How DMU Achieved First‑Class Sustainability Status in the People & Planet University League

De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU), has been identified once again as one of the best eco-friendly universities within the UK in 2025. The reports that were released in The Guardian also confirmed that DMU made it to the list of the best universities in the UK, securing eighth position in the People & Planet University League UK. The university received a first-class degree award for the 12th occasion, which is a sign that it performs best in ethics.

Continuous Recognition

It has been observed that DMU has been awarded the status of first-class university every year since 2011, and this year, it has retained the position within the East Midlands as well. This achievement, according to Karl Letten, Head of Sustainability, has been a result of collective hard work on the part of the academic faculty, professional staff, and students to make it to the list of top UK universities in terms of sustainability.

League Criteria

The People & Planet environmental ethics university awards rate universities on 14 different areas, which are grouped under performance and policy. Examples of these are education, environmental policy, recycling, and carbon management. DMU scored highly on Staff & Student Engagement (100%), Carbon Management (100%), Sustainable Food (95%), Education (92%), and Environment Policy (90%).

Awards & Achievements

This dedication was reinforced earlier in 2025 when DMU won the Sustainability Institution of the Year award at the Green Gown Awards. Observers noted that DMU’s win added to a list of sustainability and environment awards that DMU has won at the Leicester campus, which include:

1. Being a Carbon Literacy Educator, educating the leadership team.

2. Hedgehog Friendly Campus status and the Responsible Futures award.

3. Receiving Green Gown Awards for Sustainable Fashion and Climate Change.

4. Being the only UK university that has a role as a global hub for UN Sustainable Development Goal 11.

5. Reducing carbon emissions from energy use by more than 60% and meeting recycling rates of over 90%.

6. Cycling Project with the Leicester City Council to run the Daria Project.

7. Providing support staff and students with low-carbon travel options, as well as free bus travel.

8. The implementation of a carbon charge on international air travel as part of the DMU Global initiative.

9. Developing wildflower plots, as well as allotments for growing fruits and vegetables.

10. Providing sustainability training for new teachers.

Why is DMU Unique?

Experts described the reasons why De Montfort University is listed as one of the top 10 most sustainable universities within the UK in 2025. The university’s outstanding performance in managing carbon, recycling, and education excellence is what showcases the sustainability of DMU, which is considered one of the most sustainable universities in the UK, with numerous eco-friendly practices in campus life.

Editor’s Note:

De Montfort University’s latest success within the UK university sustainability ranking 2025 is more than just another success, such as winning a prize. It is a demonstration of how a long-term commitment leads to a position within the top eco-friendly universities in the UK 2025. The eighth position overall within the People & Planet University League UK, with first-class honours for the twelfth consecutive year, is a demonstration of success not merely within the environment but within a setting where sustainability is a way of life.  The scope of DMU’s activity is what impresses. Whether it is carbon management, recycling success, sustainability within learning, or learning engagement, DMU has demonstrated that success occurs when a focus on policy, alongside a practice concentration, moves in tandem. This success has been reinforced with an award at the Green Gown Awards earlier this year, which helps to validate DMU’s approach within the UK university sustainability scene. In a context where universities are challenged to prove that they are taking a leading role in respect of challenges such as climate change, the role of DMU cannot be underestimated. The environmentally responsible behaviour that DMU has adopted, such as the cut in carbon emissions that is in excess of 60%, a recycling rate in excess of 90%, as well as promoting low-carbon travel, are behaviours that can be replicated by other universities. The role of DMU as the ONLY UK university that is a global hub for a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal cannot be underestimated.

The importance of sustainability at universities when the challenges of tomorrow are on the horizon is a vital lesson that universities need to learn. Skoobuzz mentions that DMU has clearly shown that with determination, success is a given, but most importantly, that change is a possibility.

FAQs

Q1. Which university is best for sustainability?

Several UK universities perform strongly in sustainability rankings. In 2025, De Montfort University (DMU) was placed among the top ten eco‑friendly universities in the UK, showing that it is one of the best for environmental and ethical performance.

Q2. Is De Montfort University a good university?

Yes. DMU is recognised for its teaching, research, and strong community links. It is also respected for its sustainability achievements, winning awards such as the Green Gown and consistently holding first‑class status in the People & Planet University League UK.

Q3. What is DMU ranked in the UK?

In the UK university sustainability ranking 2025, DMU was ranked eighth overall out of 147 institutions. It also held the top spot in the East Midlands, confirming its strong position in the UK higher education sustainability rankings.

Q4. Is DMU hard to get into?

DMU is considered accessible compared with some highly selective universities. Entry requirements vary by course, but the university aims to be inclusive and supportive, offering opportunities to a wide range of students.

Q5. What is DMU known for?

DMU is known for its eco‑friendly campus initiatives, strong carbon management and recycling efforts, and for being the only UK university acting as a global hub for a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. It is also recognised for creative subjects, law, business, and community engagement.