Sustainability at York
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/sustainability/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/
Creating a sustainable future.
Welcome to Sustainability at York. As an institution with both local roots and global outreach, and at the heart of the cutting edge of research and knowledge, sustainability is a key element of our responsibilities and values.
As a University for Public Good, environmental sustainability stands as one of our four core principles. Our Vision for York highlights this commitment, demonstrating the need to improve environmental conditions as a prerequisite for societies to flourish and as a powerful driver for research, education and partnerships.
We all have a role to play in reducing our impact and creating a sustainable university. Find out more about our strategy, the progress we’ve made so far, and the teams working hard to achieve these goals.
Contact us
Sustainability at York
Driving climate and sustainability action
Sustainability Plan
Our sustainability goals for 2021-2030.
Our progress
The latest progress against our objectives.
Campus operations
What we're currently doing.
Sustainability Week 2026
Programme of events now live
2 - 6 March 2026
Sustainability Week is taking place from 2 to 6 March. This year we have a wide range of events relating to sustainability and the environment, from talks and workshops to practical activities and film screenings.
Our events are open to staff and students at the University. Browse our full programme of events and book your space.
Key achievements this last year
11,406 members
have joined the YORCUP scheme since 2019
100+ participants
have taken part in a Climate Fresk workshop
£215,000 raised
through the Disposable Cup Charge since 2019
2800 people reached
through Green Impact team actions
3000+ trees
planted on campus grounds
Green Gown Award
Sustainability Clinic wins for Student Engagement
58% of main waste
was suitably recycled
192 staff & students
participated in Carbon Literacy Training
Ways to get involved
The University provides a variety of sustainability-focused projects and initiatives for staff and students and the wider community to engage in, including sustainability events, green societies and groups, volunteer opportunities, and practical learning on sustainable practices.
For students
For staff
For alumni
General guidance
For staff and students: Find out about sustainable travel, reducing waste, eating and shopping sustainably and saving energy on campus.
Save Energy on Campus
We're asking everyone within our community to make their own small changes when it comes to energy usage, so that collectively we can make a big impact.
Upcoming sustainability and climate events
Event
Climate Fresk
Wednesday 25 March 2026 1.30pm
Take part in a 3-hour interactive workshop to understand the causes and consequences of climate change and how to take action.
Event
Pad Thai: film screening and panel discussion
Monday 13 April 2026 5pm
Come along to watch a screening of Pad Thai, followed by a panel discussion.
Event
Climate Fresk: Earth Day 2026
Wednesday 22 April 2026 1.30pm
Take part in a 3-hour interactive workshop to understand the causes and consequences of climate change and how to take action.
Accelerating sustainability research and education
Climate and sustainability education
Education is essential for solving global sustainability challenges. We are committed to empowering all our students to become leaders of change, ready to address urgent issues like sustainability and climate change.
Sustainability research and innovation
Our sustainability research spans from the local to the global level, addressing key environmental challenges that cut across sectors and disciplines. By collaborating across departments and with external partners, researchers at York are helping to shape a more sustainable future for us all.
Staff and student sustainability projects
Our staff and students are creating a more sustainable campus with the York SU's Sustainable Development Grant. Funded by the University’s Disposable Cup Charge, the Grant is designed to fund staff and student projects aimed at improving sustainability at York and helps us deliver on the commitments we set out in our Declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency. Explore past projects and find out how you can apply for the Grant.
The student group challenging fast fashion
Student volunteering group Swap Don't Shop have been awarded funding to support their fight against fast fashion with a make and mend workshop.
Supporting Creatures on Campus
The volunteering group Creatures on Campus has used the grant to start monitoring biodiversity on campus.
Women’s Rugby Union change the game on waste
The Women's Rugby Union has used the grant to reduce the amount of waste they produce as a club.
Sustainable theatre operations
The Technical Theatre Society has been awarded funding to roll out the use of rechargeable batteries in their operations - reducing the waste generated by their activities.
Beekeeping hives and equipment
The Beekeeping Society has been awarded funding to invest in hives and PPE equipment to kickstart their activities.
Schools Sustainability Enrichment Day
The grant has supported a Schools Sustainability Enrichment Day which saw Year 9 and 10 pupils coming to campus from across the local area to learn about sustainability.
Latest sustainability stories
Find out about the latest sustainability stories across the University.
News
Student research spotlight: the power of filmmaking for driving climate action
10 March 2026
Weeraya Vichayaprasertkul, a climate change documentary filmmaker and MSc student studying Environmental Sustainability Education and Communication, presented one of her films “Lovely Garage Band” at SSRC26.
News
Our Green Impact Lab Accreditation success!
20 November 2025
Our research community at York is celebrating a huge success with the completion of the first Green Impact Lab Accreditation (or GILA) cycle.
News
Sustainable Development Spotlight: the student group challenging fast fashion
19 November 2025
Find out how the volunteering project Swap Don’t Shop has used the Grant to support their fight against fast fashion with a make and mend workshop.
News
Making a Difference: How Charley Supports Climate Action in York Schools
9 November 2025
Find out how Charley, a Biology student at the University of York, is using her role as a Climate Ambassador to support a York Primary School to take meaningful action on climate and biodiversity.
About Sustainability at York
Find out more about Sustainability at York.
Our people
Policies and standards
Awards and recognition
Events
Newsletter
Contact us
Sustainability at York