Home

Taking the lead on global grand challenges

We embed sustainability in everything we do from supply chains, banking, buildings, research, and investments across the entire university and beyond. To us, sustainability also means creating value for society by taking responsibility for our economic, cultural, social and environmental impacts. We embed biodiversity in all our campus works.

SDG wheel We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to help guide our activity, and we do so inclusively, making sure everyone’s voice is heard and considered along the way. Read more about the University's positive actions to impact the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Our Framework

Find out about out new Framework for Environmental and Social Responsibility.

Our Climate Plan

Explore our ambitions, targets and actions to reduce emissions and build a climate resilient future.

Community and partners

Find out how we're working with communities, businesses and organisations to drive positive change beyond our campus.

Sustainability for staff

Access opportunities, resources and guidance to help you embed sustainability into your work and everyday decisions.

Sustainability for students

Learn how you can develop skills, join programmes and take action to help create a more sustainable future.

Research for sustainability

Explore the research, innovation and collaboration helping to address environmental and social challenges.

Our sustainable campus

Our university is a living, working environment, and a powerful place to take action on sustainability. Here you can explore how we are reducing our environmental impact, improving resilience, and using our estate as a testbed for new ideas. From energy and travel to biodiversity, waste and laboratories, this is where sustainability is put into practice every day.

Energy and net zero

Explore how we're cutting carbon emissions and transforming our campus to achieve net zero.

Travel and transport

Discover the initiatives helping our community travel more sustainably and reduce transport related emissions.

Our living campus

See how we're enhancing biodiversity and creating thriving spaces for people, wildlife, and nature.

Rethinking Resources and Circularity

Learn how we're reducing waste and making better use of resources through circular economy principles.

Sustainable food

Find inspiration from our work to make food on campus healthier, more sustainable, and ethically sourced.

Sustainable research facilities

Explore how we're improving the sustainability of labs and research environments while supporting world-class research.

Living Lab and campus innovation

Discover how our campus is enabling research, learning, and innovation to tackle real-world sustainability challenges.

Training and development

Access training, events and resources to build your sustainability knowledge and skills.

Volunteering

Find opportunities to make a positive impact, develop new skills and support sustainable change.

Governance, plans and reporting

Discover how sustainability is embedded across the University through our governance structures, strategic plans and reporting. Explore the frameworks, policies, targets and progress reports that guide our work and help us remain accountable for delivering environmental and social responsibility.

People and governance

Learn about the people, leadership and governance structures that support and oversee our sustainability commitments.

Policies, strategies and plans

Access the policies, frameworks and plans that guide our sustainability approach and long-term ambitions.

Progress and reporting

Track our performance, explore key metrics and see how we're delivering against our sustainability commitments.

News

University of Leeds recognised among the world’s leading universities for sustainability impact

The University of Leeds has once again been recognised as one of the world’s leading universities for sustainability, securing a place among the global top 60 institutions in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings. The achievement reflects the University’s long-standing commitment to addressing environmental and social challenges through world-leading research, education, operations and partnerships. ...

Thursday 23 July, 2026

Delivering a net zero supply chain

The University of Leeds is taking steps to cut the climate impact of the goods, services and resources it uses through a new Net Zero Supply Chain and Resources Delivery Plan. Around 70% of the University's reported greenhouse gas emissions come from products and services bought, and resources consumed. The new plan builds on a...

Tuesday 9 June, 2026

Celebrating 3 Star Fairtrade Status at the University of Leeds

The University of Leeds and Leeds University Union Fairtrade Partnership are delighted to have achieved the highest level of recognition - 3-star status - in the Fairtrade University Award. This rare achievement reflects successful audits for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years. Our 3-star status recognises the breadth of activity to promote Fairtrade, trade justice and ethical consumption,...