Clean water and sanitation 2024
Operations
The University is conscious of the impact of its use of water and takes responsible steps to engage with the issue. We measure and monitor our water use from the mains supply, and have moved to replace the use of water for cooling.
We are careful to prevent polluted water entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents here.
Steps we take minimise water-use include careful design when we are building and refurbishing buildings. This includes a new commitment to the WELL Building Standards, which include commitments in the design and management of buildings.
We achieved WELL Platinum for the Jo Cox ‘More in Common’ Centre, completed in 2022, the first UK Higher Education building to achieve the maximum possible grading, and are targeting WELL Platinum for the new National Health Innovation Campus at Southgate in Huddersfield, the first building of which opened in September 2024. Water use is also minimised in the planting policies in our landscapes, which heavily reduce the need for watering. We promote water-reuse through large-scale rainwater harvesting.
Impact for students
Because we know how important water is to health and wellbeing, the University provides free drinking water for students, staff and visitors.
Public and Business Engagement
We have also been recognised for the educational opportunities we have provided for local schools to learn about good water management. We carry this work out with important partner organisations such as the National Coal Mining Museum for England.
Research
And our research, notably through the Centre for Wetlands, Environment and Livelihoods, contributes to policy, practice and data gathering on the importance of water security and its implications.