Oxford University teams up with Mini Plant to develop sustainable practices

By Sam Pither

17 January 2023

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The University of Oxford has announced a collaboration with the BMW Group to bring new ideas and perspectives to the table in an effort to enhance sustainable practices at the MINI Plant Oxford.

The 2023 Plant Oxford Program will involve 15 graduate students from various disciplines at Oxford University working alongside the MINI plant to address employee well-being, community impact, and environmental sustainability.

The program will not only provide valuable skills and experience for the students, but also offer fresh insights for the plant's team.

Andreas Kindler, CFO, MINI Plant Oxford, commented, “Oxford SDG Impact Lab is an exciting initiative that not only delivers skills for the graduates taking part but will provide us with a fresh perspective, bringing in new ideas and experiences.

“The plant takes sustainability very seriously, from installing photovoltaic roofs on our production buildings to implementing innovative ideas such as using recycled tyres in our new internal road surfaces.

“Tackling this challenge takes a combination of diverse perspectives and skills – and it’s something the BMW Group is famous for and is at the heart of our long tradition of university cooperation.

“Today was the MINI Plant Oxford Lab induction Day which saw students learn more about the plant and the team who work here - and we’re really looking forward to seeing the impacts of this exciting collaboration.”

The Oxford plant has a rich history of innovation, having adapted and evolved over its 110-year tenure in the city, and this partnership further solidifies the connection between the University and car manufacturing in Oxford.

Professor Alexander Betts, co-founder of the Oxford SDG Impact Lab, Associate Head (Doctoral and Research Training) of the Social Science Division and Director of the Refugee Studies Centre at the University of Oxford, said: "We are incredibly excited to partner with the BMW Group and the MINI Plant. The MINI Plant and the University are among the largest employers in Oxford and have a shared aspiration to have a positive social and environmental impact on our city and our community.

“This collaboration will enable our students to be part of that story, applying their talents to address practical challenges of both global and local importance."

The BMW Group is committed to cutting CO2 emissions and achieving full climate neutrality by 2050.

Featured image credit: BMW Group Press Office

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.