Switching to Ecosia: The commitment behind Bangor University’s decision
In November 2024, Bangor University replaced its default search engine on all centrally‑managed computers with Ecosia, a search engine that uses the revenue from searches to fund tree planting worldwide. The move was part of the university’s broader sustainability strategy, and the first year of operation has already yielded measurable results. Over 900,000 searches have been made from Bangor’s network, translating into an estimated 18,141 trees planted across global reforestation projects.
How the numbers add up
Ecosia estimates that roughly one new tree is planted for every 50 searches. Applying that conversion to Bangor’s 900,000 searches gives about 18,000 trees – the exact figure the university reports. In spatial terms, the contribution is equivalent to 20 football pitches of forested land, a surprisingly large area for a single institutional change.
Why a search engine matters
Digital habits account for a significant share of a campus’s carbon footprint. By streamlining every staff and student search to a sustainability‑focused engine, the university created a continuous, low‑effort route to environmental action. The result is a clear example of how seemingly minor IT choices can aggregate into tangible environmental benefits.
Key stakeholders – staff, students, and the wider community
Vice‑Provost Professor Oliver Turnbull, who led the switch, highlighted that the initiative has become a “shared purpose” for the university community. Students, in particular, were involved from the beginning; many of them suggested the move to Ecosia, demonstrating the growing environmental consciousness among the student body.
Faculty and research impact
Associate Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor for Sustainability Professor Christian Dunn noted that the initiative is “simple” and that the excitement generated can serve as a launchpad for other nature‑positive projects. The campus could use the momentum to prioritize research on sustainable technologies, biodiversity monitoring, and climate‑resilience studies.
Alumni and partner engagement
Alumni who have followed Bangor’s environmental trajectory are encouraged to stay connected. The university has pledged to keep them informed on future sustainability milestones and to invite them to participate in upcoming tree‑planting events or research collaborations.
Beyond the switch – Planning the next wave of sustainability actions
Bangor University is already outlining additional initiatives that build on the Ecosia success. These include deeper collaboration with local communities, expansion of green spaces on campus, and the development of climate‑positive digital policies that go beyond search engine choice.
Community collaboration
Local partners will be involved in future tree‑planting activities, ensuring that the benefits of reforestation projects reach both local ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The university emphasizes that any new project will be evaluated on its capacity to support biodiversity hotspots and assist disadvantaged communities.
Digital sustainability framework
A broader framework is being drafted to embed sustainability into all digital workflows. Potential areas include cloud‑service selection, data‑center energy usage, and the promotion of open‑source tools that reduce carbon footprints.
Practical takeaways for other institutions and businesses
The Bangor case provides an actionable blueprint for any organization seeking to create measurable environmental impact with minimal operational disruption. Steps to replicate the outcome include:
- Audit your current search engine usage and calculate the potential tree‑planting impact of a switch.
- Engage staff and student groups to build support and generate enthusiasm.
- Communicate clear metrics and timelines for impact reporting.
- Partner with local environmental NGOs to maintain transparency and extend outreach.
- Share success stories through newsletters, social media, and academic publications.
Measuring and tracking results
Regular reporting is essential. Bangor publishes an annual summary of tree‑planting, including geographic locations and the specific reforestation projects supported. This practice ensures accountability and provides stakeholders with tangible evidence of impact.
How you can get involved
Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or local partner, there are several ways to contribute to Bangor’s ongoing sustainability initiatives:
- Switch to Ecosia on your work or study device.
- Volunteer in tree‑planting days scheduled by the university.
- Propose new sustainability projects in your department.
- Spread the word on social media using #BangorGreen.
- Contact the Sustainability Office for partnership opportunities.
Future updates
The university will continue to publish updates on the Ecosia impact and new initiatives. Keeping an eye on the sustainability page or subscribing to the newsletter is the best way to stay informed.
Conclusion
The one‑year record of over 18,000 trees planted demonstrates that small, unified steps can lead to significant environmental outcomes. Bangor University’s strategic switch to Ecosia offers a replicable model for institutions worldwide, aligning everyday digital behaviour with broader climate commitments.
Take the next step
Explore how your organisation might adopt a similar approach to digital sustainability!
Connect with us
Visit the sustainability office, sign up for the newsletter, or get in touch for partnership ideas. The campus is actively looking to expand its impact and welcome new contributors.
For more information
Read about Bangor’s sustainability reports and treater projects at https://www.bangor.ac.uk/sustainability.
Join the conversation
Share your own sustainability stories or ask questions in the comments section below.
Future possibilities
We look forward to hearing how institutions adapt the model and what additional nature‑positive initiatives they plan to launch.
Final thoughts
Bangor University’s experience is a reminder that impactful change can begin with a single decision, and that the collective power of a community can amplify that decision into measurable environmental progress.
Stay informed
Subscribe to the university’s sustainability newsletter to receive the latest updates on green initiatives, tree‑planting outcomes, and more.
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Get involved today
Submit your application to the sustainability program now or reach out to the Office for further details.
Take action
Discover more ways to choose a green search engine or other tech tools for sustainability. Explore options.
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Recommended next step
Take the first step toward a greener digital footprint; switch to Ecosia and join Bangor University’s collective green effort.
