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Sustainability
We show the way for local and global sustainable action
We have developed practical sustainable solutions on our campuses in London, Dubai and Mauritius through our agile approach, setting an example for others.
We share our knowledge to help us and others respond to the urgent challenges of climate change and unfair production and consumption.
Positive action for people and planet
We are a Top 400 university in the world for our overall contribution to United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023).
We work to celebrate and enhance the critical role that education has in achieving the Goals and we have showed our commitment by signing the SDG Accord.
We train and inspire the next generation to embed sustainability best practices into their work across sectors and continents.
Sustainable, inclusive and healthy food for the UK
We believe social enterprises are key to making UK food more sustainable, inclusive and healthy – so our researchers in London are sharing forward-thinking ideas and good practice. They have visited parliament to speak with policy makers about the benefits too.
Advancing sustainability in Dubai
Our Institute of Sustainable Development in Dubai leads collaborative research with businesses, government and UN agencies. They lead training in meeting the SDGs and build a sustainability mindset in their community. We were proud to host the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference Climate Law event on campus.
Eco-conscious spaces on our Mauritius campus
We recently renovated the Trent Park Learning Block in Mauritius to integrate transformative learning with sustainable practices. This holistic approach to looking after our students and staff’s wellbeing, alongside the natural world is a model for future education spaces.
Environmental Auditing, Management Systems, and Policy
Middlesex University operates an Environmental Management System with ISO 14001 accreditation as part of EcoCampus award scheme for the higher and further education sectors. The scheme enables universities to systematically identify, evaluate, manage and improve their environmental performance and practices. We achieved Platinum in 2019. The process of accreditation works on the concept of continual improvement in environmental performance in a number of areas including: waste, energy, carbon reduction, procurement, water, community engagement, construction and refurbishment, education, travel, natural environment.
Our publicly available Environmental Management Policy, provides the cornerstone of the actions which we work to deliver that enable us to work to reducing our environmental impact across all areas, from carbon emissions and water conservation to waste management and biodiversity. Our action plan is rigorously monitored, and progress is reported regularly to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability through our environmental steering group committee.
Read our Environmental Policy May 2022 to find out how we are improving our environmental and energy performance.
Environmental Steering Group (ESG)
Our Environmental Steering Group (ESG) is at the forefront of shaping the University's approach to sustainable operations. The ESG was created in 2017 to review and authorise relevant policies and other areas of interest on behalf of the University Executive Team (UET), ensuring they align with the Middlesex University Strategic Plan. The members provide feedback to their respective area of the community (school or service) on ideas, initiatives and news, while bringing to the group’s attention any concerns and issues raised by those communities. This ensures flow of information and uniformity of data among stakeholders.
The ESG also signs off the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) data for the annual Financial Statement and the Carbon Management Plan before presenting to the UET. The Group is dedicated to setting and upholding environmental objectives, targets and associated programme of activities and/or initiatives as well as assigning responsibilities for the delivery of those, and monitoring progress. The ESG approves the annual Environmental Management Review and the associated Annual Environmental Report on behalf of the UET.
The meetings are held quarterly and membership to the ESG is broad. The Group has academic members of each of our faculties, as well as members from various teams within the Professional Services such as Marketing, Procurement and Insurance, ISS, Contracts, Estates and Facilities Management and others. Colleagues from our Mauritius campus and UNISON Trade Union representatives are also part of the ESG. Moreover, the Group provides a platform for student input as well by opening the membership to representatives from the Students' Union, usually the current president of the Union as well as a member of their senior staff. While the members have an equal say, the Group is chaired by the Head of Environmental Sustainability with oversight from a dedicated UET member. By participating, members advertise the great ongoing work within their departments while making sure the work is also recognised and celebrated by integrating it into the university's sustainability agenda. Being a part of the group also means building stronger links across departments, aligning our objectives, and sharing innovative ideas.
Topics may vary from meeting to meeting, with the agenda being open to additions from all members, but the four main reporting and feedback topics are centred around Leadership, Staff and Governance; Campus, Community and Operations; Partnerships, Society and Engagement; and Learning, Teaching and Education.
Agenda and meeting notes are distributed to members in advance. The meetings are not recorded but are hybrid so that commuting members and those from our overseas campuses can join freely. The Group is always looking for new members to add onto the knowledge exchange and expand our expertise. The ESG Terms of Reference and other relevant paperwork is reviewed regularly and amended where necessary.
We support sustainable travel
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We work to improve biodiversity
Meet the people making it happen
Here are some of the talented team who are responsible for delivering our policy.
Rabin Doolub
Head of Environmental Sustainability
"I have enjoyed working in environmental sustainability with a proven track record in developing and implementing eco-friendly initiatives having gained experience on many UK national policies. I work to blend my expertise in environmental science, policy advocacy, and corporate responsibility. I am committed to driving positive change, to leverage a strategic vision to navigate the intersection of business and environmental stewardship, leaving an indelible mark on sustainable practices, above all I want to showcase the good work that Middlesex university do through our SDG accord work. Positive wellbeing of people around me is important, I am continuously self-developing, as I love learning about cultures and travelling to gain new experiences."
Nicki Littlefield
Environmental Initiatives and Engagement Manager
"I’m responsible for raising awareness and promoting new projects and I look after the Green Travel Plan, working with the team to help influence activities and encourage staff and students to consider more sustainable ways to live, work and travel in everyday life."
Mina Balijagic
Environment and Sustainability Reporting Officer
"I am looking after our commitment to the SDG Accord as well as other internal and external projects dealing with environment and sustainability. My background in Politics and Law gave me the foundation of knowledge and experience which I am hoping to grow as I progress within my role. With the help of my team, we hope to help drive positive change and to further demonstrate the wonderful things Middlesex University has achieved and continues to strive for.”