Sustainability at York
As an institution with both local roots and global reach, and at the leading edge of research and knowledge, sustainability is a key element of our responsibilities and values.
We're committed to continuing our progress to make our activities more sustainable in support of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Find out below what we're aiming for, what we're currently doing and how you can get involved.
I want the expertise and passion we have, including that of our students, to produce an evidenced plan of our response to the climate crisis; to think about reducing emissions, to think about how we can best deploy our research into industry and policy, and think about how we can best equip our students through what they study here, to embed sustainability in their careers.
Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of York.
100% divestment from fossil fuels
We are proud to say that we no longer have investments in the fossil fuel industry.
219000kWh / year solar energy
Generated by 320 solar panels installed across our University campus.
Over 1 million single-use cups saved
Over 1 million single-use cups saved and over £136,026.75 raised through the YORCUP and latte levy schemes since January 2019.
Green flag campus
Since 2013, we've held the benchmark national standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces in the UK.
Cycle friendly campus
We've received a gold award from Cycling-UK for being a cycle friendly employer.
Award-winning for Sustainability
York is ranked 34th globally and 12th in the UK in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025.
Sustainability news
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What we're doing
How we're becoming a more sustainable University.
What you can do
Steps our staff and students can take towards living a more sustainable life.
Our Sustainability Plan
Our plans for a more sustainable future.
Annual progress report 2023-24
We’re pleased to be able to share this year’s University of York Sustainability Annual Report. This report highlights the progress made toward our sustainability objectives, first established in October 2021 with the launch of our Sustainability Plan 2021-2030. It reflects our commitment to these goals.
Student Sustainability Opportunities Hub
A space to discover sustainability-related opportunities that you can get involved with, from modules and courses to internships and volunteering.
Sustainability Week 2025: Call for event proposals
We're excited to announce that our next Sustainability Week will take place from 3 to 7 March 2025. This week will provide an opportunity to engage with the entire university community, celebrate existing sustainability initiatives, share valuable knowledge, and raise awareness about key environmental and social issues.
If you would like to propose an event for Sustainability Week, please submit your idea using the Expression of Interest form below.
Supporting Action on Climate Change
We are part of a growing community of universities, special interest groups, businesses, and others working together to tackle the climate change crisis.
Take a look at the vital work under way at the University.
Environmental Sustainability at York (ESAY)
We are proud to announce the launch of Environmental Sustainability at York (ESAY) backed by a £1.3m investment.
ESAY brings together under one umbrella the environmental sustainability community at York.
At the heart of our research
Environmental sustainability and resilience is one of our seven research themes at the University of York.
Our people
We have dedicated staff members and groups working hard to progress sustainability on our campus.