University of Leeds launches ambitious new Framework for Environmental and Social Responsibility

The University of Leeds has launched its new Framework for Environmental and Social Responsibility 2026–2030, setting out a bold, integrated vision to embed sustainability and social impact across all aspects of university life.  

Developed in collaboration with staff, students and partners, the Framework responds to urgent global challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation and social inequality, while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

Read the framework here

 

A whole-university approach to sustainability 

The Framework establishes a unified approach that brings together education, research, operations and partnerships, ensuring environmental and social responsibility is embedded in decision-making, culture and everyday activity across the institution 

At its core is a commitment to “speed it up, join it up and embed it”, accelerating action, integrating efforts, and enabling the University community to make sustainable choices.  

Thom Cooper, Head of Sustainability, said:

This is a bold and holistic framework that will guide the University’s environmental and social sustainability journey from 2026 to 2030. It reflects our shared ambition to deliver meaningful change locally and globally.  

Three priority areas for action 

The Framework focuses on three interconnected goals: 

• Our People – Equipping students and staff with the skills and knowledge to contribute to a sustainable future.  
• Our Campus and Operations – Creating a resilient, inclusive campus that supports net zero, nature recovery and circular economy principles.  
• Beyond Campus – Strengthening partnerships to address societal challenges and contribute to public life locally and globally.  

These areas reflect the University’s ambition to drive impact at three levels: individual action, institutional transformation and global influence.  

Building on strong foundations 

The Framework builds on more than two decades of sustainability leadership at Leeds, including the Climate Plan and the previous Sustainability Strategy, providing a refreshed structure to align activity and drive coordinated progress.  

Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said:

This Framework represents a pivotal moment for our University… it provides a refreshed and unifying narrative and the structure needed to connect diverse initiatives and embed environmental and social responsibility across everything we do. 

Delivering meaningful impact 

A central aim is to ensure the University not only generates knowledge but delivers real-world impact—through embedding sustainability in the curriculum, advancing net zero ambitions, and strengthening equitable partnerships.  

Thom Cooper added:

The Framework recognises our unique role in enabling sustainability at three scales—individual action, institutional transformation and global influence—and responds to the call from our community to ‘speed it up, join it up and embed it'. 

Progress will be tracked through annual reporting and formal review, ensuring transparency, accountability and the flexibility to respond to evolving global challenges.  

Leading with purpose 

By bringing together its people, expertise and partnerships, the University of Leeds aims to strengthen its position as a sector leader in sustainability as well as contributing to a more just, inclusive and resilient future.  

Professor Hai-Sui Yu added:

As sponsor of our institutional approach to sustainability, I am proud to endorse this Framework and confident it will maintain Leeds as a sector leader in sustainability— locally, nationally, and globally.

---

We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our Framework for Environmental and Social Responsibility is linked to all of the SDGs.

Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.