Environmental Sustainability at York (ESAY)

In September 2023, we launched our first suite of sustainability-related York Interdisciplinary Modules (YIMs) available to students from all Departments/Schools. These innovative modules offer our students the opportunity to develop skills and experience in working across disciplines on sustainability challenges. In 2024, our YIMs were awarded a national Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) from Advance HE.

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Offered in partnership with ESAY, Careers and Placements, and the Department of Environment and Geography, the Sustainability Clinic is part of our suite of York Interdisciplinary Modules and connects students with local organisations to tackle real sustainability challenges. Our multidisciplinary student teams have collaborated with partners such as Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, York Minster, and North Yorkshire Moors Railway, making a meaningful impact in the community.

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Play for the Planet is part of a suite of YESI networks, and is led by coordinators from a range of disciplines including social sciences (Education and Politics), sciences (Biology and Computer Science), and support teams from ESAY and YESI. The network brings together game designers, researchers, and educators who are passionate about addressing planetary crises through the power of play. Browse YESI's full range of sustainability and climate-related networks.

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York CliConnect is part of a suite of YESI networks, and is a city-wide initiative that aims to support and strengthen the local community that understands, communicates and takes action on the Climate and Nature Emergencies we are all facing. By connecting people, projects and organisations in York we facilitate the sharing of knowledge and resources, reduce duplication of effort, support and encourage one another, and ultimately help empower necessary change. Browse YESI's full range of sustainability and climate-related networks.

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Since June 2023, we have offered staff and students the opportunity to take part in Climate Fresk, an engaging, science-based workshop on climate change. This interactive 3-hour session, based on IPCC reports, helps participants understand the causes and effects of climate change, connect emotionally, and feel empowered to take action. Led by a dedicated team of student and staff facilitators, these workshops foster collaboration and inspire meaningful conversations that drive positive change.

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We are committed to empowering our staff and students to act on the climate and ecological crises through the Responsible Futures programme in partnership with York Students’ Union. Through this programme, we are working together to embed sustainability across all aspects of teaching including leadership, decision-making, staff support, community outreach, and student empowerment.

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The York Environmental Sustainability Institute (YESI) Fellows programme provides support for University of York staff and collaborators (YESI fellows) to undertake short projects developing knowledge exchange and discipline-hopping research activities in environmental sustainability. Activities undertaken by the YESI Fellows catalyses further research activity in York’s environmental sustainability community.

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As custodians of the University’s sustainability social media, ESAY amplifies sustainability initiatives and strengthens York’s profile as a leader in environmental sustainability. We promote key events and activities such as Sustainability Week, the Big Community Challenge, and York Environment Weeks, along with research, news, and opportunities that inspire action across our community.

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