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Sustainability at York

Creating a sustainable future.

Welcome to Sustainability at York. As an institution with both local roots and global outreach, and at the heart of the cutting edge of research and knowledge, sustainability is a key element of our responsibilities and values.

As a University for Public Good, environmental sustainability stands as one of our four core principles. Our Vision for York highlights this commitment, demonstrating the need to improve environmental conditions as a prerequisite for societies to flourish and as a powerful driver for research, education and partnerships.

We all have a role to play in reducing our impact and creating a sustainable university. Find out more about our strategy, the progress we’ve made so far, and the teams working hard to achieve these goals.

Driving climate and sustainability action

Sustainability Plan

Our sustainability goals for 2021-2030.

Our progress

The latest progress against our objectives.

Campus operations

What we're currently doing.

Key achievements this last year

11,406 members

have joined the YORCUP scheme since 2019

100+ participants

have taken part in a Climate Fresk workshop

£153,815.91 raised

through the Latte Levy since 2019

2800 people reached

through Green Impact team actions

3000+ trees

planted on campus grounds

Green Gown Award

Sustainability Clinic wins for Student Engagement

58% of main waste

was suitably recycled

192 staff & students

participated in Carbon Literacy Training

Ways to get involved

The University provides a variety of sustainability-focused projects and initiatives for staff and students and the wider community to engage in, including sustainability events, green societies and groups, volunteer opportunities, and practical learning on sustainable practices.

Explore our events

Take a look at our upcoming events and activities to develop your skills and understanding of sustainability.

General guidance

For staff and students: Find out about sustainable travel, reducing waste, eating and shopping sustainably and saving energy on campus.

Upcoming sustainability and climate events

Accelerating sustainability research and education

Climate and sustainability education

Education is essential for solving global sustainability challenges. We are committed to empowering all our students to become leaders of change, ready to address urgent issues like sustainability and climate change.

Sustainability research and innovation

Our sustainability research spans from the local to the global level, addressing key environmental challenges that cut across sectors and disciplines. By collaborating across departments and with external partners, researchers at York are helping to shape a more sustainable future for us all.

Latest sustainability stories

Find out about the latest sustainability stories across the University.

About Sustainability at York

Find out more about Sustainability at York.