Researching sustainably

The University of Leeds Research and Innovation Strategy commits us to deliver transformational fundamental and challenge-led research to advance knowledge and tackle major global issues, to improve the future of our world. Through our interdisciplinary and partnership approach we are advancing knowledge and creating solutions to local, national and global sustainability challenges.  

In line with our wider sustainability commitments we are also ensuring a sustainable approach to research, through reduced environmental impact, and increased social and community benefits. As such we are signatories of the UK Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. 

The University’s interdisciplinary approach to researching and innovating sustainable solutions to global challenges through our research institutes and centres is internationally recognized. Our partnership approach extends from local to global collaborations through our international networks. 

As an anchor institution in Leeds, we strive to bring economic, health, environmental and social benefits to our local communities. We value our strong partnerships with local stakeholders, particularly with Third Sector organisations through our Positive Impact Partner programme. 

Through the Leeds Living Lab, we create opportunities for staff and students to collaborate to research and test sustainable solutions using the University and our city as a testbed. Research-led teaching is central to the Leeds Curriculum, with students able to engage and participate in sustainability research in sustainability themes through both curricular and co-curricular activity. 

One of the key principles of our Climate Plan is working in collaboration with partners in Leeds towards our mutual net zero goals and a more sustainable city. We work closely with Leeds City Council to support its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 and continue to support both the Leeds and Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commissions through a range of activities, including collaboration with Living Lab initiatives and Positive Impact Partnerships. 

Further afield, we have developed relationships with global university networks that enable us to work closely with research-intensive universities in order to help meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This includes membership of the World Universities Network. 

We want to ensure that our research is carried out in a sustainable way. Whether that’s using and managing resources efficiently and effectively, increasing accessibility to research, or influencing the national agenda.  

As signatories of the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice we recognise the need to continually improve how we conduct research and innovation and agree to work collectively with the sector to ensure the future design and practice of UK research and innovation is environmentally sustainable. Our letter of commitment was signed by Interim Vice Chancellor Professor Hai-Sui Yu in 2024.

Business travel is a significant sustainability challenge for interdisciplinary research with global partners. We are currently reviewing our travel policies and a key principle of our Climate Plan and we have set a target to maintain business travel and commuting emissions at 50% of their 2018/19 baseline level. 

Laboratory research can be particularly resource-intensive. We work closely with our Sustainable Labs Network to share learning and good practice and identify key challenge areas and we use the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF),  a tool developed by University College London, to help researchers, staff and students understand and improve the sustainability and efficiency of their laboratories.