Sustainability society
Bulb plantation drive on campus
Our community came together for a bulb plantation drive to make campus greener and more vibrant.
Staff, students and 45 learners from Bradford College (supervised by their tutors) participated in planting a wide variety of flowering bulbs on the grounds of Student Central. The initiative enhanced the natural beauty of the surroundings and promoted sustainability and environmental awareness.
Sustainability Week 2026
We hosted Sustainability Week from 16-20 March 2026, a dedicated initiative to promote eco-conscious living, inspire positive change, and collectively contribute to a sustainable future. During the week university and students hosted a variety of events:
- Hedges plantation 16th March 2026
- Sustainability Day 17th March 2026
- Football, sustainable development and peace- a panel discussion 18th March 2026
- Sustainability themed movie screening 20th March 2026
Hedge plantation drive as part of Sustainability Week
The university successfully organised a Hedge Plantation Drive on campus as part sustainability week on 16th March 2026. The event was conducted with the active participation of students, members of student Sustainability Society, staff and 22 learners from Bradford College, who enthusiastically contributed to planting hedges across designated areas of the university grounds.
The plantation drive aimed to enhance the campus landscape, promote biodiversity, and encourage environmental awareness among the university community. Participants worked together to plant a variety of hedge plants that will help improve air quality, provide natural boundaries, and beautify the surroundings.
During the event, grounds team highlighted the importance of tree and hedge plantation in maintaining ecological balance and combating climate change. The university sustainability team expressed its appreciation to everyone who participated in the activity.
Sustainability day
On 17 March 2026 , at the university's Atrium, a day-long sustainability awareness event was held, bringing together students and staff to engage in interactive activities focused on waste reduction and environmental responsibility. The event featured a range of games and activities, encouraging participants to adopt more sustainable habits. To promote the concept of re-use, dedicated stalls offered pre-loved clothing, supporting efforts to reduce textile waste while encouraging a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
A variety of informative stalls were hosted by the Student Sustainability Society, 1Energy (promoting district heat networks), Bradford Council (highlighting the e-bike scheme), BaxterStorey, the university food pantry, and the Health Sciences team. These stalls aimed to raise awareness on key topics such as air quality, sustainable food practices, and greener transport options. Attendees also benefited from free health checks, including lung capacity and blood pressure assessments.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from both staff and students, who engaged in games and hands-on activities. A popular attraction was the static bike-powered smoothie station, where participants generated energy to blend Fairtrade banana smoothies, demonstrating sustainability in action.
Football, sustainable development and peace- a panel discussion
A panel discussion held on 18 March 2026 as part of Sustainability Week. The panel explored how football impacts the environment:
- travel emissions and stadium energy use,
- waste generated on matchdays,
- promoting peace and sustainability.
It was especially interesting to discuss how clubs like Bradford City are leading the way in becoming more sustainable.
- Football has a powerful platform to influence millions of fans towards sustainable behaviour
- Small changes (like reducing single-use plastics or promoting public transport) can make a big difference
- There’s still a challenge in balancing commercial growth with environmental responsibility
Sustainability themed movie screening
As part of Sustainability Week,the student Sustainability Society hosted a screening of Manthan on 20th March 2026. The movie beautifully highlights the power of collective action, rural empowerment, and sustainable development through the story of India’s dairy cooperative movement.
Even decades after release, its message feels incredibly relevant today.
Manthan reminds us that sustainability is not just about the environment, it’s also about people, equity, and community-led change.
The screening sparked meaningful conversations around:
- The role of grassroots movements in sustainable development,
- How collaboration can drive long-term impact,
- The importance of ethical and inclusive growth.
Students and staff who joined, contributed to such thoughtful discussions.
Student wins Sustainability Innovation prize fund
Staff and students plant vegetables in polytunnel
Staff and students planted vegetables in the polytunnel near the allotments. The student-led Sustainability Society launched the initiative on 2nd May 2025. This year they planted:
- tomatoes,
- chillies,
- lettuce,
- peas,
- broad beans,
- melons,
- cucumbers,
- carrots,
- beetroot,
- potato sets and shallot sets.
More than 15 students and a few staff members actively participated in the plantation activity. The Head Gardener instilled confidence to attendees who were planting vegetables for the first time.
Tree plantation
Environmental sustainability and community engagement took centre stage as students and staff came together on February 15 for a tree plantation event aimed at fostering a greener campus and a healthier planet. Under the guidance of Head Gardener, two Braeburn apple trees were planted. Participants were trained on the tree planting process, employing proper techniques to ensure the healthy establishment of the selected trees. Hands-on training sessions equipped volunteers with the knowledge needed to contribute to the long-term success of the planted trees. The trees will have overall height between 3-4 metres however this will take between 5-10 years for them to grow to this height.
ICT0.24 Laboratory achieve LEAF Bronze Award
ICT0.24 Laboratory achieved the LEAF Bronze Award in November 2024, marking a significant step towards sustainable laboratory practices. Building on this success, we are now planning to submit an application for the LEAF Silver Award for this lab.
Simultaneously, Dr. Jacobo Elies, Associate Professor in Pharmacology, has assembled a dedicated team of research staff, technicians, and PGR students to expand the LEAF Bronze application across all laboratories within the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics. This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation in research practices.
Bradford Climate Conference 2025
The University hosted Bradford Climate Conference on 13 May 2025. It was organised by Baildon & Shipley Friends of the Earth and the University of Bradford student Sustainability Society.
The conference featured climate talks, discussions, and information on environmental work, with participation from local leaders, experts, groups, and students. The conference was successful in its aim to provide information, inspiration, and a space to learn about a different future through collective action.
Plant based menu on campus
Richmond Eatery offers plant based menu-Roots from Monday to Friday. The Roots initiative offers more sustainable and plant based options to choose from the menu.
Staff and students do plantation in allotments
Staff and students did plantation in the university's allotments, student led Sustainability Society launched the initiative on 10th March 2026. This year potato sets, onion, ginger, garlic and shallot sets were planted.
20 learners from Bradford College, more than 15 students from University and a few staff members actively participated in the gardening activity at the event, which attracted attendees from the sustainability society and beyond. The presence of university's Sustainability team and Simon Padgett, Head Gardener encouraged everyone in attendance.
The plantation activity gave an opportunity to students to learn about soil preparation, and planting techniques. The activity not only enhanced the green spaces on campus but also fostered teamwork and community engagement among participants.
Tree plantation at Yorkshire Dales in collaboration with National Trust UK
Sustainability Society, in collaboration with the National Trust, embarked on a fantastic tree planting mission in the heart of Yorkshire Dales on 27th March 2024. A dedicated team of 20 volunteers spent the entire day getting their hands dirty for a great cause. With the invaluable logistical support of the University Bradford Union, we were able to plant a significant number of trees, contributing to the vital task of restoring and preserving this beautiful natural landscape. Commenting on the initiative, society President said that they are proud of their volunteers' commitment to environmental action. This tree planting initiative is just one step on our journey towards a more sustainable future. We're dedicated to making a positive impact and encouraging others to join the cause.
Committed for a greener campus
In a resounding commitment to environmental stewardship, University of Bradford orchestrated a tree plantation event on 16th November that not only symbolised the university's dedication to sustainability but also rallied the campus community towards a greener future.
Organised by the Sustainability and Grounds team, trees were planted in the open space in the Shearbridge car park. Students and members of student lead Sustainability Society with a few staff members participated in this environmentally impactful initiative. Collectively 420 saplings were planted and the aim of the event was to contribute to the preservation of our environment and promote a greener, healthier campus and city. This was second round of plantation which completed planting 840 saplings till the end of 2023. It will also compensate the trees that we are losing due to ash dieback.
Sustainability Society collaborates in a cleanliness drive
Litter picking exercises are essential in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. On the 18 April 2023, 15 students and members of the Sustainability Society were led by Professor P.B Anand, Patron and Head of Department for Peace Studies and International Development. They partnered with the Bradford Council in a litter picking exercise, an opportunity to commemorate Earth Day.
The exercise, which lasted for 90 minutes, started with a walk from the University to Bradford City Centre where participants had a briefing from the Bradford Council staff. They were then provided with gloves, litter pickers, and bin bags and given instructions on how to stay safe. Students were divided into groups and were assigned to pick litter from the Bradford city centre and its environs.
During this exercise, it was disappointing to see the amount of litter in the streets. Plastic bottles, candy wrappers, cigarette butts, and food containers were among the most common items that members picked. It was obvious that littering is a pervasive problem, and students engaged in discussing crucial and practical ways to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the environment clean.
Despite the overwhelming amount of litter, the insightful activity was also a chance to appreciate the beauty of Bradford. Students had the opportunity to explore the city, interact with each other as they all worked together towards a common goal.
One of the society members shared her feedback, “It was heart warming to see people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures coming together for a common cause”.
The litter picking exercise also highlighted the importance of community involvement in environmental issues. Essentially, we all have a role to play in keeping our neighbourhoods and cities clean.
Through simple actions, like properly disposing of trash, we can make a significant impact on the environment.
Sustainability Society launches gardening initiative
On May 3, 2023, at the university's allotments, sustainability society launched gardening initiative. Three different kinds of short-term (6 weeks) summer crops (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries) were planted as part of a student-led initiative.
More than 15 students participated actively in the gardening activity at the event, which attracted attendees from the sustainability society and beyond. The presence of Professor Fiona Macaulay, a lecturer at the Faculty of Peace Studies and International Development, and Simon Padgett, the head of the university's gardening department, also encouraged everyone in attendance.
The initiative not only supports the university's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility, but it also aimed to give students a chance to bond and unwind outside of their study schedules. Additionally, numerous studies have supported the role gardening plays in treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
The crops will be ready for harvest within six weeks of planting, and their fruits available for everyone to enjoy. This initiative aims to encourage more students to become interested in gardening.
Litter pick
In an effort to promote and cultivate a sense of responsibility among the community, students led Sustainability Society collaborated with Student Union, Bradford Council and Wildlife Trust to take a proactive step towards a cleaner and greener city. On February 15, students were united for a litter pick, demonstrating their commitment to a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing learning environment. The primary goal was to instill a sense of pride in maintaining a litter free city while fostering awareness about the importance of responsible waste disposal. Armed with bags and a collective commitment to cleanliness, participants dispersed around the campus to engage in the litter pick process. Proper waste disposal practices were reinforced during the event, ensuring that the collected litter was appropriately segregated and recycled.
Students attend sustainability conference
Nearly 15 students and a few staff members participated this year in the Student Sustainability Research Conference held on 5 March 2025 organised by Yorkshire Universities, Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission and University of Leeds Sustainability Service.
It provided a unique opportunity for students, staff, partners, collaborators and members of the public to appreciate the breadth and diversity of student sustainability research. The Conference focused on providing a platform for students to showcase their research, projects, and initiatives related to sustainability.
The conference highlighted the following aspects of SDGs and welcomed research that addresses any of these themes:
The conference hosted 14 parallel sessions, exhibitions and meet the employers evening. Two of our students were in a student panel to talk about the student's actions for climate change.
The conference explored crucial issues such as sustainable consumption and production, health and well-being promotion, responsible resource management, and renewable energy sources. The discussions addressed all the interconnected challenges and opportunities towards sustainable development goals.
Students participate in woodland management
Students from Sustainability Society volunteered for woodland management at Denso Marston Nature Reserve on 16th March 2024. The event was organised by Fairtrade Baildon Group and students were invited to take part. The reserve have over 750 trees planted in 2019. These trees needed guards to protect the stems from deer nibbling damage and it now needed to be removed. This was done by carefully releasing the ties used and then splitting the plastic guard to unwrap it from the trunk.
