The BGS is a world-leading geological survey and environmental science organisation, delivering a programme of research internationally. We are focused on research to understand the Earth and its associated environmental processes and, by doing so, we contribute to creating a more secure and sustainable future.
As the national geological survey, we are the UK’s premier provider of objective and authoritative scientific data, information and knowledge to help society understand our Earth.
Environmental change and sustainability
We recognise that we are experiencing a period of unprecedented environmental change and societal expectation to respond to that change. Positive action is needed to address the environmental sustainability challenges, including climate change and loss of biodiversity, both of which are a result of human actions.
Our research, focusing on decarbonisation and resource management, environmental change adaptation and resilience, and multi-hazards and resilience, enables us to understand how our planet is changing and to contribute solutions and adaptive responses. We acknowledge, however, that the research we undertake and how we support it has its own impact on the environment. We must understand this impact and work toward reducing it to a minimum. This is the focus of our Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
BGS Environmental Sustainability Strategy
In this strategy, we endeavour to reduce our environmental impact whilst staying at the cutting edge of our research through 15 commitments (based on the BGS Estate, our working practices and our business travel). Our strategy follows our parent organisation’s (UKRI) vision to ‘embed sustainability in everything we do’ (UKRI Strategic Prospectus, 2018). We will embed it in all we do and continue to make a positive contribution by lowering our environmental impact and addressing current environmental challenges and global sustainability issues.
We will publish our environmental sustainability plans at six-monthly intervals.
Our Annual Progress Report 2022 is now available to download.
Relative topics
Download our environmental policy and progress reports
BGS Environmental Sustainability Strategy
Carbon reduction plan
Environmental Sustainability Report 2021/2022
Related news
BGS laboratories become first in UKRI to receive gold LEAF accreditation
28/03/2023
BGS achieved gold certification in the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) accreditation in March 2023.
Six ways we’re improving recycling at BGS Keyworth
24/03/2023
Sustainability at the BGS site in Keyworth, Nottingham, is being improved by recycling, managing our waste, making our labs more efficient and more…
Mushroom spotting at BGS Keyworth
09/12/2022
Colleagues at BGS are mapping mushrooms as part of efforts to enhance biodiversity on the Keyworth site.
Work complete on 1000 solar panels at BGS
07/12/2022
More than 1000 energy-saving solar panels have been installed at BGS’s headquarters in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.
BGS receives silver LEAF accreditation for sustainable practices
12/07/2022
The accreditation is a standard awarded to laboratories that can demonstrate practical steps towards improved efficiency and sustainability.
The importance of biodiversity in achieving net zero
02/07/2022
Protecting the natural world is an important component in achieving net zero.
Working at BGS as a postgraduate intern
15/06/2022
Katie Williams, an environmental geochemistry masters student, shares her experience following a work placement in the Stable Isotope Facility.
Staff sustainability practices around BGS
01/06/2022
BGS recently made time for employees at our sites around the UK to spend a few hours on projects focusing on increasing sustainability, both in their offices and in the local area.
Positively blooming: Japanese flowering cherry trees planted at BGS Keyworth to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee
31/05/2022
The walkway of eight trees has been planted in the grounds of BGS headquarters in Keyworth to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne.
‘Significant opportunity’ for engineering geologists to increase influence on global sustainable development
15/03/2022
Engineering geologists have an essential role to play in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Investing in nature
14/02/2022
BGS and local community volunteers join together to plant 12 000 spring bulbs and help native wildlife to thrive.
Understanding the resilience of Mexico City to future water crises
25/01/2022
Long-term solutions for water poverty in one of the world’s largest cities in the face of climate change and a growing population.
