Manchester Metropolitan University’s (MMU) sustainability efforts can be attributed to a comprehensive, strategic approach that is integrated into its operations, educational programs, and community initiatives. This approach has consistently placed MMU in the top three sustainable universities in the UK since 2013.
Leadership in Sustainability Strategy
A strong leadership in sustainability strategy is key to MMU’s success. The university has a clear vision of maintaining its sustainability leadership role and playing its part in addressing global environmental and societal challenges. To learn more about MMU’s sustainability strategy, visit their official website.
ISO Certification
The university has a certification to the international environmental management standard ISO 14001:2015, indicating a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable management practices. It’s also noteworthy that sustainability is integrated into the experiences of both staff and students at the university, providing opportunities for everyone in the community to make a meaningful impact.
Zero Carbon Pledge
MMU is committed to becoming a zero-carbon university by 2038, aligning with Manchester City Council’s own carbon pledge. They’ve also taken significant steps towards environmental responsibility, such as sourcing sustainable local food, limiting the use of printed products, and focusing on recyclable materials.
Community Initiatives
The university’s efforts extend beyond the campus, with initiatives like the provision of eco-friendly toiletries and wildflower seeds to guests, the establishment of recycling stations across all venues, and the promotion of urban biodiversity through on-site orchards, herb gardens, and wetlands. They even encourage sustainable travel, offering resources to visitors to calculate and offset their carbon emissions.
Corporate Social Responsibility
A key aspect of MMU’s sustainability is its commitment to corporate social responsibility. The Conference and Events team at the university, for example, collects donations in support of the Manchester Homelessness Partnership, demonstrating a commitment to societal challenges beyond just environmental ones.
Education and Partnerships
In terms of education and partnerships, the university works with the Carbon Literacy Project, offering Carbon Literacy training to students and organisations since 2012. This has made MMU the world’s first university to help students become Carbon Literate. Furthermore, MMU’s Centre for Enterprise works with over 2000 businesses, assisting them in growth and innovation while promoting the adoption of clean technologies.
2030 Sustainability Strategy
MMU’s 2030 Sustainability Strategy is a testament to its commitment to continuing and enhancing its sustainability efforts. The strategy was developed in collaboration with the university’s diverse communities, including students, staff members, external partners, and local residents. It highlights the university’s ambition to remain a leading sustainable university to 2030 and beyond.
This is the preliminary information I gathered about MMU’s sustainability. However, to write a comprehensive blog post, I would need to do additional research to provide more detailed insights into specific initiatives, programs, and achievements, as well as obtaining more recent data.
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is one of the UK’s leading sustainable universities. It has consistently placed in the top three of the People and Planet University League since 2013, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
MMU’s sustainability efforts span across various areas:
Leadership in Sustainability Strategy
MMU aims to remain a leading, sustainable university by tackling environmental and societal challenges. This includes shaping an approach that is fit for a global leader in sustainability.
Staff and Students
MMU provides opportunities for staff and students to make a meaningful impact, with sustainability being central to the student experience. The University engages its students in its sustainability strategy, providing interactive workshops for understanding how they can contribute towards the delivery of strategic goals and objectives.
ISO Certification
MMU has been certified to the international environmental management standard ISO 14001:2015 since 2016.
Zero Carbon Pledge
MMU is committed to becoming a zero carbon university by 2038. This commitment aligns with Manchester City Council’s own carbon pledge.
Sustainable Practices
MMU takes steps to ensure sustainable practices across the university, such as sourcing sustainable local food, limiting printed products, and providing eco-friendly toiletries. It also has recycling stations across all venues and has managed to divert 99% of the University’s waste from landfill.
Carbon Literacy
MMU works in partnership with the Carbon Literacy Project, delivering Carbon Literacy training to students and organisations since 2012. It is the world’s first University to help students become Carbon Literate.
Community Engagement
MMU’s Conference and Events team has committed to support Real Change MCR in support of the Manchester Homelessness Partnership, collecting direct donations and raising awareness of their activities.
Business Support
MMU’s Centre for Enterprise works with over 2000 businesses to help them adopt new clean technologies, providing funded programmes and business support.
BobbyAllen