Community
We believe creative education plays a vital role in tackling global challenges. Through learning, research, and collaboration, we empower our community to respond to issues like climate change and biodiversity loss, shaping a more sustainable future through collective action and informed, creative practice.
Living Wage Employer
The University is accredited by the Living Wage Foundation as a Living Wage Employer.
Sustainability Team
The University’s Sustainability Working Group is open to all staff and students and is chaired by Jeremy Smeeth, Chief Operating Officer, and Co-chaired by Fashion Lecturer, Nina Dobson.
The membership includes representation from a wide range of departments across the University including the Library, Estates, Technical Resources, HR, Student Services and the Student Union, as well as members of the Academic Community.
The Senior Management Team is represented by Professor Hilary Carlisle, Dean of Creative Education, Professor Dan Lockton, the Director of the Institute for Sustainable Worlds, and Stephen Belderbos, Director of Finance and Planning.
The group reports directly to the Senior Management Team and sustainability updates are a regular agenda item.
There is a dedicated sustainability budget to support the activities of the working group with recent initiatives including investment in the Green Spaces Project to plant city centre wildlife gardens around our campus sites, the introduction of Sustainability Awards for both Undergrad and Postgrad students in their final shows and the commitment to act as a Hub for Sustainable Fashion Week 2025 to promote ethical practice both locally and nationally.
Staff and students are given lots of opportunities to engage with the activities of the working group through regular email updates and access to the University’s dedicated sustainability intranet page and Instagram page. Examples of such opportunities include helping with beach cleans, litter picks, plant and book swaps.
There is a dedicated sustainability page on our intranet which has lots of useful resources for students and staff:
- A directory of sustainable shops and cafes in Norwich.
- What is the University doing about sustainability? Answers to some frequently asked questions about topics like energy use and recycling at the university.
- A message board to share your ideas, suggestions, and questions.
- Sustainable travel tips. Here we include reminders of the locations of campus bike racks, showers, and lockers, as well as travel-to-work schemes for staff.
- A tool to check your own carbon footprint and links to other sustainability resources.
The Students’ Union has representation on the Sustainability Working Group. The Students’ Union President is a member of the University Council, which is the senior committee of the University that oversees strategic decision-making.
Sustainability is one of the core values of the Students’ Union strategic plan.
Community Pantry
Led by the Student Union, the Community Pantry is part of our commitment to student wellbeing and equity—ensuring that no student at Norwich University of the Arts goes without essentials.
Located in the community kitchen next to the SU Lounge in St Andrews House, the space is open to all students and offers free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, along with access to a microwave and toaster.
The pantry stocks non-perishable food, toiletries, and useful everyday items, with donations always welcome—whether it’s tinned goods, stationery, or small kitchen equipment in good condition. These contributions help keep the pantry well-stocked and diverse, offering practical support to students across the university.
Green spaces
In May 2025, the Sustainability Working Group (SWG) proudly supported the launch of a student-led Green Spaces project, aimed at creating biodiverse, sustainable outdoor areas across campus. This initiative empowers students to actively shape their environment by planting native species, wildflowers, and pollinator-friendly plants that enhance local biodiversity and improve campus wellbeing.
By transforming underused areas into vibrant green spaces, the project encourages community engagement, outdoor learning, and a stronger connection to nature — all vital for fostering environmental awareness and sustainability values among students and staff alike. The Green Spaces project reflects our shared commitment to nurturing a healthier, greener campus for everyone.
Green travel
As part of our commitment to supporting low-carbon lifestyles, the University offers practical initiatives that make sustainable travel more accessible for all students.
- Bicycle repair: In partnership with Bicycle Links, we provide free bicycle repair to help students travel safely and sustainably around the city. The scheme covers basic repairs and essential parts, including inner tubes and brake pads, ensuring that cycling remains an affordable, low-impact transport option for our community.
- Travel subsidy voucher: We also offer discounted student bus travel, working closely with First Bus and Konectbus to provide flexible, affordable options for everyday journeys.
Careers and employability
Learn how Norwich University of the Arts ensures ethical, fair, and environmentally responsible partnerships and employment opportunities.
Careers and Employability Ethics Statement-
Sustainability in campus and operations at Norwich
Learn more about the sustainability of our campus and operations, including energy and carbon management, and ethical banking and investment. -
Sustainability in research at Norwich
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. -
Sustainability in teaching and learning at Norwich
Learn more about sustainability in teaching and learning at Norwich
Latest News
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Alumni •Mia Sylvia Herrod, 2018 Textile Design Graduate, named in Forbes 30 under 30
Congratulations to 2018 Textile Design graduate Mia Sylvia Herrod, who has been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. This recognition highlights her achievements since graduating and celebrates her growing impact within the creative industry. -
BA Photography •Norwich University celebrates emerging young talent as winners of two prestigious art competitions are announced
The winners of two creative competitions – Beyond the Frame and the Norfolk Art and Design Competition – have been announced by Norwich University of the Arts. -
BA Graphic Communication •Norwich students win at D&AD New Blood Awards 2026
Students from BA (Hons) Graphic Design, BA (Hons) Graphic Communication and BSc (Hons) User Experience Design have won awards at the D&AD New Blood 2026 competition. -
Graduation •Norwich University to award four new Honorary Professorships
The Honorary Professorships celebrate exceptional achievement, creativity and influence across the creative industries. -
Institution •Norwich University of the Arts joins NCUK’s global pathway network
Norwich University of the Arts joins NCUK’s global pathway network -
Institution •Norwich University of the Arts publishes posture on Artificial Intelligence
Norwich University of the Arts has published its posture on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students. -
Institution •Norwich Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Jilin University of the Arts
Norwich University of the Arts has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jilin University of the Arts, marking the start of a new international partnership between students and staff at both institutions. -
BA Architecture •Norwich University announces winners of 2026 Undergraduate Sustainability Awards
Students from BA (Hons) Architecture, BA (Hons) Fashion, BA (Hons) Illustration and BA (Hons) Interior Design were all recognised in this year’s awards, for their commitment to sustainable and ethical practice. -
BA Fashion •Norwich students win at Graduate Fashion Week 2026
This year’s Graduate Fashion Week has seen awards success for Norwich University of the Arts students. -
East Gallery •In Memoriam: Tess Jaray
In Memoriam: Tess Jaray -
BA Illustration •Stories of Home: Norwich Illustration students explore culture, identity and memory
Students from our BA (Hons) Illustration course have produced a striking exhibition of work, exploring community heritage and visual storytelling. -
MA Textile Design •In conversation with: Caroline Mayers, MA Textile Design
We caught up with Caroline to discuss her creative practice, her experience of studying MA Textile Design at Norwich, and what it meant to win a Sustainability Award at our annual Grad Fest event. -
Institution •Norwich University of the Arts and Donghua University Strengthen International Partnership
Norwich University of the Arts has signed a partnership with Donghua University in Shanghai to deliver a new MA in Interaction Design. -
Norwich University of the Arts Ranked UK’s Top Specialist Creative Arts University in National Student Awards
Norwich University of the Arts is the UK’s highest-ranked specialist creative arts university in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) 2026, placing 14th overall among universities across the UK. -
BA Textile Design •In conversation with: Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux UK and Ireland
We caught up with Marianne, Dulux’s Creative Director, to discuss her work with Norwich's Textile Design students and her advice for breaking into the industry. -
Institution •Norwich hosts visit from the Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom
Norwich University of the Arts welcomed Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki to tour the university’s creative technology facilities and explore ongoing research projects.
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