Bath Spa University the second greenest in the UK
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Bath Spa University is ranked second most sustainable university in the UK
Friday, 12 December, 2025Bath Spa University has been named as the second most ethical and sustainable university in the country in the latest People & Planet University League Table, and first in the South West.
The People & Planet University League provides the only comprehensive and independent ranking of all UK universities by environmental and ethical performance across 14 different categories, including sustainable policy and strategy, ethical careers, workers rights, ethical investment, education for sustainable development, and staff and student engagement.
This year’s impressive ranking marks a substantial increase from the University’s previous peak of 17th place and has earned BSU another first-class degree-style classification in the league of a total 147 institutions.
Among its top results, Bath Spa University scored 100 per cent in environmental auditing and management systems, 100 per cent in ethical investment – ranking first in the UK – and 100 per cent for staff and student engagement, reflecting the way that sustainability has been embedded throughout its culture. The University also scored highly in other key categories including 95 per cent in education, 90 percent in environmental policy and 85 per cent in sustainable energy sources.
This ranking comes just a month after the University announced successfully securing funding for its upcoming decarbonisation project. BSU is set to carry out works that will bring it a step closer to achieving its climate pledge of reaching Net Zero at Newton Park campus. The project includes the installation of solar panels, building energy efficiency measures and ground source heat pump technology.
Professor Georgina Andrews, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be ranked second in the UK in the People & Planet University League, which is a huge testament to the dedication and commitment we have made to ensure ethical and sustainable practice. BSU holds sustainability as one of our core values and we embed this across the board, into our education, strategic approach and partnerships. However, we know there is more work to do. Our ambition is to be a role model for excellence in ethics, sustainability, responsible management and education. Through our Estates Strategy we are decarbonising our estate and activities in a way that is technically and financially viable. For BSU to be recognised as the second most sustainable University in the UK, and number one in the Southwest is a huge achievement.”
Ripley Hill-Nixon, Sustainability Manager at Bath Spa University added:
“We’re extremely proud of this achievement, which reflects our ongoing efforts this year to embed sustainability across the university – from our buildings and decarbonisation plans to the way we teach and engage with our community. This score demonstrates our commitment to improving environmental and ethical performance, as well as the hard work that people across the University put in every day to help us achieve our goals. It’s fantastic to see our efforts helping us climb the ranks this year and contribute to our shared objectives across the sector. We know there’s still plenty more to do, and we look forward to maintaining the high standards we’ve set this year.”
Laura Ingham, Director of Careers and Employability at Bath Spa University said:
“Our Careers Service provides impartial advice and guidance to help students make informed choices that reflect their individual goals and circumstances. We also recognise that sustainability and ethical practice matter to many of our students. Our Ethics and Sustainability Position Statement reflects these priorities by seeking to engage with employers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, social justice, and ethical practice, while not actively pursuing partnerships with industries such as fossil fuels, mining, and tobacco.”
You can see a full breakdown of Bath Spa University’s results on the People & Planet League website.
Bath Spa University holds sustainability as one of its four core values, along with respect, inclusion and collaboration. Find out more about sustainability at BSU.