The University of Westminster has once again been recognised for its commitment to environmental sustainability through its Environmental Management System (EMS), successfully completing its latest audit and re‑certifying with the EcoCampus Platinum Award - the highest level of accreditation offered by the national scheme.
This year, the audit took place at the University’s Harrow Campus, where the Sustainability Team, Estates Team and Creative and Advanced Technologies (CAT) Lab Technicians showcased a wide range of sustainability initiatives and infrastructure designed to reduce environmental impact, strengthen resource efficiency and embed responsible practices across day‑to‑day operations.
The audit demonstrated excellent environmental compliance, good training and record keeping, and a thorough evaluation of climate risk. One initiative that was highlighted was the rag reuse scheme, where oils were collected using scrap materials and sent to a company for cleaning. The rags were then sent back for reuse, highlighting the University’s circular economy practices.
As part of the audit, the University also highlighted its pioneering work on climate engagement, including Westminster’s first‑ever Climate Assembly – the first of its kind at any UK university. The Assembly brought students and colleagues together to examine the University’s climate challenges, debate priorities and co‑develop recommendations for action. Its outcomes now feed directly into Westminster’s EMS, strengthening decision‑making, supporting transparent governance and ensuring that sustainability initiatives reflect the needs and ideas of the University community.
EcoCampus is a national EMS framework that supports universities in developing strong sustainability governance, improving environmental performance and meeting recognised international standards. The EMS not only solidifies the University’s Being Westminster 2022-2029 strategic commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment but also helps to reduce waste, tackle emissions and conserve energy.
Achieving Platinum for another year demonstrates Westminster’s full implementation of a comprehensive EMS aligned with ISO 14001, the International Organisation for Standardisation’s global benchmark for environmental management. ISO 14001 sets out a structured framework for identifying environmental impacts, reducing waste and resource use, and driving continual improvement, ensuring accountability and long‑term sustainability across the University’s operations.
About the award Dularee Goonetilleke, Sustainability Coordinator at the University of Westminster, said: “A huge well done to the Harrow teams for their continued commitment to sustainable development at Westminster. The audit demonstrated that environmental management and climate mitigation is at the forefront of everything we do.”
On behalf of all team leads, Aidan Delaney, Head of Technical Services at the University said: “Achieving Platinum status for a second-year running is a fantastic reflection and testament to the sustained hard work and professionalism of our technical teams. Maintaining exemplary environmental management systems across our technical workshops requires constant vigilance and high standards, day in and day out. This result shows that our technicians constantly exceed the bar, applying consistent care, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to doing things the right way. On behalf of the department, we are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved and want to thank them for all their hard work.”
Westminster’s use of the EcoCampus Scheme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about sustainable development at the University of Westminster.
