The University of Liverpool has become an early signatory to the new UKRI Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, launched yesterday.
The voluntary concordat has been co-developed by the UK research and innovation (R&I) sector and represents a shared ambition for the UK to continue delivering cutting-edge research, but in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way.
The aim of the Concordat is to ensure research and innovation continues to play a critical part in understanding how our planet is changing, while helping us to act responsibly to protect and promote our environment. Signatories will align with the science of climate change and ecology and commit to transparently sharing information and learnings about the environmental impacts of their work.
As an initial signatory to the Concordat, we have committed to taking action to deliver change in the following six areas:
- Leadership and system change
- Sustainable infrastructure
- Sustainable procurement
- Emissions from business and academic travel
- Collaborations and partnerships
- Environmental impact and reporting data
These actions will reduce environmental impacts and emissions associated with carrying out research and innovation, supporting our aim of achieving net zero carbon as set out in the cross-cutting sustainability theme in the strategic framework Liverpool 2031.
The University is one of the first Russell Group institutions to make this commitment, along with the following initial signatories and supporters:
Initial concordat signatories at launch:
- Bangor University
- British Academy
- Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
- Cranfield University
- John Innes Centre
- Keele University
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
- University College London (UCL)
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Essex
- University of Exeter
- University of Glasgow
- University of Leicester
- University of Liverpool
- University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE)
- Wellcome
- Wellcome Sanger Institute
List of initial concordat supporters at launch:
- Academy of Medical Sciences
- Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)
- Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland (DfENI)
- Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC)
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- Royal Society
Sustainability Strategy
As an institution we are already making significant progress towards our sustainability ambitions and following the launch of Liverpool 2031, work is underway to develop a new Sustainability Strategy. This strategy will build upon the priorities identified at a strategic level, setting out key actions against each of the strategic pillars. The new UKRI Concordat helps to reinforce the importance of sustainable research and offers a framework for working together across the sector, sharing good practice and helping each other to find the best pathway for it to reach net zero.
By signing the Concordat, the University is taking a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges and embracing sustainable solutions. We fully support the priority areas outlined in the Concordat which align with our existing priorities in the Climate Plan and forthcoming Sustainability Strategy.
Find out more
Find out more about the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice.
Our response to the climate crisis is part of the University’s wider approach to sustainability; one which aims to drive forward social and environmental equity. If you want to know more about our work on sustainability, please visit: www.liverpool.ac.uk/sustainability or email Sally Shaw for further information sustainability@liverpool.ac.uk