Sustainability

Explore our work across sustainability, find out how we are tackling global challenges, and what you can do to be a part of our sustainable community.

A student sits reading, surrounded by greenery

Lancaster University declared a Climate Emergency in 2020 and is one of the highest producers of renewable energy within the UK Higher Education sector. Since 2005 we’ve reduced our electricity and heating emissions by 50% and we have committed to becoming carbon net zero from all emission scopes by 2035.

Addressing the climate emergency means much more than how we heat and power our campus; it is the responsibility of our whole university community to embed sustainability into all areas of university life:

  • Our research in the field is future-led, with many of our academics working on locally and globally significant projects.
  • Our curriculum continues to centre teaching around current events and the ever-changing landscape we live in.
  • Day to day, we’re improving the campus environment for nature and our community, using our existing space more efficiently, and working hard to understand the impact of our procurement.

1st in world for sustainability governance

Sustainability is at the heart of Lancaster University. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, which measured and compared the sustainable impact of universities worldwide, we were ranked joint 16th in the UK and joint 44th in the world.

We scored joint first in the world for sustainability governance, awarded for transparent financial reporting, student representation for sustainability at a senior level, and an institution that supports and promotes a holistic and ethical culture. These rankings measured an institution's ability to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges.

A students works in the ECOHub
QS 5 Stars rating for Environmental Impact

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.

A quote from Professor Simon Guy Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global
Students by LICA with wind turbine in background

Achieving Net Zero carbon emissions

Changing how our campus is powered is a key part of our commitment to achieving net zero scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions. We are one of the highest producers of renewable energy of all UK universities according to figures published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

Achieving Net Zero

Annual Sustainability Report

The Annual Sustainability Report provides details of the University's successes in sustainability, progress against our objectives, the lessons learned and future plans. You can access our latest annual report below.

Annual Sustainability Report 2023

Sustainability news

Two images - the one on the left shows a wooden footbridge through a park, and the image on the right shows a displayboard in a park

Community Benefit Fund – Winchester Field and Nature Area

Lancaster University's Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund is a beacon of hope for local projects striving to make a meaningful impact. Here is the first in our series of successful projects that have benefitted from the fund.
Matt Varley

New Exec Chef takes Lancaster University’s food offering to the next level

Matt Varley joined Lancaster University earlier this year as Executive Chef, seeking the next stage in his culinary career.  
Library staff with litter bags in Morecambe

Beach trips, birthdays and big savings

With so many members of staff passionate about helping people and the planet, there are many projects of varying sizes happening all the time across Lancaster that are making a real difference.

Here are five examples of positive change across campus for the month of October:
Lancaster University Grounds team with the Green Flag Award

Lancaster University celebrates 13th Green Flag Award

Lancaster University has achieved the international benchmark for its outdoor spaces for the thirteenth year in a row and is officially recognised as one of the country’s best-managed green spaces.
The National Trust team at the wind turbine

The National Trust explores innovations at the wind turbine

In a significant step towards promoting sustainable practices, the National Trust recently visited Lancaster University to learn about its pioneering renewable energy initiatives, particularly focusing on the University’s wind turbine.
Chloe from the Conferences team with Smartkeg

Lactose, laptops and little ones

Sustainability projects don’t stop over summer, and colleagues across the University have been busy planning new ideas. Here is a round-up of what’s been going on.

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