Sustainability

Sustainability is a fundamental principle of Keele’s mission, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Keele’s international recognition was sealed in 2021 when it earned the title of the “Global Sustainability Institution of the Year” at the Green Gown Awards.

Keele has been recognized as a pioneer in the field of sustainability in higher education, receiving a multitude of awards and certifications.

Keele’s consistent success in these areas reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of staff and students to embedding sustainability into the day-to-day operations, allowing Keele to spread its expertise more widely in the field of higher education.

Keele University Awards:

Global Sustainability Institution of the Year.

Keele University earned the title of the Global Sustainability Institution of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony celebrating sustainability in higher education.

At the 2021 International Green Gown Awards, Keele received the highest award for a major institution, reaffirming its position as a global leader in sustainable development in academia.

This success reflects Keele’s strategic commitment to embedding sustainability across all its campus operations —from research and teaching, to business processes and community engagement.

People & Planet University League

Keele University is currently ranked 59th on the list, achieving 2:1 award class.

This annual list ranks UK universities based on their environmental and ethical performance. The assessment spans a wide range of criteria, including policies and strategies, employee rights, carbon management, and sustainability education.

Green Energy Award

Keele University stood out among UK universities and won the prestigious Green Energy Award, thanks to its pioneering Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND) project and the Low Carbon Energy Generation Park.

The Green Energy Awards, organised by Regen—strategic consultants for renewable energy—are judged by leading experts in the green energy sector at both national and international levels. These awards highlight the outstanding work of organisations across the country that are at the forefront of creating smart, sustainable and low-emission energy systems.