Training and development

A key ambition of the University’s Framework for Environmental and Social Responsibility is to create a culture where sustainability is embedded in everything we do. Through the Framework’s Our People goal, we are committed to ensuring that all staff and students have the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive and socially responsible University, and feel supported to take action in their roles.

To help achieve this, we have brought together a range of learning resources, guidance and opportunities to support your sustainability journey. Whether you are just getting started or looking to deepen your knowledge, these resources will help you understand the University’s sustainability ambitions and how you can contribute. We continue to add new content and opportunities, so check back regularly to stay up to date and get involved.

Key sustainability commitments

Staff should be aware of specific university commitments in relation to sustainability: 

• Our Climate Plan and the seven Climate Principles which sit beneath it 
• Our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as signatories of the SDG Accord 
• The Concordat for Environmental Sustainability in Research and Innovation Practice 
• We have held Fairtrade University status since 2005 and achieved a three-star Fairtrade award in 2026 

Introductory courses

A number of training resources are available to students and staff, including mandatory annual training which covers environmental and social aspects of sustainability. In addition, the university provides equality and inclusion training which includes social aspects of sustainability.

All students and staff are recommended to explore our Introduction to Sustainability unit which takes less than one hour to complete. It will introduce you to the concept of sustainability and explores the most significant challenge the world faces: the climate crisis. It also examines what the University is doing to tackle this crisis and what you can do to get involved, and is a great introduction to the topic.

All staff are required to complete the Sustainability in Practice module, and the Environmental Management System (EMS) module as part of your induction and then retake it on an annual basis.

Sustainability skills are increasingly sought after and can help you stand out in a competitive workplace. Building your knowledge and understanding of sustainability and climate can also help alleviate eco-anxiety, for example by giving you the confidence to know how you can contribute positively to global challenges.

During your time at Leeds you will have a range of opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge, both within and outside of your studies.

• Find out more about sustainability for students
• Find key information for students about sustainability in your studies
• Find out how to get involved in the Climate Plan
• Find out about sustainability volunteering opportunities and events.

We have created a range of tools and resources to support staff to develop sustainability knowledge and skills. These have been developed to help you learn about topics and activities that are most relevant to your role. All staff are also required to complete two mandatory training modules, which are available on Minerva.

There are also many ways to get involved with sustainability at Leeds: from formally committing a proportion of your time, with support from your manager, as a Staff Sustainability Architect; to getting involved with our Biodiversity Community.

Take a look at the number of ways you can contribute to sustainability at the University.

• Join our Sustainability Community on Teams
• Become a Staff Sustainability Architect
• Develop and work towards a School/Service level sustainability action plan through Blueprint
• Become a Positive Impact Partner and work with the third sector
• Become involved in Living Lab projects, using the campus as a test bed to find solutions
• For staff with teaching responsibilities, learn more about incorporating Sustainability into the Curriculum
• For those working in Labs, explore our Sustainable Labs programme and resources
• Get involved with the biodiversity on campus
• Explore the UNESCO SDG Learning Objectives – a UNESCO resource to support educators in embedding the SDGs into teaching

You can also explore these additional resources as part of your induction or at any point during your career at Leeds.

Here we have collated a range of resources, tools and development opportunities to support your learning, wellbeing and professional growth. They provide practical guidance, training and networks to help you build your skills and make a positive impact. We recommend you explore these throughout your career or studies.