Advancing Sustainability

Climate change and biodiversity loss are the defining challenges of this century. Wadham is home to world-leading research in climate science and biodiversity – and we are putting those ideas into practice.

Our ambition is to become the first historic Oxford college to achieve carbon net zero and at least 20% biodiversity gain by 2035 – a global example of how heritage institutions can lead on sustainability.

This challenge also gives us the opportunity to make once-in-a-generation improvements to everyday life in College.

Our Sustainability Strategy is one of the most ambitious of any Oxford college, comprehensive in scope and covering energy, biodiversity, water, food, supply chains and investment. It is being delivered by a dedicated team, including Oxford's first Director of Sustainability, Frances Lloyd, climate change biologist Professor Joe Bull, and Estates Manager Chris Cox.

Advancing Sustainability is the first phase of this strategy. It is a £10 million programmethat focuses on the buildings that matter most to our community and have the greatest impact on our carbon footprint. Our priorities include:

• The Library and Library Court – our most urgent priority
• The Holywell Music Room – the oldest purpose-built concert hall in Europe and one of Oxford's most important performance spaces
• Key residential staircases (all Grade I and II listed), home to hundreds of students
• Replacing outdated fossil fuel heating with clean energy systems across the College.

Early gifts are catalytic – they unlock immediate impact and build momentum for the wider £25 million Sustainability Strategy that will secure Wadham's future as a sustainable, world-leading college community.

Developed one of the most ambitious sustainability strategies of any Oxford college

• Carried out an in-depth Decarbonisation Study in 2023
• Installed nearly 500 sensors to gather room-by-room data, so we can take targeted action
• Reduced Scope 1 emissions by around 13% and Scope 2 emissions by around 21%, against a 2021–22 baseline
• Completed the £1.8m reroofing of Front Quad's north range with measurable thermal and carbon improvements already evident

“Wadham has always sought to set the highest standards – whether in scholarship, in access, or now in sustainability. Our goal is to be an exemplar: to show how a historic Oxford college can take bold, evidence-led action on climate and biodiversity while preserving its heritage. What makes this possible is the commitment of our alumni and friends, whose generosity is already helping us turn vision into reality.”

Robert Hannigan CMG, Warden

We would be thrilled for you to join us as we lead the world in sustainable heritage, improve student life and wellbeing, and build a College that is fit for the future.

To find out more, or to discuss how you could support this work, please get in touch.