Sustainability at Norwich

Energy and carbon management

Carbon Management Plan

Norwich University of the Arts introduced its first Carbon Management Plan in 2005, setting a target to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2020. Despite significant campus expansion and a growing student population, the University met this target through smarter, more efficient energy use.

Building renovations include upgraded insulation, high-efficiency boilers, and plate heat exchangers. Rather than relying on artificial cooling, we use air handling systems to circulate warm air and prioritise natural ventilation, supported by automated window systems where needed.

We’ve transitioned to LED lighting across campus, cutting lighting energy use by an estimated 50%, and installed smart lighting systems in shared spaces to reduce unnecessary usage. Our IT team uses PowerMan software to automatically reduce the energy consumption of unused PCs.

Solar panels

In April 2025, we installed 264 solar panels across our Guntons and St Andrews buildings, marking a key milestone in our transition to renewable energy.

• Guntons: 186 panels now reduce our reliance on grid electricity by 20% annually. During summer, surplus energy—around 19,564 kWh—is sold back to the grid.
• St Andrews: 78 panels power the building directly. Both systems are expected to pay for themselves within seven years.

This project reflects our long-term commitment to reducing emissions and embracing low-carbon innovation.

Living roof

Our Duke Street Riverside building features a living roof that improves air quality, reduces flood risk, and insulates the building—cutting both heating needs in winter and cooling in summer. It also extends the roof’s lifespan and supports biodiversity by providing a habitat for insects and birds.

Electric vehicles

We operate electric vans across our estate to reduce emissions and noise pollution, supporting our low-carbon transport strategy.

Bank Plain

Phase Two of its ambitious redevelopment at 20 Bank Plain opened in July— a landmark Grade II listed building in the heart of Norwich.

The redevelopment features a striking central staircase that connects the building across multiple levels, enhancing flow and visibility throughout the space. A focus on sustainability is evident in the use of reclaimed materials — including timber flooring originally installed in a Scottish gym.

Waste management

We are committed to reducing waste and promoting reuse and recycling across campus.

Students and staff can access free or recycled materials from workshops and the campus shop via our online resource on the University’s dedicated sustainability intranet. A permanent Materials Hub will launch in 2025 to provide a central space for sourcing and sharing reusable materials.

Recycling bins are widely available in teaching spaces and offices and can be used for common items such as paper, cardboard, glass, and hard plastics (following Norwich City Council guidelines). We’ve also added soft plastic recycling stations in four campus buildings, collected regularly by a specialist provider. Food waste units will be introduced in 2025.

To encourage reuse, we host Pop-Up Swap Shops throughout the year offering clothes, books, and plants, and provide specialist recycling for pens and ink cartridges via the campus shop.

To reduce single-use plastics, all cleaning products now use a refillable dosing system, allowing bottles to be reused on-site and significantly cutting plastic waste.

Water

We’ve taken steps to improve water efficiency and reduce gas usage across campus.

All heating systems contain liquid inhibitors, which are monitored annually to keep water clean and flowing efficiently, minimising energy loss and improving performance.

We’ve also installed automatic shut-off taps to prevent water waste. On newer systems, hot water feeds are on a continuous loop-back circuit, so users receive hot water within seconds, avoiding the need to run litres of cold water first.

Sustainable food

Our on-campus café is run by The Feed, a Norwich-based social enterprise focused on supporting communities and tackling food insecurity.

The Feed uses locally sourced, seasonal produce wherever possible, with a strong emphasis on plant-based and vegetarian options. Waste is kept to a minimum, and all packaging is compostable or recyclable wherever possible.

Learn more about The Feed’s impact

Procurement

Environmental responsibility guides every purchasing decision across our estate.

During renovations and new developments, we prioritise reclaimed, recycled, or locally sourced materials wherever possible. This approach reduces our carbon footprint, supports the local economy, and helps ensure our projects meet both sustainability goals and heritage conservation standards.

Ethical Banking and Investment

Ethical banking policy

The University has a Treasury Management and Ethical Banking policy which is approved and reviewed by the Finance & Resources committee of the governing body. The policy was last approved in October 2024. The key elements of the policy with regard to ethical banking are provided below:

Our banking arrangements shall be made to obtain the best financial return for the University, while being consistent with a responsible and ethical approach to investment, and seeking to minimise the risk of loss of funds.

The University will strive to partner with banks and financial institutions that demonstrate:

• Environmental Responsibility: Commitment to minimising environmental impact, including avoiding investments in fossil fuels, deforestation, or other environmentally destructive activities. Preference is given to institutions that invest in renewable energy and sustainable practices.
• Social Responsibility: Engagement in fair labour practices, equitable treatment of all employees, and support for community welfare, both locally and globally.
• Governance and Transparency: Adherence to best practices in governance, with clear policies on anti-money laundering (AML), anti-corruption, and transparent reporting of investments and activities.

When selecting banking partners, the University will prioritise institutions that:

• Have publicly available ESG policies and commitments.
• Are rated positively by the organisation Ethical Consumer (achieving at least an ‘amber’ rating)
• Demonstrate transparency in their investments and avoid sectors that conflict with the university’s ethical values, such as fossil fuels, weapons manufacturing, and exploitative industries.
• Are actively contributing to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and have policies supporting local and global communities.
• To ensure continuous alignment with this policy, the University will:
  1. Review banking relationships annually, assessing alignment with the University’s values and policies.
  2. Encourage banking partners to enhance their ESG practices by engaging in dialogue and offering feedback.
  3. Consider transitioning to alternative banking partners if a current partner fails to meet the university’s ethical standards after an evaluation and engagement process.

Ethical Investing

See a copy of the University’s Investment Policy:

As well as its more general Investment Policy, the University also has a separate ‘Responsible Investment policy’. This policy is provided in full below:

“The University strives to ensure that it makes investments in a responsible and ethical way.

Investments shall be made to obtain the best financial return for the University, while being consistent with a responsible and ethical approach to investment.

Specifically, the University will only invest in entities that exhibit best class standards of behaviour and performance in a broad range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, using the approach developed and deployed by its Investment Manager, who must be a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment. This approach encourages entities to adopt high and improving standards of ESG behaviour which the University believes will generate superior long-term financial returns.

Reflecting its ethical values, the University does not invest in fossil fuel companies or those whose principal business is involved in: tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, cluster bombs or armaments, and defence.

The University’s Investment Manager is currently LGT Wealth Management. LGT will proactively engage with entities through direct engagement with companies on particular issues, for example via dialogue with company boards, tabling resolutions and voting at AGMs. LGT is also expected to collaborate with other members of the responsible investment community to leverage impact on critical issues. We expect LGT to report on engagement activities at least annually, view its most recent report.”

A member of the University’s Investment Committee reports to the University’s Sustainability working group on an annual basis. This includes explaining our ethical investing policy and giving an opportunity for feedback and comments.

The University is committed to listing a summary of its investments.

The table below shows the split of investments as of 5 July, 2024, by sector.

At Norwich University of the Arts, sustainability is integral to our research culture. Through creative practices, our researchers explore how we can live more sustainably and adapt to the rapidly changing world around us. We engage in forward-thinking projects that examine the impact of climate change, promote health and wellbeing through co-creation, investigate alternative futures, pioneer the use of new fibres, and contribute to carbon reduction strategies.

The Institute for Sustainable Worlds, led by Professor Dan Lockton since 2025, provides a creative and interdisciplinary focus to these efforts. The Institute brings together researchers, communities, and partners to better understand the local and global challenges we face and the ways these issues affect everyday lives. By connecting design, technology, and community insight, the Institute works to activate meaningful, positive change.

Our university has a long tradition of breaking boundaries and shaping new possibilities through creativity. As the world evolves, we believe artists and designers have a vital role to play in reimagining and building a more sustainable future.

Learn more about the Institute for Sustainable Worlds and explore our current research projects.