Northumbria University ranked most sustainable in North East
The ranking comes from the latest People & Planet University League, which placed Northumbria 16th in the UK overall and awarded it ‘first-class’ status for its environmental performance.
Compiled annually by the UKβs largest student campaigning network, the People & Planet University League is the only comprehensive ranking system that evaluates universities on sustainability and ethics.
Dr Paul Steadman, sustainability manager at Northumbria University, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be ranked most sustainable in the North East, 16th nationally and to retain our 1st class status in the People & Planet University League, demonstrating that our comprehensive approach to sustainability is delivering real impact.
“Our decarbonisation programme is making significant strides, with new air source heat pumps and solar arrays now operational, alongside our Biodiversity Action Plan which is transforming our campus into a greener, more nature-rich environment.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire University community and reinforces our determination to embed sustainability across everything we do, from teaching and research to our daily operations.”
Northumbria achieved full marks in environmental policy and strategy, as well as environmental audits and management systems.
The university also recorded substantial improvements in carbon management and waste and recycling over the past year.
Initiatives such as the annual Leave Newcastle Happy and British Heart Foundation Pack for Good schemes, which redirect unwanted student items to charity, have helped to reduce landfill waste and support the universityβs recycling progress.
Investments in additional recycling and food waste bins have further strengthened Northumbriaβs environmental efforts.
Northumbria also secured joint 53rd place in the global Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, which assess universitiesβ contributions towards the United Nationsβ Sustainable Development Goals.
The university was highly commended in the Green Gown Awards for UK and Ireland, which celebrate innovation and leadership in sustainability.
It was praised in the Research with Impact category for a project that transforms banana farming waste in Pakistan into eco-friendly textiles and clean energy.
Dr Steadman said: “Achieving Cycle Friendly Employer status and the success of our inaugural Bike Week shows our commitment extends beyond infrastructure to actively engaging our community in sustainable practices.”
The university has continued to advance its decarbonisation efforts, with air source heat pumps and solar arrays now operational.
Its Biodiversity Action Plan is also enhancing campus green spaces and supporting local wildlife.