Sustainability research with real-world impact
Our research is improving lives nationally and internationally, changing policies, helping businesses and finding solutions to tackle environmental crises.
Our research strengths
Across the institution, we have expertise in sustainability in all disciplines. There are several large research projects tackling sustainability challenges to directly improve people’s lives and the world we live in.
Hydrogen power
Climate change
Sustainable construction
Health
Sustainable supply chains
Sustainable food
Accelerating homegrown green power in the UK
We're leading progress towards the UK’s green energy revolution, working hand in hand with industry to accelerate the transition to net zero.
Read about how we’re:
Architecture, engineering and design for future-proof construction
We're shaping the future of sustainable construction by rethinking how we design, build, and adapt our homes. Our experts are working to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable places to live.
Learn about how we’re:
Decarbonising our transport system
We’re helping to decarbonise our transport system and accelerate the journey toward a cleaner, healthier future for all.
Find out more about how we’re:
Modelling climate change
Our experts are turning science into actionable insights that protect people and the planet.
Inspiring behaviour and policy change
By shaping behaviour and influencing policy, our researchers are pushing for collective action that will lead to a more sustainable future.
Read about our work to:
Developing sustainable nutrition
We’re leading research to reduce the global demand on animal produce and the environmental damage caused by farming.
The amount of land used just for rearing beef and lamb for UK consumption is bigger than the entire UK itself. As global meat demand is set to grow it’s clear that our farming practises will need to change if we’re going to feed everyone.
To tackle this and the climate and biodiversity emergencies facing the world, we’re leading research on growing meat instead of rearing animals to eat.
Meanwhile, half of the packaged products on our supermarket shelves are estimated to contain palm oil or its derivates. It's rapid growth as a crop has led to irrevocable damage to our planet. To help combat these challenges, we're furthering the development of a sustainable, yeast-based alternative to palm oil.
Research for health
We're advancing science that keeps people healthier and safer, today and for the future.
Find out more about our work on:
Our Research Centres and Institutes
At Bath, researchers across all disciplines work directly or indirectly to tackle sustainability challenges. Our research centres and institutes collaborate internally, with other Universities and research bodies, businesses and local organisations to widen the reach of our impact.
Reducing the impact of our research operations
Alongside our contributions to sustainability research, we’re working to minimise the impact the research we conduct has on the environment and ensure its long-term future.
Sustainable research and innovation practice
In 2025, we joined other institutions in signing the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. The Concordat makes sure that the future of UK Research and Innovation is conducted in an environmentally sustainable way.
One way we’re helping our research community take responsibility for the environmental impact of our research, is through our Sustainable research hub.
This online resource provides information and advice for our researchers so they can take action. Advice for researchers includes:
- designing research with sustainability in mind
- reducing your environmental impact when travelling
- considering the ethical implications of your research on the environment
- minimising energy and water use in labs
- managing and disposing of chemicals safely
LEAF
LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) is a standard for sustainable laboratory operations. University College London (UCL) designed the framework to help tackle the environmental impacts of conducting research in labs. This includes energy and water consumption, supply chain impacts, travel, teaching, and culture.
All staff and students working in laboratories at Bath, including research or teaching facilities, can join our LEAF programme.
‘Turning the ULTs up is a great example of a very quick win in terms of energy usage and sustainability. This modest change in temperature has a big effect on energy usage.’
—
Professor Ed Feil
Department of Life Sciences
Find out more about our sustainable university
Sustainable BathContact us
If you have any questions about sustainability research at Bath, get in touch.