Board 1: Icons

Our mission is to foster sustainable development and create positive global impact by integrating these goals into every aspect of our work.

As an institution, we are making positive changes towards all 17 SDGs through our teaching, research, community engagement and the operational actions we take as an organisation.

Goal 1: No Poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

At Lancaster University we are committed to offering all the opportunities of higher education to those seeking a place of safety and security. Lancaster University Library also has a collection of print resources developed in collaboration with local charity, Global Link Lancaster, to support the local refugee/asylum seeker community in developing English language skills.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Lancaster University is committed to improving the availability and range of plant-based food options available across campus and commit to using sustainable, local suppliers wherever possible – with specific focus on Lancashire suppliers.

Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all and at all ages.

Lancaster University and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) have signed a commitment to work more closely together to help change the health of local residents. This supports the development of the next generation of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals and many of our departments work closely with UHMBT on a wide range of projects, across various disciplines.

Goal 4: Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Lancaster University was awarded overall Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Lancaster University has been members of the Athena Swan Charter since 2008, achieving awards at university, faculty and departmental level. Lancaster University has held an institutional level Bronze award since 2008, with renewals in 2012, 2014 and 2019. The Department of Physics, Lancaster Environment Centre and Faculty of Health and Medicine continue to hold Silver awards with the Department of Psychology achieving Silver in 2024.

Goal 6: Clean Water

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Led by scientists at Lancaster University and the Freshwater Biological Association, the Big Windermere Survey is conducted every year to investigate water quality in Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. Water samples collected during the survey are analysed for the concentration of bacteria and of nutrients, including phosphorus.

Goal 7: Affordable and Green Energy

The University’s Net Zero Energy Project will use state-of-the-art heat pump technology to generate a projected 39-Gigawatt hours (GWh) of low carbon heat and virtually eliminate the use of gas for heating across the Lancaster campus. Additionally, we are also currently constructing an 11MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm on the University’s land to the east of the M6 motorway. The solar farm will consist of more than 17,000 pieces of solar panels and will be able to generate approximately 10GWh of electricity annually.

Goal 8: Decent Work

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

The Work Foundation in Lancaster University Management School are looking at topics such as insecure work, zero-hours contracts, employee wellbeing, inclusivity in the workplace and employment policies, and providing recommendations to Government to improve working lives in the UK.

Goal 9: Industry, Infrastructure and Innovation

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.

Since the University declared a climate emergency in 2020, the capital development programme has been reshaped to dramatically reduce the impact that new-build developments have on the environment. As the University continues to grow, we are being smarter with space - repurposing existing spaces and adapting the way we work for the good of the planet.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

The University offers a programme of activities to enable students from widening participation backgrounds to thrive during their studies and successfully progress into graduate employment or postgraduate study. The Lancaster Success Programme is designed to support students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented at university, who may not always be aware of the breadth of support and opportunities available to them.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Each year, the Lancaster University Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund allocates up to £20,000 to Lancaster District-based not-for-profit organisations, charities, trusts, community groups or voluntary organisations to support sustainable projects, large and small. The funding really makes a difference to the local area, whether that's through funding new charging points for electric vehicles or contributing towards community resources such as playgrounds or footpath refurbishment.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

ReStore Lancaster is a partnership between Lancaster University and local charity, St John’s Hospice. The sustainable shop in Alexandra Square is a combination of a charity shop with donated items for sale, alongside selling affordable and eco-friendly products to the campus community. There is a donation unit within the shop to encourage staff and students to donate items easily, to encourage a circular economy and reduce items going to landfill.

Goal 13: Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Lancaster University declared a Climate Emergency in 2020 and is one of the highest producers of renewable energy within the UK Higher Education sector. We have committed to becoming carbon net zero from scope 1 and 2 emissions (energy) by 2030 and all other emission scopes by 2035 (emissions from procurement, IT and travel).

Goal 14: Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Researchers from Lancaster Environment Centre have found that planting new coral in degraded reefs can lead to rapid recovery – with restored reefs growing as fast as healthy reefs after just four years. Reefs worldwide are severely threatened by local and global pressures. In Indonesia, where the study was carried out, destructive blast fishing destroyed large reef areas 30-40 years ago – with no signs of recovery until now.

Goal 15: Life On Land

Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Our Lancaster campus is 'Gold Accredited' by the national Biodiversity Programme; Hedgehog Friendly Campus. The campaign is coordinated by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and assesses institutions across the Higher Education sector, recognising sustainable processes and practices that protect hedgehogs and allow them to thrive.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Security Lancaster is one of the largest interdisciplinary security research institutes in the UK with 120 staff from 15 academic departments. The institute brings together people from government, business, academia and the protection industries to create new perspectives on security, innovation and responsible entrepreneurship in a rapidly changing world.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

In addition to numerous international research and short-term study partnerships, Lancaster degrees are offered in the UK, China, Germany, Ghana, and Malaysia – as well as across the globe online. Our newest strategic overseas partnership is based in Indonesia and will offer foundation programmes and Lancaster degrees in 2025.

Bailrigg site

Aerial photo of the Bailrigg site in 1961, which would later become the home of Lancaster University. Notice Bailrigg House in the left of the image, now home to the School of Architecture.

St Leonard’s House

On 6 October 1964, the first student intake of 296 undergraduates and 36 postgraduates was admitted to Lancaster, at St Leonard’s House, a former furniture factory, in Lancaster city. While teaching moved onto the Bailrigg campus a few years later, St Leonard’s House has continued to be part of the university life, having recently converted into student accommodation.

Campus construction

Work commenced on the Bailrigg site in November 1964, with the first teaching buildings opening in 1966. The Chaplaincy building, shown during construction here was consecrated in 1969.

Sir Charles Carter

University’s founding Vice-Chancellor from 1963-1979. He was pivotal in setting up the Management School. Sir Charles was knighted in 1978 and was also the recipient of numerous honorary degrees. He was a ‘conscientious objector’ during World War II, and he refused “discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, politics or any other thing” here at Lancaster.

The Queen’s visit

HM Elizabeth II paid visits to each of the seven new universities whose foundation she had approved. Her visit to Lancaster took place on 17 October 1969. Lancaster has historic connections with the monarchy: the University was established by royal charter, HM The King is the Duke of Lancaster, and Princess Alexandra was the founding Chancellor of Lancaster University.

Under construction: Physics Building

The Physics Building, shown under construction in 1967, was officially opened early in 1971. Its planning was so successful that the research facilities designed in it are still in use today. The IsoLab was added in 2017 and the "low noise" laboratories housed here are isolated from the outside environment in multiple ways, providing a stable platform for experiments.

Underpass

Recently renovated, the University bus station or ‘underpass’ is many people’s first port of call at the University as buses provide regular transport from the city to campus, and further afield, such as London and Glasgow. If you visit the University bus station today, you will find a large mural welcoming people from all over the world to campus.

Faraday Lecture Theatre

The Faraday Lecture Theatre, with its two companion lecture theatres, was the first large-scale teaching facility in the University and was equipped with the latest technology of the period. Lancaster University continues to be at the forefront of technology with a new state-of-the-art Data Immersion Suite.

Gillow House

Gillow House was built in 1974 for business and management studies. In the early 1990s, an extension was added to the original building creating a further five lecture theatres and the first video conferencing facility on campus. Most recently, the West Pavilion - a five-storey extension - opened in 2021 incorporating staff offices, student learning and teaching space.

Alexandra Square and Bowland Tower

Alexandra Square is named after the University’s first Chancellor, HRH Princess Alexandra and remains at the heart of university life.Bowland Tower, constructed around the Boiler House chimney and completed in 1968, offers student residence and was the only exception permitted for a building above four storeys on campus at the time.

Chaplaincy

The unusual shape of the Chaplaincy Centre makes it an iconic part of the campus skyline and was part of the old 'swoosh' University logo – which you may still spot in some parts of campus. The Centre itself was designed in a way that avoided bias and exclusion because it does not favour one, specific religious denomination.

Alexandra Park

In 2004, a new area known as Alexandra Park - named after the University's first Chancellor - was built in the southwest of campus. This created a brand new accommodation park for students. The Park is home to four colleges: Cartmel, Graduate, Lonsdale and Pendle.

Wind turbine

Installed in November 2012, the turbine powers approximately 14% of campus electricity. Lancaster is one of the highest producers of renewable energy out of all UK universities and the Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund donates £20,000 each year to sustainable projects in the local community.

Forrest Hills

Based next door to Lancaster campus in Bailrigg, Forrest Hills is an award-winning facility used for corporate events, team building activities and strategic planning away days. It was acquired by the University in 2016. The University also has facilities across the city at Lancaster Castle and The Storey.

UK partners

Lancaster’s regional partnerships enable the University to extend educational opportunities to students through levelling-up opportunities or specialist study models. Blackburn College, Blackpool and The Fylde College, Furness College, Lancaster University School of Mathematics, and University Academy 92 (UA92) – shown here – offer programmes as part of the Lancaster global family.

Health Innovation Campus

The Health Innovation Campus opened in September 2020 and has created a distinct health and wellbeing ecosystem at Lancaster. As well as business space, it houses the Lancaster Medical School and Division of Health Research in an inspiring setting designed to be a catalyst for tackling some of society’s biggest health challenges.

Global partners

Lancaster has four international teaching partnerships offering Lancaster University qualifications in China, Germany, Ghana and Malaysia (pictured here). We have recently launched a new partnership in Indonesia with Deakin University.

A sustainable future

The University continues towards its target of becoming carbon net zero by 2035. This is an architect's impression of the new solar photo voltaic farm coming soon at the Forrest Hills site. The 17,000 solar panels will reduce energy-related emissions on campus by up to 40% – generating enough electricity to power over 3,000 average households.

The Undertones

Performed 8 December 1980

Formed in Northern Ireland in 1974, they played at the University as part of the See No More tour and released a total of 13 singles before breaking up in 1983.

The Clash

Performed 23 January 1980

The Clash performed at Lancaster in support of their 1979 album London Calling which was awarded Rolling Stone magazine’s best album of the eighties.

New Order

Performed 14 March 1985

New Order became one of the most critically acclaimed and influential bands of the 1980s. Their Lancaster setlist included Thieves Like Us, Blue Monday and The Perfect Kiss.

Rory Gallagher

Performed 3 December 1971, 24 April 1975, 28 January 1977, 29 November 1981

Rory Gallagher graced the Great Hall stage for four classic Lancaster University concerts and is widely regarded as one of the greatest blues guitarists in UK and Irish history.

The Pretenders

Performed 14 October 1980

Fronted by American singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde, the band first came to prominence during the punk and new wave movement of the late 1970s.

Rik Mayall

Performed 3 December 1984

One of the first alternative comedians in the UK, Mayall became a household name alongside Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders after writing and starring in sitcom The Young Ones (1982). He performed at the Sugar House in Lancaster.

Japan

Performed 11 January 1981, 6 November 1982

Fronted by David Sylvian, Japan played the Great Hall twice. They achieved nine UK Top 40 hits, including Ghosts which reached number five. Creative differences resulted in their last ever performance on 16 December 1982.

Dire Straits

Performed 12 December 1980

Dire Straits were already global superstars (following the release of Sultans of Swing) by the time they came to perform here at Lancaster to promote their 1980 album Making Movies.

Tina Turner

Performed 25 February 1984

Arguably one of the biggest stars to have performed at the Great Hall, rising to fame in the 1960s and going on to enjoy a highly successful career. Tina was also elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Elvis Costello and The Attractions

Performed 13 March 1981, 2 October 1982, 27 October 1984

Elvis Costello OBE very much enjoyed playing at Lancaster and his concerts were sell-outs. Audiences even witnessed the first known live performance of hit single Pump It Up.

Dr Feelgood

Performed 10 October 1975, 10 December 1979

This British pub rock band were known primarily for their high energy live performances and both University gigs lived up to that reputation.

Siouxsie and The Banshees

Performed 8 August 1981

Siouxsie and The Banshees played at Lancaster in support of one of their biggest selling albums Juju. By all accounts, this was a legendary Great Hall concert.

Scorpions

Performed 12 October 1980

One of the most successful rock bands to come out of continental Europe (with sales of more than 200 million worldwide). The volume level of their show apparently tested the structural integrity of the Great Hall’s foundations!

Joan Armatrading

Performed 22 June 1980, 5 December 1981, 17 April 1983

Joan Armatrading MBE is a British singer-songwriter who first appeared at Lancaster supporting Supertramp, following up with three headlining visits becoming a favourite of Great Hall audiences.

Echo & The Bunnymen

Performed 1 May 1981, 21 October 1984

Their first Great Hall concert featured songs from their second album. They returned to promote their fourth, Ocean Rain, proclaimed by the group as "the greatest album ever made".

Kid Creole and The Coconuts

Performed 9 October 1982

Kid Creole and The Coconuts are an American band incorporating big band jazz, disco, Caribbean and Latin American salsa into their music.

The Selecter

Performed 23 February 1980, 30 January 1981

The Selecter are a two-tone British ska revival band fronted by the enigmatic Pauline Black, adding her unique voice to the band’s edgy, politically themed sound.