Northumbria ranked most sustainable university in the North East for fifth consecutive year

Northumbria University has been rated as ‘1st class’ for sustainability and is once again the highest ranked university in the North East of England in the latest People & Planet University League table.

People & Planet’s University League is annually compiled by the UK’s largest student campaigning network, People & Planet. It is the only comprehensive and independent league table of universities ranked against sustainability and ethics criteria. Almost 150 universities and specialist institutions were included in the table, which ranked Northumbria as 16th overall for sustainability in the UK and top in the North East of England for the fifth year running.

Within the categories measured, the University scored 100 per cent in environmental policy and strategy, and in environmental audits and management systems. The league table also calculated significant improvements in carbon management and waste and recycling at Northumbria over the last 12 months.

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.

“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. 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."

The annual "Leave Newcastle Happy" and British Heart Foundation "Pack for Good" schemes, which successfully redirect tonnes of unwanted student belongings and furniture to charity and significantly reduce items destined for landfill, have all contributed to the strides made in waste and recycling, along with investment in more recycling and food waste bins. 

Northumbria University placed joint 53rd in the global Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, which ranks over 2,500 universities from 130 countries or territories based on their progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The University was also recently highly commended in the Green Gown Awards for UK and Ireland which recognise sustainability innovation and leadership. Northumbria was highlighted in the ‘Research with Impact’ category for a project which transforms banana farming leftovers in Pakistan into two powerful solutions: eco-friendly textiles and clean energy.

Discover more about how Northumbria is working towards a sustainable future here.