Sustainability
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
Queen's University Belfast has committed to achieving net zero by 2040 across scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
Reaching net zero emissions will require collective effort and support from all our staff, students, and external partners. Our Net Zero Plan was launched in October 2023 and details how we will integrate climate action into all that we do.
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Annual Sustainability Report 2022-23
Our Annual Sustainability Report highlights our staff, student and local community's sustainability successes and achievements for 2022-23.
Key themes include Research and Sustainable Solutions, Sustainability in Education, Embedding Sustainability across Campus Activities, Outreach and Partnerships, and Engaging our University Community on Sustainability.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT RANKINGS
In the Times Higher Education 2024 Impact Rankings, Queen’s was ranked in the top 10% (101-200 out of 1963 universities worldwide) in the SDG areas.
Partnership for the Goals#201-300 out of 2031 Institutions Ranked |
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Reduced Inequalities#43 out of 1108 Institutions Ranked |
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Sustainable Cities and Communities#101-200 out of 1026 Institutions Ranked |
Life Below Water#19 out of 628 Institutions Ranked |
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Life on Land#9 out of 741 Institutions Ranked |
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Responsible Consumption and Production#90 out of 825 Institutions Ranked |
A Sustainable University
Queen's sustainability journey commenced in 2010 ensuring our campus now has sustainability embedded across the campus.
Sustainability has been addressed across a number of different areas - construction, energy, waste, water, biodiversity, travel and community engagement.
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.
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.
Queen’s Voices On Sustainability
Staff, students and our local community share a range of expertise and perspectives related to sustainability.
The university host a range of events that enable our community to sharing best practice on how we as a society can address our climate and biodiversity crises.
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 ideas of staff and students to life.
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.
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.
