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Global sustainability

To be fully sustainable, we need to ensure long-term economic, environmental, and social well-being, with a global focus on economic, environmental and social sustainability.

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:

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.

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: