Sustainable learning and research

The quality, reach and significance of sustainable research and learning produced in Lancaster University's vibrant research and teaching environment is world leading.

Students by the green wall in the Library
Lecturer standing next to a group of students who are sitting making notes and smiling.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Our aspiration is to leave students with the knowledge, skills and values that are needed to work and live in a sustainable way, and that will bring about solutions to the climate emergency. We're working to embed Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into every student experience, both within the education curriculum and in their wider student life at Lancaster University. Professor Wendy Robinson, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education is leading on this project and a new framework has been approved.

Education framework

SHAPE project

The SHAPE project is a "living lab" project run with SOS-UK and the British Academy during 2024. Aimed at students from arts, humanities, business and social sciences, students on the project will work together in small interdisciplinary groups to solve sustainability challenges and present findings during a conference in June 2024.

The project aims to engage students and academics across subjects in the arts, humanities and social sciences in realising the relevance and impact of their disciplines in tackling environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges in a local and hands-on context.

Some examples of projects that the students will be looking at are:

  • Sustainability in the FASS curriculum
  • Resources to help the Lancaster University Library promote the UN SDGs
  • Encouraging the local community to use our campus green spaces more
  • Learning from international student and staff community about sustainability in their countries
  • Plant-based food on campus

Research

We are at the forefront of research around the climate emergency, biodiversity, sustainable food and eco-innovation. We will also continue to be a key enabler and supportive trusted research partner in delivering sustainability regionally, nationally and internationally.

Research

Morecambe Bay Curriculum

Launched in 2019 by founding partners Lancaster and Morecambe College and Lancaster University, the Morecambe Bay Curriculum project was inspired by the Eden Project Morecambe. The curriculum aims to ensure that the different stages of the education system, from early years to postgraduate, provide the green skills, knowledge, and behaviours required by businesses and our communities to respond to climate emergencies. We want to empower young people to see the tangible positive change their actions make to the environment.

Morecambe Bay Curriculum

Training

We have a clear vision and strategy to embed sustainability in everything we do, from teaching and research to campus operations and partnerships. We offer a range of training, teaching, and events to help you embed sustainability into your working life.

Training

Sustainability news

A Christmas display inside ReStore showcasing the local chocolate bars

Conscious Christmas at ReStore Lancaster

This winter, ReStore Lancaster, located on Alexandra Square, has introduced a new conscious Christmas shop, to help the campus community shop more sustainably this festive season. 
Students joining in with the sewing cafe activity

Sustainability updates: sewing and sowing across campus

From wildflowers to wardrobe items, find out about the latest sustainability achievements in teams across the University on campus. 
The 2025 Green Gown Award for 2030 Climate Action

Lancaster University wins climate action award

Lancaster University has been recognised for its sustainability efforts, receiving the 2025 Green Gown Award in the “2030 Climate Action” category.
The team from the Ripple Effect charity

Don’t Ditch It 2025 supports local and international charities

One of the University’s most well-known sustainability initiatives, Don’t Ditch It (DDI), has wrapped up another year and it continues to have a big impact.  
Lancaster University Technicians after receiving their LEAF certificates from Professor Simon Guy - Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global, Digital and Sustainability

Celebrating sustainability: LEAF accreditation event highlights lab excellence

Staff gathered to celebrate that 36 lab suites across the University were awarded Bronze or Silver accreditation through the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF).
Left image: Freshkeg distributor in front of the LU sign Right image: merchandise in ReStore

Sustainability spotlight: Commercial Services

The Commercial Services team at Lancaster are making impactful strides toward sustainability. Through smart initiatives and positive changes, the department is helping shape a more responsible campus culture.

More News