Sustainability news

A man standing on a melting glacier

As Bolivia’s glaciers melt, new lakes threaten mountain communities

An opinion piece authored by Jamie Macmanaway, Doctoral Researcher, from the School of Geography and Environment, for The Conversation platform.
Two kitround bins alongside Loughborough Lightning merch at Loughborough campus.

Loughborough becomes first university to partner with kitround to drive sustainability in sport

Loughborough University is proud to announce a new sustainability-focused partnership with kitround, becoming the first university in the UK to work with the emerging sport tech platform.

Two female academics looking into a tube with sediment sample inside whilst on a boat

Natural textile fibres, such as cotton, present in lake sediments for over a century

An environmental assessment of textile fibre pollution has found natural textile fibres persist in lake sediments, and could be used to help recreate historic human activity alongside other microscopic anthropogenic particles like microplastics.
a corner flag with a blurred crowd in the background

Loughborough University shortlisted for national awards

Two Loughborough University initiatives have been shortlisted for the 2026 Sports Industry Awards.
Two children playing inside a Ballnado Grabber Machine.

Loughborough University and EnerHy showcase hydrogen innovation at the Festival of Tomorrow 2026

For the third consecutive year, Loughborough University returns to the Festival of Tomorrow in Swindon – the home of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – led by EnerHy, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training for Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero.
A packet of cultivated (fake) beef

Moral people should support ‘lab-grown’ meat, even if they reject conventional meat – new ethics research suggests

People who care deeply about animals, the environment and human wellbeing may have good moral reasons to support cultivated meat, according to new research.
An aerial image of rural land intersected by numerous hedges

From hedgerows to headwaters - new research shows how smarter landscapes can cut flood risk and boost nature

Flooding, biodiversity loss and climate change are often treated as separate problems.
A group of newly built houses with blue sky in background

How to retrofit UK homes to cut emissions whilst avoiding fuel poverty

A new study from Loughborough University looks at the importance of considering Fuel Poverty when retrofitting UK homes to cut carbon emissions.
People walking outside of Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi.

Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi gets green hydrogen for clean cooking

Loughborough University Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) has successfully demonstrated the world’s first full-scale lead-acid battery-electrolyser test unit, producing green hydrogen of over 99% purity and using it for clean cooking at Mwanza District Hospital in Malawi. For the first time, this high-purity hydrogen has powered a specially adapted cooker, replacing traditional polluting fuels.
A Welcome To Loughborough University sign flanked by trees in the sunshine. The Hazlerigg building stands in the background.

Dedication to sustainability sees Loughborough climb global ranking

Loughborough University has achieved an impressive rise in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, securing 64th place globally out of 2,002 institutions.

Man pushing aftrak tractor

New solar-powered Aftrak tractor will increase crop yields sustainably across Africa with new mechanisms

A Loughborough University spin-out aiming to deliver clean, affordable mechanisation to remote communities in sub-Saharan Africa has unveiled a new version of its solar-powered tractor – designed to be more user-friendly and require minimal maintenance.
From left to right, Professor Alexander Balanov, Professor Sergey Saveliev, and Dr Pavel Borisov, of the Loughborough University Department of Physics. The scientists are part of a team of international researchers that have created a new artificial neuron that can mimic different parts of the brain – which could be the key to more human-like robotics.

Scientists create artificial neuron that can mimic different parts of the brain – a major step towards human-like robotics

Robots that can sense and respond to the world like humans may soon be a reality as scientists have created an artificial neuron capable of mimicking different parts of the brain.
People crossing a rope bridge between cliffs over icy water, with power lines, a wind turbine, and sunrise in background.

New research reveals postdoctoral talent is key to achieving UK’s net-zero goals

Postdoctoral researchers bring advanced technical expertise but remain an underutilised resource in the UK workforce, according to a new study, authored by a team from Loughborough and published in Cleaner Engineering Technology by Elsevier.
mini plugged into charging point

"The introduction of fuel duty to electric vehicles will inevitably slow down their diffusion through the car fleet” warns transport expert.

As this month's Budget draws closer, reports are suggesting that drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) could face the prospect of a new tax.
A woman in a lab coat and lab goggles positioning tubes on bottles

Loughborough-made battery system promises clean cooking with hydrogen for remote African communities

A new project, led by experts from Loughborough University, has seen the creation of a battery system that will provide remote African communities the energy they need to cook cleanly and more environmentally friendly.

An aerial shot of dual sediment ponds - two small ponds next to each other

New research highlights how sediment ponds help farmers protect land and boost biodiversity

A research project in Cumbria is shedding light on how simple on-farm features like sediment ponds can help farmers manage runoff, protect valuable soil, and support vital biodiversity – all while contributing to national efforts to improve water quality.
Loughborough Uni swimming pool

Major decarbonisation work underway at Loughborough’s ‘Pool of Dreams’

Loughborough University has launched a major decarbonisation project to transition its world-renowned swimming pool away from fossil fuels, replacing its gas-fired boiler plant with modern air-source heat pumps (ASHPs).
The sun reflecting off solar panels

Solar breakthrough – hotter panels mean better storage

Scientists have uncovered a surprising advantage in next-generation solar technology... the hotter it gets, the better it can store energy
A child and an adult playing with some technology at the Green Hydrogen Festival.

Loughborough University to exhibit at the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibits on Tour

The University is proud to be part of the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibits on Tour, taking place 30-31 August 2025, a weekend packed with activities, short films and engaging talks, all celebrating the wonders of science.
photo of a group of students sat around a table working together with different coloured bits of paper and card

Year 10 students tackle sustainability challenges at Athena STEM residential

Earlier this month, the School and College Liaison Team welcomed 42 Year 10 students onto campus, for a four-day, three-night residential experience.

A series of white planes are pictured on a blue background, with one green plane flying in a different direction.

Loughborough University part of new collaboration to advance zero carbon aviation through hydrogen

Loughborough University is joining forces with leading academics from Oxford University, Imperial College London, and King's College London to develop hydrogen-powered jet engines.
An image of the small square cell developed by Loughborough and Swansea

New collaboration to pioneer solar technology for space

Loughborough and Swansea universities have joined forces on a pioneering mission to transform solar power in space by developing lightweight cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells on ultra-thin glass – a game-changing technology set to revolutionise energy systems for satellites and space-based manufacturing.

A UK oil rig

UK oil and gas firms face hidden risks in net zero transition

Smaller companies with ageing North Sea assets were especially vulnerable to financial losses, researchers found.
Woman checking bill sat wrapped up warm

Energy bills and debt are rising yet again – here are three things that would help vulnerable households

Energy prices are rising faster than benefits, wages or pensions, meaning the amount that UK households owe to energy suppliers – their energy debt – is also likely to grow.
Representatives of IGEM and EnerHy stand together with partnership sign

IGEM announces support for EnerHy Centre for Doctoral Training to advance green hydrogen technologies

The Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM), the professional engineering institution has announced its support for EnerHy, the UK Research and Innovation Centre for Doctoral Training focused on making green hydrogen more affordable, scalable, and sustainable.