Community

As a large organisation the University can has influence the wider environment, particularly through how and what goods and services we purchase. We also share best practice, expertise and combine knowledge and leadership for embedding sustainable practices through our external networks.

As part of the University's Moving Out campaign, students are encouraged to donate unwanted, good quality items to charity at the end of the academic year. For years the University has worked with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to help reduce waste left in student accommodation and its surrounding areas. In 2024, the University contributed to:

  • 1,534 bags of pre-loved items being donated to BHF (valuing £23,010).
  • 12,272kg of items being redirected from waste streams to the BHF.

Students also have the option to donate any non-perishable, unopened food to Cheshire West & Chester Food bank as part of the 'Moving Out' campaign. In 2024, they donated:

  • 190 food and toiletry items.
  • 54kg saved from landfill.

At the end of each academic year, the University also identifies any abandoned bikes that have been left in bike shelters. Unclaimed bikes are donated to Bren Bikes for spare parts or repairs. In 2025 Bren Bikes visited Exton Park site to deliver a 'Dr Bike' session, providing staff and students bike repairs and advice on accessing cycling here in the city centre.

 

Networks

The University is represented by members of the Sustainability team on various local networks, where they create and contribute to initiatives and campaigns that will reduce carbon emissions, improve our environment and reduce inequalities in our community:

Chester Sustainability Forum

The Chester Sustainability Forum comprises of representatives from local environmental groups, businesses, and political parties. The objective is to improve the environmental sustainability of Chester and its surrounding area. The Forum was instrumental in Cheshire West and Chester Council declaring a Climate Emergency in May 2019. The University will be exploring how it can support the council and wider community to contribute skills and knowledge to the Climate Emergency.

Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges

As an institution, we are a member of the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC). Staff and students can register to access a variety of resources, case studies and expertise on areas from energy efficiency and sustainable food to engagement and education for sustainability. We also attend the North West Regional Meetings to share information and best practice.

Community Liaison Group

The Sustainability team is part of the University and Community Liaison Committee, which meets once a term with University staff, Students' Union representatives, Cheshire West and Chester locality and regulatory services staff, Councillors, Police and Community Safety Wardens and Local Residents’ Associations. A key outcome of being a part of this committee has been developing links between the University, the council and the local community to initiate plans to reduce waste left in the local community at the end of term through our 'Moving Out' campaign.

Integrated Sustainable Transport Task Force

Established by Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Sustainable Transport Task Force - Terms of Reference identifies and makes recommendations to the council on ways to create high quality, vibrant and liveable communities through improved walking, cycling, public transport and integrated transport projects in Cheshire West and Chester.