The Pirbright Institute is proud to have an Energy and Environment Team (EET), dedicated to ensuring a more joined up and collaborative approach to sustainability across site.
Meetings are held bimonthly, and members of the quorum include staff at all levels from science and operations across the Institute.
Our staff are actively involved in conservation activities that support and enhance local biodiversity. The EET also run regular litter picks both on and off site. Not only does this help keep our environment clean and healthy, but it’s also a meaningful way to give back to our local community.
The Pirbright site is continually developing, and we use BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) to ensure buildings are compliant when it comes to sustainable construction, operation, and design. BREEAM supports biodiversity by developing strategies that restore and protect it.
Pirbright is home to a diverse range of birds, mammals, and amphibians, including the great crested newt which is the UK’s largest and rarest newt.
The Institute is a signatory of the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, highlighting it's commitment to reducing environmental impacts and emissions of research.
Community Projects
The EET have re-established our outreaches at Fox Corner Community Wildlife area after a short hiatus. 2025 saw four events which included pond and invasive species clearing and hay raking. 2026 will include the additional tasks of bamboo clearing and drainage ditch maintenance.
A small group of participants from Pirbright recently joined regular volunteers of Surrey Heathland Partnerships (SHP) to clear invasive gorse from Bullswater Common allowing more light in to benefit insects and reptiles and encourage heather regeneration. The EET are hoping to offer a bespoke team volunteering day to Pirbright staff later this year to help continue to restore the rare heathland habitat that we are so lucky to have right on our doorstep.