Recently, the parking lot near to Gate One of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) has reopened after renovation. According to the Estate Office, the new parking lot roofing is made of solar panels with an area of over 1400 square metres, providing up to 280,000 kWh of electricity annually. This is equivalent to saving 92.4 tons of coal, reducing carbon dioxide emissions of 170.8 tonnes, or planting more than 9,300 trees.

In addition to the renovation, UNNC’s initiatives to promote environmental protection and sustainable development include installing intelligent building systems in the library and teaching buildings, which are able to help reduce electricity usage by more than 40%. More intelligent building renovations and photovoltaic projects will be carried out in the future.

 Recently, the university organises 2023 Environmental Sustainability Week. Diverse activities, including a green creativity exhibition, cycling in Dongqian Lake, lectures on sustainable development, and a tri-campus sustainability challenge event, are being carried out. Participation of students, staff, and the public is welcomed. The event organiser, the UNNC Environmental Sustainability Committee, said that the university is proactively supporting the national goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Incorporating sustainable development into university strategy, UNNC integrates the theme of environmental protection and low carbon into various aspects of teaching, scientific research, and campus activities. 

The university has organised a research exhibition themed “Creating a sustainable world”, showcasing multiple research projects that contribute to the sustainable development goals of the UN. The scientific research achievements of UNNC staff and students targeting the sustainability crisis have also been adopted in legislative proposals at the provincial two sessions. 

The university also develops batches of eco-friendly gifts, such as stockings, tote bags, and notebooks, all made from waste plastic.

Along the bank of the Nottingham River, there is also a green farm transformed from a wasteland. Staff and students collaborate to cultivate vegetables there, decorating people’s dining tables and respecting their interconnections with food, communities, and nature.