Aston University has unveiled its new sustainability strategy at a launch event held at the Martin Luther King (MLK) multi-faith centre on its main campus on Monday 4 November.
The launch was followed by a ceremonial planting of an apple tree by the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Aleks Subic, outside the MLK Centre, symbolising the University’s dedication to nurturing a sustainable future.
The new strategy embodies Aston University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will serve as a roadmap to embed sustainability in all its activities and operations.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.
Specifically, the University’s vision of creating positive societal impact is closely aligned with eight key UN SDGs: quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), innovation, industry and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13).
These goals form the foundation of the strategy, shaping the University’s approach to teaching, research and operational practices to reduce its environmental footprint and build a more inclusive society.
Efforts will focus on leveraging the University’s expertise to tackle major societal challenges and promote sustainable growth by helping businesses adopt more sustainable practices, ensuring that its students are well equipped to address climate change by integrating sustainability principles into all aspects of the curriculum, collaborating with other institutions to harness collective expertise and resources to amplify impact and committing to a net-zero agenda by actively reducing its emissions and driving world-class research that contributes to the transition towards a greener economy.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“The University’s new sustainability strategy represents a significant step in our journey towards making a positive transformational impact on our community, protecting the local environment and building global partnerships that embody our commitment to sustainability and the UN sustainable development goals, including our target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the Aston University estate by 2030.”
