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Sustainability at The Open University

We are dedicated to creating and sharing knowledge and learning to realise social and environmental justice.
We see our primary roles in sustainability as:

  • An educator – placing sustainability at the heart of our teaching, research and knowledge exchange.
  • A business – championing best practice across all four nations of the UK.
View of the sky through a canopy of trees

Sustainability at The Open University

Upcoming events

Sep 15

Training: Free Carbon Literacy Training (OU Staff and Students)

Thursday, September 15, 2022 - 00:45 to Sunday, December 31, 2023 - 15:00

Mar 29

Courses: Climate Change: Transforming your Organisation for Sustainability - Next course: 26th June

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 - 13:00 to Sunday, December 24, 2023 - 13:00

Net Zero Wales roadmap

Net Zero and Digital Transformation

Working towards net zero is a priority for The Open University in Wales. We’ve set up a Net Zero and Digital Transformation pilot, so that we can work with our staff and students to help achieve it.

People walking on a beach in the foreground, with coastal wind turbines in the distance

Study Sustainability

Whether you wish to study for personal interest, professional development, or are looking to gain a qualification, we have a course for you.

OU representatives at COP26

Get involved

There are several ways for staff and students to get involved in sustainability activities, find out how you can help to shape future initiatives.

Professor Mark Brandon working on the ice in front of a ship

Research & Knowledge Exchange

Read about our thriving Research and Knowledge Exchange community to understand the processes and systems that nourish and sustain us and our planet.

Whale shark swimming with a pink plastic bag

The OU and the BBC

For over 50 years, The OU and the BBC have worked together co-producing hundreds of hours of programming and bringing learning to life for millions around the world.

The Open University's Milton Keynes campus

The OU as a business

View our policies, statements, reports and guidance relating to sustainability.