Our estate and operations
The University of Hertfordshire’s estate is central to delivering our sustainability ambitions.
Spanning more than 200 hectares across multiple campuses, our estate includes teaching facilities, laboratories, accommodation, catering facilities, sports facilities, social spaces and specialist environments that support learning, research and community engagement.
Through strategic investment, environmental management and operational improvement, we are reducing environmental impacts whilst creating sustainable, resilient and inspiring places for students, staff and visitors.
Our approach is guided by the Environment and Sustainability Framework and supported through our EMS which currently holds Eco-Campus Platinum status and is ISO14001:2015 certified
Estate Vision 2035
The University is investing in the long-term transformation of its estate through the Estate Vision 2035.
This vision seeks to create modern, adaptable and sustainable campuses that support learning, research, wellbeing and community whilst reducing environmental impact and improving operational efficiency.
As the University evolves, investment will focus on delivering facilities that are fit for the future whilst ensuring the estate supports both environmental sustainability and an exceptional student experience.
Key principles of the Estate Vision include:
- delivering modern, energy-efficient buildings;
- replacing ageing and inefficient facilities where appropriate;
- making better use of campus space; enhancing outdoor environments;
- supporting biodiversity and ecological enhancement;
- reducing operational carbon emissions;
- improving accessibility and wellbeing;
- creating attractive and sustainable campus environments.
The Estate Vision recognises that sustainability is not solely about reducing environmental impacts. It is also about creating campuses that support health, wellbeing, collaboration and a positive sense of place for students, staff and visitors.
Green Herts
A key element of the Estate Vision is the creation of a Green Heart at the center of the College Lane campus.
The Green Heart will create a vibrant landscape that connects people, buildings and nature, helping to improve biodiversity, wellbeing and the overall campus experience.
The project will:
- increase green infrastructure;
- create attractive outdoor study and social spaces;
- improve biodiversity;
- support climate resilience;
- enhance campus identity and sense of place.
The Green Heart demonstrates how sustainability is being integrated into the future development of the University’s campuses and will become a focal point for community interaction, wellbeing and environmental enhancement.
Net Zero & Decarbonisation
The University is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Through the Net Zero Action Plan and Estates Decarbonisation Plan, we are delivering projects that reduce energy consumption, improve building performance and lower carbon emissions across the estate.
Estate transformation projects identified through the Estate Vision 2035 provide opportunities to replace inefficient infrastructure and improve the environmental performance of the University’s buildings.
Our approach includes:
- building energy efficiency improvements;
- infrastructure upgrades;
- building optimisation;
- smart building technologies;
- low-carbon heating solutions;
- sustainable campus development.
Progress is monitored through annual reporting and reviewed through the University’s sustainability governance framework.
Energy Management
Improving energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.
The University actively monitors energy performance across its estate and continues to invest in projects that improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary consumption.
Activities include:
- building energy optimisation;
- heating and cooling improvements;
- smart controls and automation;
- metering and monitoring;
- lighting upgrades;
- behavioural awareness initiatives.
Energy performance is reported through the Annual Sustainability Performance Report. The University continues to identify opportunities to improve efficiency whilst maintaining high-quality teaching, research and support environments.
Water Management
Water is a valuable resource and reducing consumption forms an important part of the University’s sustainability programme.
The University continues to improve water efficiency through:
- water metering and monitoring;
- leak detection and repair;
- infrastructure improvements;
- efficient fixtures and fittings;
- operational management;
- awareness initiatives.
Water performance is monitored through the Sustainability Dashboard and reviewed annually to identify opportunities for improvement.
As new technologies and opportunities emerge, the University will continue to reduce water consumption whilst maintaining a high-quality campus environment.
Waste & Circular Economy
The University is committed to reducing waste and ensuring resources remain in productive use for as long as possible.
Our Waste and Resource Management Plan prioritises:
- waste prevention;
- reuse;
- recycling;
- resource efficiency;
- responsible disposal.
This approach supports both environmental performance and the principles of a circular economy.
Performance is monitored through the Sustainability Dashboard and reviewed through the Waste Working Group.
Reuse First: Warp It
The University uses Warp It to facilitate the redistribution of furniture and equipment across departments.
Rather than disposing of items that remain fit for purpose, departments can make equipment available for reuse elsewhere within the University.
Warp It helps:
- extend asset life;
- reduce waste;
- avoid unnecessary purchases;
- reduce embodied carbon;
- improve resource efficiency.
By keeping resources in use for longer, Warp It supports both financial savings and environmental benefits. Check out our performance from utilizing this scheme.
IT Equipment Reuse & Recycling
The University’s IT replacement programme seeks to maximise the useful life of equipment before replacement is required.
Devices are utilised throughout their operational life before replacement is considered. When items are returned to our IT team, they are redeployed into the organization when suitable.
When equipment reaches end of life, it is managed through our IT waste partner who assess assets for:
- refurbishment and resale;
- reuse opportunities;
- component recovery;
- material recycling.
This helps ensure valuable resources remain within the circular economy wherever possible.
Sustainable Travel
Transport is an important contributor to the University’s environmental impact.
Through the Travel Plan 2024-2030, the University is supporting:
- walking and cycling;
- public transport use;
- active travel initiatives;
- electric vehicle infrastructure;
- sustainable commuting options;
- reduced reliance on single occupancy vehicle journeys.
The Travel Working Group supports the delivery of travel-related objectives and helps identify opportunities to further improve sustainable transport across the University.
Sustainable Food & Catering
Food and catering services form an important part of campus life and contribute to the University’s wider sustainability objectives.
Working with our catering partners, the University is committed to reducing the environmental impact of food provision whilst supporting healthier and more sustainable food choices.
Our Sustainable Food Policy sets out our approach to:
- responsible sourcing;
- food waste reduction;
- sustainable procurement;
- healthy food choices;
- increased availability of plant-based options;
- supporting local and seasonal produce where practical.
Delivery of the University’s sustainable food objectives is supported through the Sustainable Food Working Group, which brings together stakeholders from across the institution to identify opportunities for continual improvement.
Biodiversity & Natural Environment
The University recognises the importance of protecting and enhancing biodiversity across its campuses.
Green spaces, habitats and natural environments contribute to environmental resilience, wellbeing and the overall quality of the campus environment.
Our Biodiversity Action Plan sets out our approach to:
- protect existing habitats;
- enhance biodiversity;
- support pollinators and wildlife;
- improve ecological connectivity;
- integrate biodiversity considerations into estate development projects;
- increase the environmental value of campus landscapes.
Biodiversity enhancement forms an important part of the Estate Vision 2035 and is reflected within projects such as the development of the Green Heart and wider campus improvement initiatives.
The University’s biodiversity assets include a range of managed habitats across its campuses, including Bayfordbury Campus, which supports biodiversity enhancement, environmental research and student learning.
Biodiversity initiatives are supported through the Biodiversity Working Group and reviewed through the University’s sustainability governance framework.
