The University of Bath has released its 2025/26 Annual Sustainability Report, showcasing a year defined by innovation, community action and measurable progress toward a more sustainable future. The report highlights major achievements across education, research, operations and student engagement, while setting the stage for the University’s next strategic leap in sustainability.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Phil Taylor, said “Sustainability remains one of the defining responsibilities of our time, and I am proud of the way the University of Bath is rising to that challenge.”
Our University-wide commitment
Sustainability is a core value of the University’s existing strategy and will continue to be a key focus and strength for our new Institutional Strategy that will launch later this year. The report outlines how our approach to sustainability at Bath strengthens environmental health, social responsibility, and economic stability, with contributions spanning teaching, research, operations and community partnerships.
This year marks a major milestone as well will launch a new University Sustainability Plan in November that will provide clearer focus and direction, embedding sustainability across education, sport and campus operations.
Have your say: Join us for ‘Conversations at Bath’ on Thursday 4 June, for an event hosted by the Vice-Chancellor in which we will explore ‘Sustainability at Bath’. During this event, you will have the opportunity to:
- hear about latest progress, and challenges we still face, for sustainability at Bath
- discover more about our vision for the new Sustainability Plan, with a chance to ask questions and give feedback
Highlights from the 2025/26 report
Our progress is recognised—Bath ranked 56th globally and 19th in the UK in the QS World Sustainability Rankings 2026, scoring over 90% in eight of nine categories.
Our students are experiencing embedded sustainability education in their courses and through applied learning opportunities—discover students and graduates leading change. Next academic year, sustainability in education is expanding with an exciting strategic programme to greater visibility and structure to ensure every graduate is prepared to lead positive change in a world shaped by environmental and social challenges.
Our research is driving global impact and, in the past year, Bath researchers have advanced solutions to some of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges, from breaking down forever chemicals to developing cleaner recycling methods for Perspex, and exploring whether a basic income can protect rainforests. We've also made progress in our commitment to sustainable research practice.
Bath continues to influence international sustainability policy, action and youth leadership through partnerships with global reach, from co-delivering workshops at the UNFCCC Climate Conference and presenting at COP30, to developing and delivering solutions through policy and industry partnerships.
Students are at the heart of change and this year, the Students’ Union (SU) made strides for sustainability with a new multiyear action plan that embeds sustainable practice across all activities, strengthening student-led decision making with a new SUstainability forum, and taking action to empower more students to drive sustainability change.
Our community driving change
The report celebrates the passion and leadership of students and staff:
- our staff and student community care about sustainability—92% said they do in our latest survey
- over 450 staff and students were recognised at our annual Sustainability Awards
- 35 departments are taking action through Green Impact, up from 14 the previous year
These achievements reflect a community that is not only committed but increasingly empowered to act.
Looking ahead: our next chapter for Sustainability at Bath
Director of Sustainability and Space, Richard Jackson, emphasised that the University is at a pivotal moment: "Sustainability is both a responsibility we carry and a means by which we can provide value and leadership. Together, we are shaping a University that not only responds to global challenges, but helps create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”
With a new Sustainability Plan, a major education initiative, and a growing culture of engagement, the University of Bath is positioning itself as a leader in sustainability for years to come.