BU signs commitment to environmentally sustainable research practice
Bournemouth University has signed a national commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its research activities.
The Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice sets out a shared ambition for delivering research in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way. Developed by universities, research institutes, funders and sector bodies, it calls on signatories to recognise the urgent need to change how research and innovation are conducted, to reduce and eliminate negative environmental impacts and emissions.
In signing the concordat, BU:
Recognises the need to transform research and innovation practices, while promoting broader solutions to environmental challenges
Commits to taking shared action to support more sustainable research practices
Commits to being transparent about the environmental impact of its research.
BU's Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Alison Honour, signed the commitment on behalf of the university, stating: “We fully support the priority areas outlined in the concordat. Our commitment builds onextensive sustainability work already underway at BU, from senior leadership through to our academic networks, researchers and students.
“Our environmental reporting is well developed and aligned to climate and ecology science, and we are committed to taking action that enriches society for the benefit of both people and planet. We look forward to working collectively with the sector to design and practice research and innovation in ways that deliver positive, environmentally sustainable impact.”
BU’s signing of the agreement builds on its existing strengths in sustainability. This includes being ranked as a top-10 UK university for delivering against the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025); and being sixth out of 147 institutions in the People & Planet University League, which assesses environmental and ethical performance. Examples of research which are already promoting solutions to environmental challenges include the use of artificial rock pools to improve coastal ecosystems in urban ports and harbours, supporting climate resilience in disaster management internationally and local monitoring of heathland ecosystems
BU joins a growing group of universities and organisations committed to sector‑wide action on sustainability and to supporting the UK’s transition toward environmentally responsible research and innovation practices.
