The University of Brighton has committed to never investing directly in fossil fuels, part of a broader commitment to sustainability as one of its core values.
11 February 2021
The move aligns the university with a campaign by People & Planet for universities across the UK to sign a Fossil Free Declaration. People & Planet is a student-inspired campaign network for social and environmental justice, working in partnership with the National Union for Students. Specifically, the university has declared that it holds no direct investments in extractor fossil fuel companies, and will never directly invest in these companies.
Mike Bewlock, the university's Director of Finance, said: “I am delighted that the university has made this commitment and is furthering our ethical investment practices. The declaration is in line with us announcing a Climate Emergency in January 2020 and is consistent with our ambitious target, set out in our strategic programme Brighton 2025, to reduce our carbon emissions to 4000tC02e, by 2025.”
The fossil fuel industry is a leading contributor to climate change, with just 100 companies estimated to be responsible for around 70% of global carbon emissions. Brighton's fossil free investment declaration was made in a letter which has been integrated into the university’s ethical investment policy as part of our four core values: sustainability; inclusivity; creativity; and partnership.
Sihem Ziada, President of Brighton Students' Union, added: “We are delighted that the university have now signed this declaration. We will continue to work closely with them on trying to improve all areas of sustainability.”
Hillbrow Sports Centre in Eastbourne
The People & Planet campaign notes: “Universities exist for the public good, from conducting life-changing research to educating the global citizens and leaders of tomorrow. Furthermore, they are at the forefront of climate change research. As such we think it’s important we do not invest in an industry that has 5 times more reserves than it is safe to burn to stay within the parameters of 1.5 and 2 degrees of global warming.”
While People & Planet say more than half of all UK Higher Education institutions have committed to divest from extractor fossil fuel companies in some way, to date fewer than 20 universities have signed the Fossil Free Declaration alongside Brighton so far.
TEF Silver awarded for the quality of our teaching and student outcomes
We are in the top 4.3% of institutions globally, Center for World University Rankings 2025
Race Equality Charter Silver awarded for our pledge to advance representation, progression and success for minority ethnic staff and students
We are ranked 14th in Stonewall's top 100 employers for commitment to equality for LGBTQ+ staff and students
We were awarded Athena Swan Silver for advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all
We are a Disability Confident employer, committed to ensuring opportunity for progression for all
Signed to the Disabled Student Commitment, an initiative to improve support for disabled students
EcoCampus Platinum accredited for our environmental sustainability, compliance and processes
