Why it matters: The integration of sustainability into workplace training has become increasingly crucial as companies seek to reduce their environmental impact and meet growing regulatory requirements around green practices.
The big picture: The university's approach has earned it a place on the shortlist for the 'Sustainability in Training and Apprenticeships' category at the 2025 Apprenticeship and Training Awards (ATA), alongside three other providers.
How they're doing it: The university has developed several initiatives:
Apprentices must demonstrate how they champion sustainable practices in their workplace during progress reviews.
Projects include work to reduce landfill waste and optimise resource use.
Digital apprentices collaborate with the Suffolk Sustainability Institute on smart technology solutions.
Academic teams are encouraged to incorporate sustainability discussions into all training.
By the numbers: The university practices what it preaches:
Scope 1 and 2 emissions (from fuel combustion and electricity use) have been cut by 93% since 2009-10.
Nearly 95% of waste is now recycled.
Campus biodiversity has improved, with the number of plant species in the wildlife garden rising from 26 to 60 between 2022 and 23.
What they're saying: "Embedding sustainable thinking into our apprentices' learning is an incredibly important part of our teaching, as we prepare learners for industry upon completing their studies," said Professor Darryl Newport, Director of the Suffolk Sustainability Institute.
The bottom line: As the business world increasingly prioritises sustainability, the University of Suffolk is ensuring its apprentices are equipped with the green skills employers need.
