycling correctly and using energy efficiently in their workspaces, everyone plays a key role in our EMS and EnMS. 

COs are all over, even when you may not notice. For instance, most University buildings have an environmental noticeboard near their entrances, displaying Display Energy Certificates, required under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. 

Students are also a key part of this process. Under the Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice, waste producers (including students in accommodations) are responsible for sorting their waste correctly. Additionally, by completing travel surveys, both students and colleagues are contributing to voluntary efforts aligned with the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 and the Transport Act 2000. 

From waste and water to biodiversity and transport, compliance obligations influence many day-to-day decisions at the University. They help ensure we’re not only meeting legislation but actively working toward a more sustainable campus.  

If you’d like to find out more about our environmental and energy management systems, read our blog, or check out our webpage. For any sustainability queries, please email us at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk 

Climate Ambassadors Northeast Hub 

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Are you passionate about the environment and climate change? Sign up to become a climate ambassador! 

Funded by a £2 million investment from the Department for Education, the Climate Ambassador programme is delivered in partnership with the University of Reading, EAUC (the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education), and supported by STEM Learning.  

The programme exists to support nurseries, schools, colleges, and universities in England to develop and implement Climate Action Plans (CAPs) – enabling all education settings to have a CAP in place by the end of 2025. 

What is a Climate Ambassador? 

A Climate Ambassador is a volunteer from any background who is passionate about taking action against climate change and making a positive difference in their local schools, communities, and to the planet! You don’t need to be a climate expert to be an ambassador – training and ongoing support are provided. Ambassadors help raise awareness, inspire others, and lead by example, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

As a Climate Ambassador you will have flexibility as to what support you give and how much time you contribute but this includes the opportunity to: 

  • Promote climate action and sustainability across education through collaboration, leadership, and engagement. 
  • Co-develop and implement effective Climate Action Plans (CAPs) with schools and local communities. 
  • Lead eco-initiatives and educational campaigns that inspire participation and long-term behaviour change. 
  • Share insights, experiences and best practices within the network. 

The Northeast Hub 

To support the programme, regional hubs in each of England’s education regions have been set up so that volunteer ambassadors can be matched with education settings in their area. The Northeast Hub is hosted by Newcastle University and led by  Dr Stephen Blenkinsop  and  Professor Hayley Fowler. 

“The Northeast Climate Ambassadors Hub hosted by Newcastle University is excited to be able to draw on the expertise and passion people across our region have for addressing the challenges of climate change. Volunteer ambassadors as well as nurseries, schools and colleges interested in getting support can find out more about all the help the scheme provides from the regional hub at climateambassadors.ne@newcastle.ac.uk.” 

Dr Stephen Blenkinsop 

Sign up now! 

If you are interested in getting involved with the Climate Ambassadors scheme, you can find out more here or sign up here! Volunteers will be provided with free training and support, and be matched to a local nursery, school or college that needs help creating a climate action plan.  

Bike Maintenance: Handy tips to keep your wheels on the road 

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We’ve all been there – the sun’s shining, you’ve got your cycling clothes on, water bottle filled, ready to hit the road…only to discover an issue with your bike. Whether it’s a flat tyre, faulty brakes, or grinding gears, we’ve teamed up with our friends at WATBike to share some simple maintenance tips that’ll keep your bike in a roadworthy condition. 

1. Bike storage 

Where you store your bike matters. Storing your bike in a safe place is not only important for security reasons, but it can also help keep your bike in good condition. Leaving a bike outside for extended periods (such as in a garden/backyard over winter) will expose your bike to the elements which, over time, will cause the parts to corrode and eventually lead to failure of the gears, brakes etc. 

Tips for smart storage:

2. Tyres

Your tyres are a critical component of your bike’s performance and safety. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure and regularly checking their condition is vital!

Tyre care tips:

  • Check tyre pressure regularly, ensuring the PSI is at the required level (these can be found on the tyre wall).  Ensuring the correct pressure helps to prevent punctures. 
  • Keep a small hand pump with you to ensure you can always pump your tyres. Or you can use the University cycle repair stand near Hatton Gallery (location shown in our map). This stand is equipped with allen keys, screwdrivers, spanners, adjustable fit bike pump and a tyre iron.
  • Inspect your tyres for cracks or holes – replace tyres if they’re showing serious wear.

3. Bike Cleaning

Regular bike cleaning will prevent rust and corrosion, helping your bike parts last longer and be more effective.

Cleaning checklist:

  • Use a hose (light pressure!) to rinse off loose dirt.
  • Scrub with bike-friendly brushes, especially around the chain and cassette (gears). It is also important to keep the braking surface of your wheels clean and dry.   
  • Check out this 5-minute bike wash tutorial on YouTube, or if a deeper clean is needed, this 30-minute bike wash tutorial.

4. Chain Care

One of the easiest and most effective maintenance tasks: lubricating your chain. It ensures a smoother ride with less clunking when changing gears and extends your bike chains lifespan. There are two main types of chain lubricant; wet and dry, and it depends on the type of riding you do and the time of year as to which lubricant you should use.  

Choosing the right chain lube:

Dry lube: Best for people who mainly ride on roads. It’s thinner and won’t pick up as much dust in the summer.

Wet lube: Designed for wet, muddy conditions. It is thicker than dry lube, which helps it repel water and keep your chain lubricated. 

If you’re not sure which to use, ask at a local bike shop, or at our regular Dr Bike sessions.

5. Loose parts 

If something on your bike feels loose (especially pedals) – don’t ride it! Bring it to a Dr Bike session or bike repair shop straight away. A quick tweak when a problem first arises can save big mechanical issues in the future if you leave it unresolved.

Maintenance at Dr Bike

If you require more help with bike maintenance, our regular Dr Bike sessions on campus are a great place to start. Whether it’s a quick fix or a maintenance question, expert advice is always on hand.  WATBike are here every two weeks throughout the year and are happy to help.

We’re also excited to announce Bike Week, taking place at The Boiler House from Monday 12th to Wednesday 14th May, in partnership with WATBike and supported by Cycling UK.

During Bike Week, Bike technicians will be available on campus from 10:00-14:00 each day to provide more detailed support on how to maintain your bike, with guidance and advice from the team at WATBike. There will also be a sale of lovingly refurbished bikes across a range of styles and sizes across the event. Buying second hand is not only great for your wallet, but also for the planet!

Useful Links:

What is Newcastle University doing to achieve Net-Zero?

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As a world-leading institution, Newcastle University has always recognised its responsibility to protect the natural environment – whether through large-scale sustainability initiatives like the Climate Action Plan, or through trailblazing research on marine biomes, extreme weather, and more…

The Sustainability Team at Newcastle University was launched in 2006, and the team’s remit has grown ever since! There are now eight key themes that their work focuses on, including waste, travel, biodiversity and carbon. Their work ranges from large-scale infrastructure projects, to engaging colleagues and students through events and certifications.

Read on to find out about some of the major developments facilitating decarbonisation on campus, ran by the Sustainability Team in collaboration with colleagues in Estates & Facilities and across the University.

Declaring a Climate Emergency

Newcastle University declared a climate emergency in 2019, becoming the second UK university to do so. This declaration was influenced by increasing public discourse on climate change, spurred by activist movements such as Fridays for Future and the work of Greta Thunberg.

By 2021, in response to mounting scientific research and national policy developments – such as the UK government’s legally binding net-zero target for 2050 – the University accelerated its own carbon reduction target from 2040 to 2030. A key step towards this commitment also included full divestment of endowment funds from fossil fuel industries.

Image: Drone shot of the Urban Sciences Building, one of many buildings with solar panels and a green roof over its Atrium. Source: Matt Horne.

Climate Action Plan and Net-Zero Target

The University’s net-zero target includes both our direct emissions from on-campus sources like gas boilers and fleet vehicles (known as Scope 1 emissions) and indirect emissions from purchased energy such as electricity and steam (Scope 2 emissions).

Scope 3 emissions, which encompass travel and procurement, are currently excluded from the 2030 target because of less robust methodologies and reporting. Nevertheless, efforts to address Scope 3 are ongoing, including engaging with supply chains and conducting travel surveys.

The Climate Action Plan outlines key strategies, including reducing energy consumption, increasing renewable energy generation and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Solar Photovoltaics on Campus

In 2023, Phase 1 of the University Solar Photovoltaics (PV) project began. As a city-centre campus, we have limited space for solar panels. Rooftop installations provide an ideal solution, maximizing sunlight exposure without taking up valuable ground space.

Phase 1 concluded in 2024, with the installation of panels on the Cochrane Park Sports Pavilion, the fourteenth building to support solar PV. Other buildings covered by Phase 1 included:

  • Frederick Douglas Centre
  • Urban Sciences Building
  • The Catalyst
  • Park View Student Village (6 buildings)
  • Sports Centre (2 buildings)
  • Philip Robinson Library
  • Henry Daysh Building

Over a period  of less than two years, the panels have generated 71.5 MWh of electricity and have saved 147,000 Kg of carbon from being emitted. This is equivalent to charging an electric vehicle for nearly 4.7 million miles and avoiding the emissions of approximately 147 transatlantic flights.

Our largest and most productive array is at the Sports Centre which at its peak of 150kW, can generate the entire electrical requirement of the building.

Phase 2 is now underway, seeing installations already finished on the Bedson and Stephenson buildings, and many more to come.

Image: Graph displaying the Sports Centre’s power consumption over a week (24/03–30/03). The orange dataset represents the total power consumed by the building, while the blue dataset indicates the portion generated by solar panels.

Merz Court CHP Plant and District Heating

The biofuel Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant at Merz Court was installed as part of the Stephenson Building project, showcasing an innovative approach to sustainable energy.

At the heart of Merz Court’s heating system is its energy centre, a powerful and efficient plant room tucked away in the building’s basement. Recognising its impressive potential, the University saw an opportunity to divert excess energy to the Stephenson Building. This meant that Stephenson would not require its own energy centre, thereby reducing unnecessary emissions from both construction activity and excess energy production.

The heating plant is designed to provide very-low carbon energy to a growing network of buildings via an underground pipe system including:

  • Henry Daysh Building
  • Stephenson Building
  • King Edward VII Building
  • Percy Building
  • Old Library Building

The CHP is projected to provide approximately 25% of the University’s electricity base load. The approach links back to the Climate Action Plan, investing in district heating and reducing emissions through centralised renewable energy sources.

Future Sustainability Projects
Exciting developments are on the horizon as Newcastle University prepares to launch the next phase of its net-zero strategy, focusing on a more tailored building-by-building approach. This includes working closely with external consultants to refine business cases for various projects.

Engaging the University Community
Alongside larger infrastructure projects, achieving net-zero also relies on the involvement of the wider University community:

If you are a colleague, you can participate in sustainability programmes like the LEAF lab accreditation for wet labs, or the Green Impact award for staff teams. Students can attend free Dr Bike repair events, join the Sustainability Network, or become Green Impact auditors. If you are interested in joining any of these programmes, please see the Sustainable Campus website or contact: sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk

For a better breakdown of the projects the Sustainability Team do across campus, check out our brand-new Sustainability Campus Map.

A big thank you to the Sustainability Team – Matt, Hannah, Luke, and Jordan – for their help in writing and compiling information for this article. I’d also like to thank Tony from the Capital Developments team for providing data and figures, as well as Peter and Sam for their involvement in the Solar PV video.

Reflecting on the Women in Sustainability Careers Exploration Workshop

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Last week, on Monday the 10th of March, the inaugural Women in Sustainability Careers Exploration Workshop took place, in partnership with the official Women in Sustainability Network. Over 35 students were able to reflect, learn and be inspired to explore careers in sustainability-related roles, coached by experts in the field.

At Newcastle University, we support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – seeking peace and prosperity for all people and the planet now and in the future. The UN SDG group recognise that without the full participation and leadership of women and girls, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals will be an impossible task (UNSDG website, 2025).

“Women and girls deserve a seat at every table, a voice in every decision, and an equal chance to shape what lies ahead.”

– Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group

Read on to explore the valuable advice shared by our panellists and to learn about the students’ thoughts and reflections on the event.

The Event

The event was opened by Charlotte and Cristina – two placement students from the Sustainability Team, before handing over to Jenny Davidson. Jenny is a Visiting Fellow at Newcastle University having previously been a Senior Lecturer in the Business School, Climate Change Fellow in School X and Chair of the University’s Sustainability Committee. Jenny chaired the panel session with four inspiring sustainability experts from a variety of fields.

The Panel:

The panellists discussed their passions, career backgrounds, and current topics they deemed most relevant in their roles. Here are some key takeaways from the panel session:

  • There is not one route into sustainability, and each of our experts studied a variety of subjects at university including languages, geology and environmental management. Working towards a more sustainable world is a group task, and people from all work fields need to get involved. Each panellist had a different interest within sustainability, from teaching and research to consulting.
  • Experience and perseverance are key! Hannah from AECOM shared that after graduating she had a variety of jobs before landing her graduate sustainability consultant job. Sometimes it’s easy to compare yourself to others, but everyone’s journey is different!
  • You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do at the start of your career. You can find your passions as you gain more experience in the field and find your speciality.

After the panel session, our experts each joined a breakout table of students, where conversation menus guided the discussions. This format created a relaxed and safe space for students to ask questions, share ideas and reflect on their own aspirations and attributes.

Hannah, a Sustainability Consultant at AECOM, shared valuable advice with the students: “Utilise all the additional (most of the time – free!) services that the university provides to you throughout your studies e.g. dissertation/essay writing services, and these often offer the opportunity for you to work on your thesis with an extra professional who may be a specialist in academic writing – I found this really useful when completing my master’s dissertation”.

Reflecting on the event, Meryl Batchelder, TeachSDGs Ambassador and United Nations-accredited Climate Change Teacher, said, ““It really was a fantastic gathering of young students. I loved talking with them about their hopes (and fears) for the future alongside sharing my lived experience.”

The students were also given a handy “earnings and action plan” sheet where they could record learnings, and tick off actions, such as ‘make one new LinkedIn connection’. The back of the sheet listed a variety of helpful websites and networks to search after the workshop.

The feedback from students has been glowing, highlighting the value of bringing experts from industry into students’ learning.

 “I learnt much more than I anticipated. I learnt about so many different backgrounds and different career opportunities. It was amazing to hear such strong, smart women describing their experiences and careers and how they utilised their own failures and got where they are today. I came away feeling brave and strong being a female scientist.”

“I really enjoyed the whole event, and the environment was really friendly and open to discussion. [I learnt] there is no set route into the sustainability industry, but it is important to show your enthusiasm for the subject and follow a career that you feel rewarded in.”

“There’s no right or wrong route to working in sustainability. Say yes to as many opportunities as possible and don’t be afraid to stick to your principles.”

Thank you to Meryl Batchelder​, Olivia Partington​, Hannah Shepherd​ and Hayley Fowler​ for inspiring and talking to our students. A big thank you to Toby Price for putting the event together, and Jenny Davidson for chairing.

References

Unsdg | A World for All Women and Girls