Respondents reflected very high levels of concern about environmental issues, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5.
There was also a strong agreement that the University has a broad responsibility to address environmental challenges beyond education and research alone.
While the survey highlights widespread engagement and individual action, it also reveals a clear gap between grassroots efforts and visible, strategic, institution-led change. Where change has been observed, more than 70% of respondents link it primarily to personal or individual action.
The Environmental Sustainability Strategy is credited with only limited impact. The current five-year review presents a clear opportunity to improve transparency, visibility and institutional impact.
Strong concerns and high expectations
- 92% of respondents are concerned or very concerned about environmental issues.
- 87% believe the University has a broad role in addressing environmental challenges.
- Levels of concern are high across all groups, including those not studying or working in environmental disciplines.
- 76% have noticed changes towards sustainability in their work or study context.
- 72% report making changes themselves.
Staff responses indicate more change at a team level, often linked to initiatives such as Green Impact. However, departmental and strategic-level change remains limited.
Among respondents who identified barriers (62%), the most frequently cited challenges were cost and funding constraints (approximately 55%) and time, workload and capacity pressures (approximately 32%). Cultural resistance to change and apathy were also widely identified (around 30%).
The survey also highlighted persistent concerns relating to AI, food systems, flights, waste and management of the University estate.
Next steps
The Environmental Sustainability Strategy is currently undergoing its five-year review. This process provides an important opportunity to respond to the concerns and criticisms raised through the survey and to strengthen the University’s strategic approach to sustainability.
Read the full report.
