Sustainability at Kent

SUSTAINABILITY

At Kent, we know there’s no plan(et) B. That’s why, as well as reducing, reusing, repairing and recycling, we are also planting, growing and nurturing to maintain and improve our campus for you and for future students. We are taking action already and not with baby steps but with big, impactful strides. We are proud of how far we have come but there is more work to do.

Climate, campus and curriculum

Sustainability is not just about working towards a greener campus. It’s also about developing new ways of thinking, learning and working to shape a better future for people and planet.

Our sustainability strategy focuses on the core goals of reducing carbon emissions, regenerating our ecosystems and educating you and the next generations of students for a sustainable future.

BY 2040

WE PLAN TO ACHIEVE NET ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS

RANKED 13TH

IN THE UK FOR STUDENT AND STAFF ENGAGEMENT IN SUSTAINABILITY

(2021 People and Planet University League)

OVER 400%

INCREASE IN RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATED ON CAMPUS IN THE LAST 3 YEARS

SIGNATORIES OF THE SDG EDUCATION ACCORD COMMITTING US TO EMBED THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN EVERYTHING WE DO

Surrounded by nature

We are known for our beautiful, green campus and we want it to thrive. We have seeded areas of our grassland with wildflower seeds to encourage biodiversity, support native plants and provide a nesting area for wildlife. Our 20year woodland coppicing cycle is in action too, which helps to regenerate the growth of older trees while attracting a wider range of fauna.

As a Kent student, we encourage you to drive change. From chemistry to history, anthropology to law, there will be opportunities to learn more about sustainability, get involved with related projects and put forward your ideas for dealing with climate issues. For example, if you are a Marketing student, you can conduct market research into the sustainability challenges the University faces. Or, if you are studying languages, you can examine the many definitions and cultural practices for sustainable living.

If you want to connect and campaign with a community of like-minded people, our student action groups such as Beetbox Food Co-operative and the UKC Conservation Society are great too. Or, if you want to get to the heart of sustainable living, visit the Kent Community Oasis Garden (KentCOG). Designed as a sustainability hub, the garden is a great place to meet people, learn new skills, help grow seasonal fruit and veg and to just relax. It is a space for improving wellbeing and mental health too, with activities and workshops that are run in partnership with East Kent Mind.

Sustainable food on campus

Our mission to reduce the amount of red meat on our menus has been recognised by PETA who have placed Kent in the Top 30 Most Vegan-Friendly Universities in the UK. Our favourite vegan dishes on campus are the BBQ chick’n nachos from Origins and the vegan caramel milkshake from Mungo’s. Yum.