Helping to protect and preserve a sustainable environment

We are helping to save endangered species, protect coastal and freshwater regions, and understand ecosystems, learning from the past to impact the future. Read the latest news about our work in this area.

07/10/2024

Ancient humans survived ice age through a similar strategy to wolves and bears

A BU study has shed new light on how humans responded to the extreme conditions of the last ice age, 20,000 years ago.

10/09/2024

Study of wastewater in South Wales detects significant levels of cocaine

A BU study has provided insights into the levels of illicit substance use in South Wales by analysing wastewater at two treatment plants in the region.

12/06/2024

BU ranked joint 39th globally in The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024

The Impact Rankings measure the work of universities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with BU also placing joint 1st for SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

04/06/2024

Dorset House officially no longer uses fossil fuel gas for heating and hot water

We have replaced fossil fuel natural gas-fired boilers in Dorset House with an air-to-water heat pump system to reduce our emissions.

31/05/2024

No disposable coffee cups on campus (17-21 June)

We are committed to reducing single-use plastic, which is why we have decided to ban the purchase of disposable coffee cups at Talbot and Lansdowne campuses for one week only between Monday 17 June – Friday 21 June.

22/04/2024

Bournemouth University tackles single-use plastic by becoming the first Refill Campus

Bournemouth University has become the first ‘Refill Campus’ by pledging to help turn the tide on plastic pollution.

28/03/2024

An energy hub in your bath tub: Loofahs offer a new way to greener energy

Researchers at Bournemouth University combined nature’s bath sponge with some nano-sized silver donuts to create a catalyst that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen when an electrical current passes through it.

18/12/2023

Bigger garden ponds, rich in native plants, improve biodiversity in towns and cities.

Scientists from BU have identified the best ways to manage your garden pond to provide a haven for aquatic wildlife in urban areas.

05/12/2023

Graduate’s solution to waste and inequality on display at COP28

Product Design Futures graduate Angela Piazza is displaying her final year project at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. Her.

27/10/2023

BU expert appointed Policy Fellow for the Wales Centre for Public Policy

Bournemouth University’s Dr Rounaq Nayak has been appointed as a Policy Fellow with the Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP).

12/10/2023

Artificial structures take a step towards matching the workings of coral reefs but are not there yet.

Research led by BU explored how well artificial reef structures in Bali can perform the same range of life support services needed to sustain healthy ecosystems as natural reefs.

09/10/2023

Our new returnable cup scheme

Our Sustainability team have worked with Chartwells to design a new Returnable Cup Scheme.

07/09/2023

Big cats eating monkeys more often in forests impacted by humans

Jaguars and Pumas in Southern Mexico are increasingly preying on endangered howler and spider monkeys, a recent BU study has found.

21/07/2023

Student animations to support local and national charities

The RNLI, Dorset Ukrainian Community and National Park City Foundation are the charities supported by BU students at this year's BFX festival.

13/07/2023

Study shows kids can save wildlife too

A greater emphasis on environmental education in schools is needed to improve children’s understanding of the risks facing the environment.