Our values to respect each other, build strong communities and create positive change, are at the heart of what we do.
Our teaching and research activities and our carbon reduction commitments are already well recognised as sector leading examples for supporting the challenges faced by climate change. I am therefore delighted that our investment strategies are now aligned with the University’s strategic vision of delivering transformative change.
The University has set an ambitious target to achieve carbon net zero by 2035 — a goal that includes not only emissions from our campus activities (Scope 1 and 2) but also the more challenging Scope 3 emissions. These are indirect emissions arising from sources such as business travel and our supply chain, where we have less direct control.
Our 2035 target is one of the most ambitious Scope 3 commitments in the higher education sector. To understand and address these emissions, we use the HESCET (Higher Education Supply Chain Emissions Tool), which estimates emissions based on the types of goods and services we purchase, using DEFRA conversion factors. To strengthen the accuracy and credibility of our reporting, we have also sought external verification and certification from CO2 Analysis. This independent review helps ensure our measurements are robust and allows us to better identify and prioritise areas for emissions reduction.
Following our declaration of the climate emergency, the University has taken further steps in its commitment to sustainability by transferring all its managed investment portfolios to two new funds designed to have a positive impact on people and the planet.
Ethical investmentLancaster is proud of its 2018 staff survey results, with 91% of staff stating that the University is a good place to work. The University aims to engage with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) issues to better understand the lived experiences of our staff, students, visitors and wider university community and to understand how we are doing in creating a fairer and more inclusive University.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University does not use Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in student complaints or reports about gender-based violence, harassment or hate. We are a signatory to the Can’t Buy My Silence Universities Pledge.
Can't Buy My Silence Universities Pledge