Putting Our Future First: creating sustainable change in a research-intensive University

By YasminAug 28, 2026
Reading is the first university to be awarded the independently assessed ‘Evidenced Energy Conscious Organisation (EnCO)’ certification in recognition of its commitment and actions to embed people and behavioural solutions into energy management. EnCO is a not-for-profit and industry-led organisation, backed by the Energy Institute. Their mission is to make people-based solutions mainstream in global energy management. A critical element of the University’s decarbonisation plan is ongoing energy reductions. Alongside the technical projects we undertake to reduce energy use, we adopted the EnCO framework as part of the Our Future First (OFF) sustainable behaviours programme. This was to maximise opportunities…
Awards and Achievements, Behaviour Change, Energy and Water
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Lights Out Campaign Update: Small Actions, Big Energy Savings

By YasminMar 09, 2026
The Sustainability team, supported by our wonderful sustainability champions, have been running a ‘lights out’ campaign to reduce energy waste within the University. This is because people often leave lights on unnecessarily in unoccupied areas across our campuses. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported our campaign to date! Please continue to support us by switching off the lights when they aren’t needed and reporting issues via the following Microsoft Form. We would especially like to hear about any circulation areas (corridors, staircases, lobbies etc.) which don’t currently have automated sensor controls. Campaign Activities Undertaken Comms out to…
Behaviour Change, Energy and Water
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SportsPark low carbon heating project shortlisted for award

SportsPark low carbon heating project shortlisted for award

By danfernbankNov 12, 2025
A major decarbonisation project at the University’s SportsPark has been shortlisted for a national energy efficiency award.  The Energy Saving Awards, organised by the Energy in Buildings and Industry (EiBI) publication, recognise achievements in reducing carbon emissions and becoming more energy efficient. Transforming SportsPark with Low-Carbon Heating The project, completed in March 2025, is the first large-scale heat pump retrofit undertaken by the University, replacing 9 boilers across 2 plantrooms in the Sportspark with low temperature air source heat pumps, and accompanying secondary water-to-water heat pumps to provide hot water for the building’s changing facilities.  The project proved particularly timely,…
Energy and Water, ,
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Energy Advice Service

Helping Students Save Money and Live Sustainably Reading Student Union (RSU) operates an Energy Advice Service, supported by the University’s sustainability team, as part of RSU’s wider advice provision. The service is designed to help students living in private rented accommodation use energy more efficiently. By doing so, students can reduce energy costs and minimise energy waste, contributing to more sustainable living. The service provides advice on both no-cost and low-cost measures to save energy. In addition, it handles specific energy-related enquiries from students, offering tailored guidance based on the property and the particular question. To make an enquiry, please complete…
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Introducing the Energy Advice Service: Save Money, Save Energy, Live Sustainably

By YasminSep 17, 2025
A New Service for Students in Private Rented Homes On 23rd September, Reading Student Union (RSU) is launching a new Student Energy Advice Service, and is supported by the University’s sustainability team. The service is designed to help students in private rented homes cut energy waste. As a result, you can save money and live more sustainably. Practical Tips: From Everyday Habits to Long-Term Savings The service offers practical advice for all budgets. For example, you can learn simple everyday habits to save energy when using washing machines, tumble dryers, and cooking equipment. In addition, you will discover low-cost options…
Energy and Water
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Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet

By YasminApr 14, 2025
Earth Day 2025 This year is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a global annual event on April 22nd which focusses on supporting environmental protection. This year’s theme, 'Our Power, Our Planet' focusses on renewable and clean energy. Earth Day first began in 1970, and it gives a chance for people to focus on the challenges our planet faces whilst also giving an opportunity to appreciate everything our planet has to offer. Today Earth Day comprises of a wide range of events coordinated globally through earthday.org and involves over 1 billion people across 192 countries getting involved! Our Power, Our…
Behaviour Change, Energy and Water
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Why Flushing Wet Wipes Can Cost Us All – And How You Can Help

By jackiesimpsonJan 22, 2025
We recently discovered an overflowing manhole cover near to Whiteknights Lake. Our Maintenance team soon discovered the cause of the problem – it was blocked because of items that should not be flushed down the toilet like wet wipes, rags and other things. Although our team were quick to resolve the issue the cost of this incident alone was just over £5,000 and the impact it has on the environment is something we can’t ignore. While this doesn’t happen often here at the University, it’s a nationwide problem. According to Water Uk, every year around 11 billion wet wipes are…
Behaviour Change, Energy and Water
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Take a break this Christmas and let your electronics rest too

By jackiesimpsonDec 19, 2024
The holidays are a time for us all to switch off, unwind and recharge. But while you are taking a much-needed break, don’t forget to give your electronics some downtime too. Shutting down unused devices over the festive period can help you save energy, reduce carbon emissions and save money. With the extended closure from 21 December to January 06, we have a great opportunity to prevent energy waste around the campus and accommodation. Did you know that turning off 1,200 computer monitors for the entire 16 days, rather than leaving them on standby, could save around £2,000? This is…
Energy and Water
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Henley Business School leading the way in Sustainability with top 1 smallest carbon footprint in the UK

By jackiesimpsonDec 18, 2024
Henley Business School at the University of Reading has earned a remarkable recognition in 2024 by the FT master’s in finance ranking. It’s officially the UK’s business school with the smallest carbon footprint. The prestigious title is a testament to the schools ongoing commitment to sustainability and its role as a leader in shaping a greener future for business education. Our Business School has secured a place in the category for top 10 best business schools in the UK, coming in at number 6. Henley Business School is now 33rd in the world and 28th in Europe. A commitment to…
Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water
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University of Reading decarbonisation plan: winning the Energy Management Award (EMA) for its Business Travel Carbon Budgets

By jackiesimpsonDec 18, 2024
We’re delighted to announce that the University of Reading has been recognised for its ambitious business travel carbon budgets project that aimed to encourage schools and directorates cut their carbon emissions.  The University has long made sustainability a central priority. As part of its strategic plan 2020-2026, the University of Reading is committed to ambitious environmental targets, including achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030. One of the key components of this plan was to address the carbon emissions resulting from business travel. The University acknowledged that the business travel is an area often overlooked despite the significant impact on…
Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water, Travel and Transport
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