Our University Commitment to Sustainability
As a global institution, we have a major role to play in making a positive impact in our environment.
Our Strategy 2030 sets out how we will embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals across all our activities, from research and education to adopting a leadership role in the promotion of the SDGs, and leading by example in areas such as equality, diversity and inclusion, sustainable procurement and a commitment to disinvestment from fossil fuels.
We are a signatory to the UN Accord, which recognises the key role that global universities have in nurturing a culture of sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 through research and education.
We are committed to embedding them in every aspect of our activity.
A Net Zero University
At Queen’s University Belfast, we are committed to social and civic responsibility and to supporting economic growth in an environmentally sustainable way. As part of Strategy 2030, we committed to embracing the Sustainable Development Goals across all our activities and to transition to a carbon neutral society.
Queen's University Belfast has committed to achieving net zero by 2040. This is not a simple journey but it is necessary and urgent. Reaching net zero emissions will require collective effort and support from all our staff, students, and external partners. To achieve this, we must ensure that we integrate climate action into all that we do.
Visit our Net Zero Page for more information.
Sustainability Forum
Queen's staff are invited to join the University’s newly established Sustainability Forum, which aims to offer an informal network to enable colleagues to share information and updates on projects, teaching and institutional initiatives relating to sustainability, drawing on work from across all sectors of the University.
The forum is open to all staff who have an interest in sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – whether generally or related to their work or expertise. The Sustainability Forum will meet online each month.
To register, email: sustainability@qub.ac.uk.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT RANKINGS
In the Times Higher Education 2022 Impact Rankings, Queen’s was ranked in the top 10% (85th out of 1438 universities worldwide) in the SDG areas.
Partnership for the Goals#97 out of 1438 Institutions Ranked |
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Reduced Inequalities#41 out of 796 Institutions Ranked |
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Sustainable Cities and Communities#87 out of 783 Institutions Ranked |
Life Below Water#22 out of 452 Institutions Ranked |
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Life on Land#38 out of 521 Institutions Ranked |
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Responsible Consumption and Production#35 out of 604 Institutions Ranked |
A Sustainable University: Journey to net-zero
We are committed to reducing our impact and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
- Over £10 million has been invested to date in over 80 energy efficiency projects
- Increasing sustainable travel including substantial provision of cycle parking, lockers and changing facilities, public transport incentives, bike sales and cycle to work scheme
- Enabling and empowering our University community to take action
- Enhancing biodiversity across campus and creating a home for wildlife
- A range of initiatives across the University to minimise waste and increase recycling
- Sustainable design principles are embedded within our construction projects
Leading Sustainability Research
Queen’s has a proud history of conducting innovative, impactful and world-leading research that has positively changed people’s lives.
Our researchers work across disciplines and sectors to address local and global challenges, incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and driving real-world impact in climate change.
Our strategic research themes focus on:
• A transformative and sustainable economy
• Secure connected intelligence – AI and the data revolution
• Healthy living for all
• Human environment relations
• Inclusive and cohesive communities
Teaching the next generation of Sustainability leaders
We prepare our students for leadership and citizenship in a global society, committed to sustainability and social responsibility.
Our educational programmes are increasingly focused on embracing the ethos of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at a local, national and global level.
By supporting meaningful engagement between students, research leaders and innovators, we equip students with the skills to improve lives for future generations.
Student blog: My Experience with Enactus at Queen’s
Wellbeing and Diversity
The University is committed to supporting SDGs through wellbeing policies and programmes for staff and students, to assist them with their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
A range of programmes have been delivered throughout the year including WOW events (Wellbeing on Weekday) for students and Lunch and Learn sessions for staff.
Outreach and Engagement
Locally our staff and students have been working on a wide range of programmes within our community to embed the SDGs.
Taking direction from our Social Charter we work with a range of community organisations through our Science Shop, bring our students and the community together through our volunteer programmes and provide funding to bring the green ideeas of staff and students to life.
Queen’s Voices On Sustainability
Staff across the University share a range of expertise and perspectives related to Sustainability.
From our natural environment, creating safe and secure agri-food systems, to assessing the way in which our built environment interacts with the natural world, or in the manner in which we build and maintain truly livable communities and societies, Queen’s researchers are at the forefront of innovative, future focused solutions that aim to make our footprint lighter, both on earth and beyond.
Meet our team
Queen’s University Belfast are committed to progressing positive sustainability change within Queen’s campus and beyond.
To achieve sustainability action, staff and student support is needed throughout campus, within teaching, research, operations and the students’ union.
On this page we have included information on those groups, staff and students who are key to decision-making and the delivery of key sustainability strategies and initiatives.
