Caring about the world and environment is the new cool for gen-z’, isn’t it? As we move into the digital era, the world is getting more concerned about the climate. From major summits such as BRICS or G20 to basic college events, climate is one of the prime concerns.
Understanding which universities worldwide are taking steps to address this environmental issue. Not only universities but we have seen students putting more effort into embracing reality. Using eco-friendly products in student accommodation or taking green initiatives, such projects help to make a positive impact.
Both universities and students are becoming eco-conscious and are moving towards eco-friendly principles and programs. This helps in addressing environmental issues, maybe not on a bigger scale but something is better than nothing. We have penned down a list of the top green campuses and eco-friendly programs you can explore for the 2025 intake. Let’s dive in.
Why Sustainability Matters?
Sustainability is becoming crucial in almost every industry worldwide so why not education? Over the years, we have been observing an increase in global warming, pollution, bad climate and more. We feel good when we see students taking the initiatives and seeking universities that are focusing on sustainability.
The top universities are designing sustainability-focused programs which let students gain hands-on experience in different areas. These programs are not only for business practices but aim to have a positive impact and students go beyond.
Top Green Campuses for 2025
When it comes to sustainability, eco-friendly student rooms and programs, here’s a list of colleges you can consider going to. Moreover, sustainability is not only being eco-friendly but to achieve a balance for a better future.
The University of Edinburgh
Definitely the first! Being one of the top universities in the United Kingdom, this university has committed to zero waste by 2025. Following a comprehensive strategy, they have built programs in a way to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable behavior.
From food to recycling initiatives, they aim to reduce waste across every campus of the university. There are solar panels and low-carbon heating systems installed on the buildings. This helps in reducing energy consumption and increasing renewable energy generation.
Besides this, they host Sustainability Awards which appreciate the efforts of people in achieving sustainable goals. In addition, they set a great example for other universities to move towards eco-friendliness and sustainability by small things.
Some of the programmes offered by the University of Edinburgh include:
- MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems
- MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability in association with Edinburgh Climate Change Institute
- MA in Sustainable Development
- BSc Ecological and Environmental Sciences and more.
The University of Oxford
The University of Oxford has been famous for its rich history and amazing academics. But now, they have been transforming its focus to sustainability. They have made significant efforts to reduce their carbon footprint with many initiatives. For instance, they have a sustainable travel plan in which students can travel around the campus through cycling.
Classrooms and student apartments have efficient lighting systems which reduces energy consumption. They also aim to be carbon-neutral by 2035. They are framing new policies under the Environmental Sustainability Strategy to achieve the goal.
Every program encourages students and professors to recycle things and indulge in waste management programs. Some of the courses include:
- MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment
- MSc in Sustainable Urban Development
- MSc in Environmental Change and Management
- MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance
- Online sustainable courses in finance, business and law
Cardiff University
Being in one of the top 3 universities as recognized by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Cardiff University aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. They have developed many waste management programs, recycling initiatives and other programs. In addition, they have outreach activities to support local communities. Simply put, if you want to be a part of a place where students make an impact, Cardiff University can be one of the top choices.
The courses offered by Cardiff University are as follows:
- BSc in Environmental Sustainability Science
- MSc in Sustainable Mega Building
- Undergraduate courses in environmental geosciences, environmental geography, exploring geology, marine geology and more.
- MSc in Sustainability Planning and Environmental Policy and more.
Nottingham Trent University
Next, we have Nottingham Trent University which is among the top 5 green universities in the world. They stand out in the UK for completing over 17 sustainable goals by embracing practices in their curriculum.
They have designed their curriculum which lets students explore sustainability in their discipline. Not only learning, but the building for student housing has solar panels and efficient lights installed for less energy consumption. Moreover, they were awarded ISO 140001 certification in Environmental Management recently.
Nottingham Trent University offer the following courses:
- BSc (Hons) in Ecology and Conservation
- MSc & MRes in Biodiversity Conservation
- MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering and more.
The University of Manchester
The last in the list we have is the University of Manchester. Being one of the first universities to adopt sustainable practices, they have been working to make the campus greener. They are committed to reducing carbon footprint and increasing renewable energy sources.
They encourage students to use bicycles for roaming around the campus and using eco-friendly items in student rooms. Alongside this, the campus has green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels.
The carbon footprint has been reduced by a huge margin in the last few years. There are plenty of programs which encourage students to adopt on campus and beyond. The university was also recognized in the Impact Rankings for sustainable development and secured 3rd position.
You can explore the following courses for 2025 by the University of Manchester:
- BSc in Environmental Science
- BSc in Environmental Management
- MA in Social Change, Environment and Sustainability
- MSc in Pollution and Environmental Control
- MA in Education for a Sustainable Environment and more.
Beyond the Campus
The universities are taking numerous initiatives for a better future. But there is student accommodation around the campuses which is also following the steps of universities.
Both long-term and short-term student accommodation are using effective policies to reduce energy consumption. Besides this, you will find students from different universities and student accommodation using eco-friendly products or riding bicycles around the city.
