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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.

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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.

Curriculum transformation programme

SHAPE project

The SHAPE project is a 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

The Green Lancaster team

Lent Term environmental successes with Green Lancaster

After a break from Lent Term, let's take a moment to reflect on our triumphs and catch up on everything happening in and around campus.
A shop display in ReStore Lancaster

Lancaster University shortlisted for award for ReStore Lancaster

Lancaster University has been shortlisted for an award in the Innovation in Student Experience category at this year’s College and University Business Officers (CUBO) Awards for its sustainability shop,  ReStore Lancaster.
The Green Lancaster team at Claver Hill Farm

Exploring Lancaster's Hidden Gem: Claver Hill Farm

Tucked away in the North-East of Lancaster, Claver Hill Farm embodies the harmonious beauty that emerges when human activity aligns with nature, seamlessly intertwining to create a landscape of unparalleled serenity. Part of the ‘Growing Food & Community’ Food Futures theme, Claver Hill has been growing since 2013.
Students walking through woodland.

Tree management project to take place across campus to remove trees in poor condition

From Monday 22 April until Friday 26 April, tree and vegetation clearance works will take place across some green spaces on southwest campus. The works will include the removal of some trees and the clearance of several areas of woodland; however any loses will be replanted in other locations. This is the latest stage of on ongoing scheme of tree management works currently taking place across campus in support of the Woodland Management Plan.
Staff and students at the AIM day in LUMS

Coffee cups, baby steps, and long-term laptops

Staff and students across the University are making changes to advance sustainability. Here are five things we’ve learned this month about sustainability at Lancaster… 
The Green Lancaster team

Green Lancaster’s ECOWild Lent Term Triumphs

Once again, we’ve had yet another action-packed term here at Green Lancaster in our ECOWild project. From planting 500 trees with the Ribble Rivers Trust, to helping restore 630ha of native woodland with Restoring Hardknott Forest, Lent term has been one to remember.

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