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Sustainability

 

University of Southampton signs the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice 

The University of Southampton is a signatory to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-leading research in a way that is environmentally responsible and sustainable. 

Developed collaboratively across the UK research and innovation sector, the Concordat represents a shared ambition to embed environmental sustainability into research culture, systems and practice. By signing the Concordat, the University joins leading universities, research institutes and funders in committing to meaningful, collective action to reduce the environmental impacts of research and innovation. 

Embedding sustainability into research at Southampton

The University’s vision is that by 2030, sustainability will be a part of everything we do, our individual behaviours, how we work together and how we make decisions for the future – see Sustainability Strategy 2026-30. This is key to achieving our mission of changing the world for the better. As a research-intensive institution we have a significant role to play in guiding our society towards a sustainable future through our research and knowledge generation, addressing global challenges from climate change and biodiversity loss to utilisation of renewable energy, supporting resilient cities and responsible AI development.

We recognise our responsibility in ensuring that how we conduct research reflects on our environmental values and ambitions, including our pathway to net zero. Signing the Concordat strengthens our commitment to embedding environmental sustainability across the full research lifecycle, from design and funding applications through to delivery, partnerships and reporting. 

Our commitments under the Concordat 

By signing the Concordat, the University of Southampton commits to embedding environmental sustainability across six priority areas of our research and innovation activity: 

  • Provide clear and credible leadership for environmental sustainability, from institutional governance to individual researchers, ensuring sustainability is embedded in research culture, strategy and decision-making. 
  • Conduct research in an environmentally responsible manner, reducing impacts across the research lifecycle and being transparent in how we measure and report them. 
  • Adopt low-carbon ways of working that continue to enable global collaboration and world-leading impact, using digital innovation, interdisciplinary thinking and new technologies to reduce emissions and resource use. 
  • Support the transition to net zero infrastructure for research and innovation, aligned with the University’s net zero pathways and carbon reduction principles. 
  • Strengthen sustainable procurement, working with suppliers and partners to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and minimise environmental impacts across supply chains. 
  • Promote reusable alternatives and innovation in materials, reducing single-use and fossil fuel-based products wherever viable alternatives exist.

These priorities align closely with our Sustainability Strategy, including our commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting sustainable culture across our campuses. 

Supporting our research community through a shared ambition

Delivering on the Concordat will require a collective effort across our Research Groups, Departments, Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services teams. Many colleagues are already leading innovative work to improve the environmental sustainability of our research practices, including participation in the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), which continues to expand across our research community to reduce energy use, waste and carbon emissions associated with our laboratories. 

See our signed letter for the Research Concordat here.

Find out more on our sustainability page and contact the team if you have any questions.

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