At the University of Liverpool, we know the value of improving the world we live in without having a negative impact on future generations. That’s why we’re building sustainability into everything we do, making it a strategic priority in our activity, both locally and around the world.
Why sustainability matters
Sustainability is a critically important challenge for society. The global impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are among the greatest threats to public health, the global economy, and biodiversity.
As a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Accord signatory, we know that sustainability needs to be an essential part of our present to ensure the safety of our future. The United Nation’s SDGs “address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.” We’re aligned with these goals and are dedicated to bringing sustainability into everything we do.
Our global sustainability projects
At the University, we’re conducting research that has a significant impact on global policy, the environment, and the lives of people from around the world. Learn more about some of our projects and research frontiers contributing to our global sustainability impact:
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research
- Materials discovery
- Institute of Population Health - NIHR Clean Air(Africa)
- The Pandemic Institute
- Heseltine Institute for Public Policy Practice and Place
- Centre for Excellence for Sustainable Food Systems.
Our global sustainability impact
Our focus on sustainability on a worldwide scale has already made a difference. We're ranked in the top 80 universities in the world for sustainability.
- We’re ranked 50th in the world by QS Sustainability Ranking
- We’re ranked in the top 100 in the world for Times Higher Education World University Global Impact Ranking 2024
- Liverpool ranked 18th in the world in the United Nations’s Sustainable Development goal number 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- We are Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001 certified.
The future of global sustainability at Liverpool
We will continue driving forward environmental and social equity through our education, research and operations, embedding sustainability fully into everything we do. Looking for ways to make positive impacts within and beyond our boundaries, we will keep growing and improving as a leading institution in sustainability throughout the future.
Here are a few of our goals:
- Transition to Net Zero by 2035
- Ensure sustainability is woven into the curriculum
- Develop new solutions through our multi-disciplinary research and partnerships that accelerate the progress of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Develop collaborative global partnerships to create knowledge and impact that make a positive difference to communities globally.
Read more in our Strategy 2031 - Sustainability.
Studying overseas and sustainability
Having a positive impact on sustainability isn’t a research issue alone. We also rely on our students and staff to help us make a difference on a global scale. Whether you’re travelling to study here or taking a semester to study abroad, there are little things you can do to make a big impact, including:
- Choose the most sustainable travel path (public transit or cycling are great options)
- Pick up some tips on how to be more sustainable wherever you are
- Volunteering is a great way to meet people and gain new experiences
- Learn about sustainability.
Find out more on our Global Opportunities Sustainability page.
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