Libraries and Learning Resources: our commitment to environmental sustainability

The University has created a clear strategy for how to create a more sustainable university and world, and has demonstrated this commitment throughout our 2030 Strategic Framework, including having 'Sustainability' as one of the six pillars.

Libraries and Learning Resources is committed to the University’s sustainability and social responsibility agenda as a civic and global University.

We are responsible for managing a large number of physical spaces on campus, and the delivery of both physical and electronic resources for education and research.

We believe Libraries and Learning Resources has a positive role to play as advocates for sustainable practices in the University and more widely. We are committed to doing so by working with students, our colleagues across the University, and our wider professional community.

If you have ideas or comments, please get in touch via our feedback form.

We:

• Curate and manage a central Sustainability and Green Impact Resource List, which is promoted regularly. All University of Birmingham staff and students can borrow the books and access the items on the list.
• Curate displays and exhibitions in support of events such as UoB Green Week and Green Libraries week.
• Support academics in embedding sustainability into their education programmes.
• We have an active Libraries and Learning Resources Sustainability and Green Impact group that meets monthly.

Also we are :

• A member of Research Libraries UK, which has joined the Green Libraries Campaign.
• We are signatories to the CILIP Green Libraries Manifesto
• We actively participate in the Green Impact Awards and achieved Gold Award in 2025.

Our environmental impact

We have identified some of ourbiggest environmental impacts below along with some of the ways in which we are working toward mitigating them:

Energy usage

We aim to make the most efficient use of energy in all areas of our operations and reduce energy waste wherever possible: 

• We use electric vans to transport material and equipment around and between campuses.
• Working in particular with Estates and IT Services to ensure our energy usage is minimised where possible e.g. motion activated lights. You’ll find some interesting facts about the Main Library below. 

Reuse and recycling

We aim to reduce waste and reuse or recycle as much material as possible:

• We provide clearly labelled recycling bins on all levels at the Main Library, as well as in study spaces and all libraries. Note the signage on the bins to help with what can be recycled.
• As well as standard recycling bins, in our largest staff offices at Main Library we also have food waste bins and crisp packet recycling.
• Where possible we use the University WarpIt scheme to source, reuse, or pass on large items.
• We use Better World Books and AnyBooks to reuse and recycle book stock when it is removed from the collection.
• Excess stationery is regularly distributed to students in the Main Library to take away for free.
• At the Main library, cold water taps are on every floor at either end of landing corridors. A hot water tap is in Library Lounge. See the full list of water fountains on campus.
• We aim to be a zero plastics office by providing staff with cutlery and crockery, as well cold water taps to avoid single use water bottles.

Travel

• We encourage colleagues within our team to consider how to make their commute as sustainable as possible.
• We encourage colleagues in our team to make sustainable choices when travelling on University business.

Supply chains

• Investigating our suppliers and supply routes.

The Main Library

Opened in 2016, The Main Library was designed to be as energy efficient as possible. It achieved BREEAM Excellent design status, and some of its credentials include:

• Solar panels on the roof generating electricity supply for the building.
• The “gold” fins are made of adonised aluminium, requiring little maintenance. They aren’t just decorative, but also a feature to assist with heat gain from the sun.
• Motion-activated LED lighting in staff and student spaces.
• Central climate control that is monitored with Estates to keep at optimal levels.
• Hot water zip taps instead of using multiple kettles in staff areas.
• PC clusters are mainly located in the north-west corner on each floor. This is naturally the coldest part of the building and so requires less energy to keep cool.