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Climate Action Plan

A person shouts at the camera while wearing a tunic covered in multi-coloured strings and material. They also have a monitor on their head, which is covered in multi-coloured string
A person shouts at the camera while wearing a tunic covered in multi-coloured strings and material. They also have a monitor on their head, which is covered in multi-coloured string
Aramatou Toure, 2022 BA Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: George Eyo

We're taking climate-focused action to change the way we live, teach and work. Creating a just, sustainable future is at the centre of our mission.

We're in the top 10 greenest universities in the UK and are the highest-ranking arts university in People & Planet’s University League.

As one of the world’s biggest creative institutions, we must continue to play our part in achieving climate justice.

Four action areas

Sustainability

  • People threading ribbons
    Suzie McMurtry, 2021 Big Welcome | UAL

    Get involved

  • People wearing white boilersuits are connected to eachother, while a man holds a placard calling to ban plastic pollution
    Nexus Architecture by Lucy Orta at Parade for Climate Justice, Carnival of Crisis 2021 | Photograph: Lori Demata

    Events and projects

  • An open book on a blue background
    Publication by Georgia Duna, 2020 BA Design for Art Direction, London College of Communication, UAL

    Documentation and carbon dashboard

  • Bird's eye view of people gathered around a table
    MA Material Futures work in progress presentation in the Street at Central Saint Martins | Photograph: John Sturrock

    Climate action staff representation

Looking back at a year of climate action

Download the Climate Action Plan

Climate Action Plan (PDF 4.8MB)

Climate Action Plan Progress Update Report 2024 (PDF 1.7MB)

What we're doing now

  • A white woman with short curly hair and glasses seated in front of some drapes. She is smiling and looking to her left.
    Portrait of Dr Lara Salinas, Senior Research Fellow in Knowledge Exchange and Senior Lecturer on MA Service Design at London College of Communication | Photograph courtesy of: Dr Lara Salinas

    Climate Action Plan profile: The power of design to create positive local change

    We spoke to Dr. Lara Salinas, Senior Research Fellow in Knowledge Exchange and Senior Lecturer on MA Service Design at LCC to reflect on the power of Knowledge Exchange activities to create positive change in local communities and beyond.

  • A group playing a board game called Carboned Out
    Participants play 'Carboned Out'. Ozge Sahin and Nanthini Sampath, 2023 MA Global Collaborative Design Practice, Camberwell College of Art | Photograph: Nanthini Sampath

    Climate Action Plan case study: Carbon Literacy Training leads to commitments for action

    Carbon Literacy Trainers George Barker, Margot Bannerman and Richard Watson explain how this training programme provides staff with the knowledge and skills to take climate action in their work.

  • A white woman with short hair is standing in a store with lots of fabric rolls on shelves behind her and on each side. She is wearing a t-shirt with a printed pattern, a necklace and a skirt.
    Portrait of Carla Fallen, Technical Coordinator and Studio Workshop Manager for the Foundation Programme | Photograph: Joe O’Brien

    Climate Action Plan profile: Re-using materials unlocks creativity for students

    We spoke to Carla Fallen, Technical Coordinator and Studio Workshop Manager for the Foundation Programme, about her experience running the Re-Use Exchange, where students can access unwanted or excess materials for their work.

  • Two East Asian women with dark hair standing across a table from a south Asian woman wearing a headscarf and colourful dungarees are making paper using mesh screens. Handmade paper is on a drying rack in the background.
    Khadijah Carbery running a Generous Waste workshop as part of Earth Quest 2022 | Photograph: Hydar Dewachi

    Climate Action Plan case study: Library Services work to reduce emissions and waste

    Rowan Williamson, Associate Director of Library Services explains the tangible action being taken in our libraries to reduce our emissions and environmental impact.

  • A white woman wearing glasses. She has mid-length hair and is wearing a grey suit jacket and striped t-shirt. She is touching a tree behind her and facing us.
    Portrait of Noemi Sadowska, Programme Director for Branding and Design Innovation at London College of Communication | Photograph: Cían McAlone

    Climate Action Plan profile: New course explores design for climate justice

    Noemi Sadowska, Programme Director Branding and Design Innovation at London College of Communication (LCC), spoke to us about the design of a new course which embeds the teaching principles for climate, racial and social justice into the curriculum.

  • A table with green circuit board made of algae and metal legs
    Peter Nasielski, Symbiocene: Living Furniture, 2023, MA Design (Ceramics, Furniture, Jewellery) Central Saint Martins

    Climate Action Plan case study: Climate System Mapping charts pathways to change

    Professor Ramia Mazé (LCC) and Dr Niki Wallace (CCW) discuss a pilot research project to identify and map ways that UAL can build positive connections and change in the interest of climate justice.

  • See all case studies

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