Putting down roots. How planting saplings helps supports lasting positive change

From major carbon reduction projects to community tree planting, sustainability is becoming an increasingly visible part of life across the University of Wolverhampton.

Over the past year, the University has made significant progress in delivering its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy, which supports the ambitions of Strategy 2035 and our commitment to creating a more sustainable future for students, staff and communities. Key achievements include the approval of ESG targets, continued work to embed sustainability across the curriculum, improvements in recycling, and major investment in decarbonisation projects designed to reduce the University's environmental impact. 

One of the most ambitious projects currently under way is the decarbonisation programme at Walsall Campus. Supported by funding from Salix Finance on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the project will introduce low-carbon heating, solar photovoltaic panels and energy-efficiency measures. Once complete, it is expected to reduce the University's Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by around 12%, equivalent to more than 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. 

Alongside these large-scale initiatives, staff and students are also being invited to play a direct role in improving the University's natural environment through a series of sapling planting events this November. 

The initiative, supported by the Woodland Trust, will see volunteers plant young trees at Walsall and Springfield campuses, helping to enhance biodiversity while creating greener spaces for future generations to enjoy. The saplings may be small now, but they will become part of the landscape for many years to come. 

The planting sessions will take place on Tuesday 17 November at the Walsall Campus (meeting place: allotment behind student accommodation) and Thursday 19 November at Springfield Campus (meeting place: Reception), both starting at 10am. 

The events offer more than environmental benefits. Organisers hope they will provide opportunities for staff and students to spend time outdoors, meet new people and enjoy the wellbeing benefits associated with connecting with nature. 

The University already has a growing network of ESG Champions helping to promote sustainability across faculties, schools and professional services, and colleagues are encouraged to get involved wherever they can. Whether it's supporting recycling initiatives, reducing energy use, volunteering at sustainability events or planting a tree, every action contributes to our shared goals. 

As the University continues to climb the People & Planet University League and deliver its ESG commitments, initiatives such as the sapling planting programme demonstrate how collective action, however small it may seem, can contribute to lasting positive change. 

Interested in taking part? Contact Wild@WLV.ac.uk to get involved in the sapling planting events.