Sustainability
Lancaster University is committed to sustainability. We declared a climate emergency in 2020 and aim to become carbon net zero by 2035.
At Lancaster, we recognise that sustainability, the climate emergency and our environment is the responsibility of our whole community. Our commitments are already leading the way; Lancaster University is one of the highest producers of renewable energy out of all UK Universities, and since 2005 we’ve reduced our electricity and heating emissions by 50%. We know there’s more we need to do, that’s why we’re committed to becoming carbon net zero by 2035.
Beyond that, our community is committed to tackling the climate emergency by embedding sustainability into all areas of university life; our research in the field is future-led, with many of our academics working on globally significant sustainability projects. Our curriculum continues to centre teaching around current events, and the ever-changing landscape we live in, sustainability is a huge part of that. Day to day, we’re committed to evolving our working practices and environment to address the climate emergency from within.
1st in world for sustainability governance
Sustainability is at the heart of Lancaster University. We were ranked joint 16th in the UK and joint 44th in the world in the 2024 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, which measured and compared sustainable impact from universities across the globe. Additionally, we were scored joint 1st in the world for sustainability governance, awarded for having transparent financial reporting, having student representation for sustainability at a senior level and being an institution that supports and promotes a holistic and ethical culture. These rankings were designed to measure an institution's ability to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges.
QS Gold and five Star rated for Environmental Impact
We have been awarded a Gold rating for Environmental Impact as part of the QS World University Rankings 2022. Additionally, we have been rated 5 Stars for this category in the QS Stars rating system.
Assessing research related to six of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the QS has awarded institutions around the world with medals based on their focus on ‘Environmental Impact’. The gold-rated SDGs are affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water and life on land.
How we are making a difference
Environmental Sustainability has been at the heart of Lancaster University since its foundation with a mission to tackle global environmental challenges both through our teaching and research and our own campus and operations.
Our commitment on emissions
Changing how our campus is powered is a key part of our commitment to achieve net zero. Lancaster University is the highest producer of renewable energy of all UK universities according to figures published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency. We have already reduced our electricity and heating emissions by 50% since 2005.
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