Framework for Environmental and Social Responsibility

The University of Leeds’ Framework for Environmental and Social Responsibility (PDF) sets out how we will embed environmental sustainability and social responsibility across everything we do,  on campus, with our community and through our local and global impact. 

The Framework provides a clear vision, shared priorities and a unifying structure to guide our work over the next five years. It connects our research, education, operations and partnerships, enabling coordinated action on the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. 

At its heart, the Framework is about embedding sustainability, supporting people, partnerships and systems to deliver real-world impact, locally and globally. 

Universities have a unique responsibility, and opportunity, to respond to global challenges such as climate change, social inequality and environmental degradation. 

This Framework: 

• Brings together existing strategies and programmes through a single, coherent sustainability narrative 
• Responds to calls from our community to “speed it up, join it up and embed it” 
• Aligns our activity with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
• Positions Leeds as a sector leader in environmental and social responsibility 

It is designed to be ambitious, inclusive and flexible, enabling our community to act now, while remaining responsive to future challenges. 

Our vision 

We aim to be a university where environmental and social responsibility is truly embedded, through knowledge, engagement and collaboration. 

By harnessing our academic expertise, operational excellence and partnerships, we will equip our community with the skills, knowledge and resources to create lasting positive impact: 

• On campus 
• In our city and region 
• Across the globe 

The Framework focuses on change across three interconnected goals:

Our People 

Goal: Enable students and staff to make sustainable choices and contribute to positive local and global change. 

We will build sustainability knowledge, skills and confidence through education, engagement and real‑world experience, supporting students and staff to play an active role in shaping a just transition. 

Our Campus and Operations 

Goal: Be an environmentally and socially responsible institution that meets the needs of our diverse community. 

We will continue to reduce our environmental footprint, enhance biodiversity, and invest in a resilient, inclusive campus, embedding sustainability into governance, infrastructure and everyday decision making. 

Beyond Campus 

Goal: Positively contribute to public life, environmental stewardship, social equity and economic resilience locally and globally. 

Through civic engagement, knowledge exchange and equitable partnerships, we will support communities, inform policy and address shared challenges at every scale. 

Progress against the Framework will be supported by clear governance, targets and reporting mechanisms, including: 

• Annual SDG reporting 
• Alignment with the University’s Integrated Annual Report 
• Ongoing monitoring through sector benchmarks and statutory reporting 

This ensures transparency, accountability and continuous learning. 

The Framework connects and enables existing strategies and plans such as the Climate Plan, Curriculum Redefined and Campus Reimagined. Together, they form a joined-up approach to delivering environmental and social responsibility across the University.

This is a collective endeavour. By working together, the University of Leeds community can drive meaningful, measurable impact, now and for future generations.

We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our work on the Leeds sustainable curriculum is linked to all of the SDGs.

Find out more about how we're contributing to the SDGs.