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 #29 globally and we've retained our UK top-10 status in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2024.
Sustainability news
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.