Sustainable learning and research

The quality, reach and significance of sustainable research and learning produced in Lancaster University's vibrant research and teaching environment is world leading.

Students by the green wall in the Library
Lecturer standing next to a group of students who are sitting making notes and smiling.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Our aspiration is to leave students with the knowledge, skills and values that are needed to work and live in a sustainable way, and that will bring about solutions to the climate emergency. We're working to embed Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into every student experience, both within the education curriculum and in their wider student life at Lancaster University. Professor Wendy Robinson, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education is leading on this project.

Teaching

SHAPE project

The SHAPE project is a "living lab" project run with SOS-UK and the British Academy during 2024. Aimed at students from arts, humanities, business and social sciences, students on the project will work together in small interdisciplinary groups to solve sustainability challenges and present findings during a conference in June 2024.

The project aims to engage students and academics across subjects in the arts, humanities and social sciences in realising the relevance and impact of their disciplines in tackling environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges in a local and hands-on context.

Some examples of projects that the students will be looking at are:

  • Sustainability in the FASS curriculum
  • Resources to help the Lancaster University Library promote the UN SDGs
  • Encouraging the local community to use our campus green spaces more
  • Learning from international student and staff community about sustainability in their countries
  • Plant-based food on campus

Research

We are at the forefront of research around the climate emergency, biodiversity, sustainable food and eco-innovation. We will also continue to be a key enabler and supportive trusted research partner in delivering sustainability regionally, nationally and internationally.

Research

Morecambe Bay Curriculum

Launched in 2019 by founding partners Lancaster and Morecambe College and Lancaster University, the Morecambe Bay Curriculum project was inspired by the Eden Project Morecambe. The curriculum aims to ensure that the different stages of the education system, from early years to postgraduate, provide the green skills, knowledge, and behaviours required by businesses and our communities to respond to climate emergencies. We want to empower young people to see the tangible positive change their actions make to the environment.

Morecambe Bay Curriculum

Training

We have a clear vision and strategy to embed sustainability in everything we do, from teaching and research to campus operations and partnerships. We offer a range of training, teaching, and events to help you embed sustainability into your working life.

Training

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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