Category: Civil engineering

Sustainable campus in Falmer

Brighton jumps into top 30 in new university sustainability league table

The University of Brighton has climbed an impressive 16 places to secure a spot in the top 30 of the latest People & Planet University League, a prestigious ranking of 165 UK universities based on their environmental and ethical performance.

Brighton’s achievement also places it as the fourth most sustainable university in the South East, showcasing its leadership in sustainability within the region.

Recognized for Excellence in Sustainability

The People & Planet League evaluates universities across 14 categories, including environmental policy and strategy, water use, waste and recycling, carbon management and reduction, as well as education on sustainable development.

Brighton was awarded:

  • 100% for its sustainability strategy and policies.
  • 90% for staff and student engagement.
  • 85% for education on sustainable development.
  • 83% for carbon management.

The improvement on last year’s league table position means Brighton has risen by 41 places in the last two years having placed 71st in 2022 and 46th in 2023.

University of Brighton People and Planet award

A Mission-Aligned Approach

Ollie Swan, Head of Sustainability at the University of Brighton, emphasized the institution’s dual focus on academic and operational excellence:
“Our academic mission is deeply connected to addressing today’s environmental and ethical challenges. By aligning our teaching and research with real-world issues, we prepare students to contribute to a sustainable society. At the same time, we’re committed to ‘walking the talk’ through our own environmental performance. While these results are encouraging, we remain focused on consistent improvements within our emerging university strategy.”

A Track Record of Sustainable Action

The latest performance in the national sustainability league table comes after the university was awarded platinum status through the EcoCampus university sector environmental management certification (EMS) scheme.

This is a result of implementing strategic policies to cut carbon emissions, move towards cleaner energy, protect biodiversity, and reduce waste.

So far, the University of Brighton has:

  • Generated 630,000 kWh of solar power in 2023/24—equivalent to powering 230 homes for a year.
  • Diverted 4.7 tonnes of waste from landfills through a reuse campaign, which collected 592 bags of unwanted items from student halls and raised £8,880 for charity in 2024.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future

This recognition reflects Brighton’s dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability. The university’s staff and students play an active role in driving positive environmental change, setting a strong example for the wider community.

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Person on a bike by Brighton pier

Brighton named one of Time Out’s 50 best cities in the world for 2025

Brighton ranks 34th on Time Out’s 2025 list of the world’s 50 best cities, making it the third-highest ranked city in the UK.

The definitive annual list is published every year, based on feedback from tens of thousands of city-dwellers across the globe. This year, over 18,000 participants shared their thoughts on key aspects of city life such as food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness, and overall atmosphere.

Claiming the 34th spot globally, Brighton secured its place among the globe’s go-to destinations as the third highest-ranked UK city, behind only London and Edinburgh, and one of just six UK cities to make it into the top 50.

Time Out highlights the city for its unique blend of metropolitan features and welcoming, laid-back beach attitude, stating:

“Brighton has essentially plucked all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) and paired it with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”

Brighton stood out as the second-most walkable of all cities surveyed, and Brighton locals were the third-most likely to call the city ‘diverse and inclusive’, with 64% of residents saying it’s a lively place to be.

The beach was praised for its ‘standout restaurants’, ‘buzzy bars’ and ‘new active venues’, meanwhile the food scene was lauded as being one ‘where diners can also enjoy DJs, dancefloors and cocktails, all in one place.’

The city’s beloved North Laine was also praised for its ‘hippy-esque beating heart’ and ‘city-wide passion for sustainability, emphasised through everything from vegetarian eateries such as Iydea to homeware shops like Dowse.’

The University of Brighton is proud to call this dynamic city home, sharing its values of community engagement, creativity, and sustainability. As Brighton continues to flourish, it remains a hub for students and residents to engage with a rich array of cultural and social opportunities.

Other UK cities on the list include London in fifth place, Edinburgh at 13th, Glasgow in 36th, Belfast in 47th, and Bristol in 48th.

Read the full article.

Joanna TurnerLeave a comment
Paul Cottingham Trust scholarship

University of Brighton announces one of the UK’s first scholarships focused on the study of trans inclusion

A PhD scholarship focused on trans and non-binary inclusion has been launched by the University of Brighton in collaboration with The Paul Cottingham Trust.

The scholarship will provide a talented researcher with financial support and access to world-class resources, to develop a project focusing on trans and non-binary inclusion within the broad remit of supporting health, wellbeing, and dignity in health and social care. It will be awarded to a candidate who is committed to making a difference to the wider trans community and will provide a unique opportunity for in-depth research that can explore the issues and opportunities for trans people.

This landmark initiative reflects the University of Brighton’s ongoing commitment to advancing research, fostering social change, and championing equality.

Logo for the Paul Cottingham Trust

The scholarship is overseen by the University’s Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender (CTSG), an internationally recognised research centre known for its pioneering work in LGBTQIA+ lives and communities. The centre’s researchers employ innovative methods and creative approaches, to produce work that informs policy and practice. The centre also champions anti-racist and gender-inclusive research, providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for its thriving community of early-career researchers and students.

Professor Nigel Sherriff, Professor of Public Health and Public Promotion and Director of CTSG at the University of Brighton said:

“The scholarship represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a vision for the future that transforms trans and non-binary inclusion at every level. It will be awarded to a candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to driving social change, advancing trans rights, and championing inclusion for trans and non-binary communities, particularly their most marginalised members. It represents an exciting chance to contribute to a vision that translates into tangible improvements in the lives of trans and non-binary individuals.”

Funding for the PhD is provided by The Paul Cottingham Trust, founded in memory of actor, singer, fundraiser and charity supporter Paul Cottingham. Established by Lord Michael Cashman CBE (Paul’s husband) and fellow Trustees, the Trust is dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion globally, focusing on initiatives that create meaningful change for marginalised communities.

Lord Michael Cashman CBE said:

‘We are proud to join the Uni of Brighton in this innovative and exciting project which embodies our shared commitment to achieving an inclusive and equal society where everyone can achieve their unique potential and enjoy the same rights, obligations and privileges as others.’

Click here for more information on the scholarship and how to apply.

Joanna TurnerLeave a comment

Check if you’re eligible for £1,250 and a lower grade offer

At the University of Brighton, we’re here to support you in making the best start to your university journey. With our new postcode checker, you can quickly see if you’re eligible for our Brighton Boost financial support package, designed to help you with the cost of living and make everyday things just that little bit easier.   Continue reading “Check if you’re eligible for £1,250 and a lower grade offer” →

Joanna TurnerLeave a comment

Looking back on our 2024: A year of innovation, creativity and impact

As we wrap up 2024, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year’s achievements, milestones and stories that have shaped the year here at the University of Brighton.  

There’s so much to celebrate – we’ve seen groundbreaking research, community impact and inspiring student success across every area of the university.   Continue reading “Looking back on our 2024: A year of innovation, creativity and impact” →

Joanna TurnerLeave a comment
Anusha Shah president of ICE and Imran Rafiq Dean of School of Architecture Technology and Engineering talking in the civil engineering labs

Brighton students welcome President of Institute of Civil Engineers

Students at the University of Brighton welcomed one of the UK’s top engineers to Moulsecoomb campus this week.

The visit from Anusha Shah, President of the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), is part of an ongoing series by industry figures aimed at students studying Civil Engineering. In a talk titled “Building Connections for a Nature- and People-Positive World” to students, Anusha Shah addressed the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across sectors and disciplines to find sustainable solutions.

Continue reading “Brighton students welcome President of Institute of Civil Engineers” →

Stephanie ThomsonLeave a comment
Potential plus possibility graphic

Try out university life at our summer schools

If you’re in year 12 or your first year of 6th form college, you have the chance to try out what it’s like to study at university at our on-campus, residential summer schools.

Summer schools run from 9-12 July, and you can apply now. You’ll have opportunities to explore a variety of sessions during the day, giving you a taste of different courses, social activities in the evening, and overnight stays in our halls of residence – all supported by our undergraduate students at the University of Brighton.  

Continue reading “Try out university life at our summer schools” →

Stephanie ThomsonLeave a comment
Headshot of Edzwan Redza Anwar

Proud international Brighton Effect family member celebrates diversity at the university

Civil Engineering alum Edzwan Redza Anwar shares his views on the importance of diversity and tells us more about his work in sustainability with the Islamic Development Bank.

Edzwan, an Operations Team Leader (Energy) for the Islamic Development Bank, recalls how his time at Brighton as an international student helped bring out his confidence and meet people from different backgrounds.

He shared with us the importance of being open-minded, respecting and valuing diversity and how his time at Brighton helped hone his skills communicating ideas and collaborating with others.
Being an international student at Brighton

Continue reading “Proud international Brighton Effect family member celebrates diversity at the university” →

Stephanie ThomsonLeave a comment