People & Planet University League

People & Planet's university league is an award-winning environmental ranking of all the UK’s universities and is the only comprehensive and independent league table ranked by environmental and ethical performance. It is compiled annually by the UK’s largest student campaigning network, People & Planet.

The University is currently ranked 47th in the UK, 12th amongst Russell Group universities, 5th in the North West region, 1st in Liverpool, and recognised with a 2:1 Class award in the 2023/24 People & Planet University League. The full scorecard results can be found here. The results are based on the time period between July 2022 and August 2023. The University has made significant progress since then which can help boost scores next year. The results will be used to identify further areas for improvement. In the meantime, click below to see how we are currently performing against People & Planet's methodology for 2024/25

Back to: Sustainability

Does the university have a public sustainability policy that has been published or reviewed and updated within the last 5 years?

The University’s Environmental Policy has been reviewed and updated within the last 5 years and can be found here.

Does the university work to an environmental sustainability strategy, setting SMART targets for reducing environmental impact?

The University’s Sustainability Strategy sets SMART targets for reducing environmental impacts and can be viewed here.

Does the university have an externally verified environmental management system (EMS), does it cover the whole university estate and what level of accreditation has been achieved?

The University has an externally verified environmental management system (EMS) to make sure it complies with relevant environmental legislation and continually reduces its environmental impacts and improves environmental performance. The ISO 14001 accredited EMS includes all properties owned or leased by UoL within the stated locations that are included in the list of buildings requiring Display Energy Certificates. More information on the EMS, its structure, and its scope can be found here

Has the institution carried out a comprehensive audit of environmental impacts in the last five years?

Yes, our environmental impacts are audited on an annual basis as part of our ISO14001 accredited EMS.

A fundamental part of maintaining the ISO14001 certification is continual improvement and an effective audit process. This audit process includes both internal and external audits. The standard also requires a series of internal audits to take place throughout the three-yearly cycle to ensure compliance and continual improvement. There have been 5 audits in the past 5 years.

Is sustainability included within the portfolio of responsibilities of a member of the university senior management team?

Sustainability is included within the portfolio of responsibilities of a member of the university senior management team. Nicola Davies, Chief Financial Officer is the executive lead for sustainability at the University and Chair of the Sustainability Board and further information can be found here

Who is working on environmental sustainability?
There are wide variety of colleagues across the University working on environmental sustainability. The University Council, in partnership with Liverpool Guild of Students, has overarching responsibility for ensuring that the University meets its SDG Accord commitments. The Senior Leadership Team has overarching responsibility for the University's Sustainability Policy and receives quarterly updates from the Sustainability Board. The Sustainability Board, chaired by Chief Financial Officer, Nicola Davies accountable for the Sustainability Strategy which aims to help address all the UN SDGs and brings together the work from several working groups into a holistic framework, and associated plans.
 
The Sustainability team work to implement and deliver the Sustainability Strategy and provide operational support across all areas of sustainability. There are currently 12 roles within Sustainability at the University:
 
1. Sally Shaw, Head of Sustainability Programmes
2. Alex Preugschat, Sustainability Officer
3. Laela Purvis-Greenway, Sustainability Officer
4. Kate Sisodia, Sustainability Marketing, Communications and Engagement Manager
5. Rachael Hanmer-Dwight, Head of Environmental Sustainability and Energy Services
6. Thomas Weldon, Environmental Sustainability Officer
7. Dr. Rhiannon Hunt, Circular Economy Manager
8. Sam Hay, Waste and Recycling Officer
9. Ben Parker, Energy and Utilities Manager
10. Carbon and Energy Officer (role advertised and recruitment process underway)
11. Jenna Lowe, Laboratory Sustainability Officer
12. Mandy Johnston, Head of Category (Catering and Sustainable Procurement)
 
Each Job Role, area of sustainability responsibility and contact details can be found here.
 
The sustainability strategy supported with a budget of over £1mil a year dedicated to sustainability. 
Staff working in dedicated sustainability roles are listed on the university website?

Each Job Role, area of sustainability responsibility and contact details can be found here 

Does the university supports a staff engagement scheme to involve staff in improving the environmental performance of the university?

The university supports staff engagement to improve the environmental performance of the university. 

The Sustainability Team undertake a range of communications and engagement activities to support the delivery of the Environmental Policy and Strategy and Climate Plan. 

The University provides a range of opportunities for staff engagement in sustainability and improving the environmental performance of the University, such as an annual Sustainability Fund, volunteering, ESD resources for staff, the Laboratory Assessment Efficiency Framework (LEAF) to improve the sustainability and efficiency of laboratories, opportunities to contribute to the sustainability blog and monthly sustainability briefing note, and events throughout the year including, the annual Sustainability Week, and staff training and development opportunities, such as Carbon Literacy training.  

The CFO and Sustainability Team meet with representatives from the Guild and Joint Trade Unions on a regular basis.

Does the institution have an active, robust and publicly available ethical investment policy reported on at senior level?

The University’s publicly available Ethical Investment Policy can be found here.

Our Ethical Investment Policy commits the University to invest its funds on a socially responsible basis with due regard to environmental, social and governance issues. It adopts both the UN Principles for Responsible Investment to better align investors with the broader objectives of society and the UN Global Compact principles focusing on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. The University ensures its suppliers follow responsible practices in relation to workers, environment and society. We have begun working with suppliers to develop individual action plans that address modern slavery and other key sustainability issues, such as fossil fuel and arms companies. 

The policy should apply to the full scope of institution’s investments or be integrated within any other investment policy

This can be found in the Ethical Investment Policy on page 1 under 'Introduction'.

The policy should be clearly signed off at a senior level and there should be evidence within the policy itself that it was last updated/reviewed within the last 5 years. 

This can be found on the Ethical Investment Policy cover page. The Ethical Investment Policy is signed off by CFO, Nicola Davies and approved by Council on 24 November 2023. Next Review Date is November 2024.

The university commits to including student representation on its investment committee

A List of committee members that oversee investments can be found here: Investments Sub-Committee Terms of Reference. There is a Guild of Students Representative at committe meetings and we work with the Guild of Students to make further improvements to the policy including ethical investing in the local community. 

There are clear ongoing opportunities for the wider student body and staff community to engage with the policy.

There are regular meetings between senior University leaders and local representatives from University and College Union (UCU), UNITE and UNISON, the Green New Deal (GND) University of Liverpool Action Group and the Liverpool Guild of Students, to help foster discussions on the University’s sustainability and Climate Plan actions. 

Discussions include all aspects of university operations, from reducing our carbon emissions, to how we can develop and use our campus in a way which minimises our environmental impact. Sustainability in teaching, research and careers are also on the agenda as well as the University’s divestment strategy. This includes a focussed session on ethical investment.

The meetings are an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with colleagues in the Trade Unions and the Guild over matters relating to sustainability. Find out more here.

There is a commitment to publicly list all investments annually?

We publish a list of investments in both overseas and UK companies. Our Ethical Investment Policy applies to the full scope of the investments held by the University. Find out more here.

Commitment to screen out fossil fuel companies: partial commitment or full commitment to screen out all fossil fuel companies?

The University has full fossil fuel exclusion in place. This can be found under 'exclusions' in the Ethical Investment Policy. 

Partial commitment or full commitment to screen out all arm companies? 

The University has made the commitment to screen out companies that derive more than 10% of their revenue from the manufacture or sale of armaments 

The University website collates information in one place about investment practices and procedures in such a way that facilitates greater transparency and access to information for students, staff and the general public                                                    

Each of the following is easily accessed through a clearly identifiable section of the university website: 

Does the institution have a robust and publicly available Ethical Banking Policy reported on at the senior level?

The University's Treasury Management Policy sets out the policies, practices and objects of The University of Liverpool treasury management activities, as agreed by the Council of the University.

The University of Liverpool adopts the key recommendations of CIPFA’s Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectional Guidance Notes (2011)

The University of Liverpool, in compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice, defines its treasury management activities as:  

"The management of the University’s cash flows, its banking, money market and capital market transactions, the effective control of the risk associated with those activities, and the pursuit of optimum performance consistent with those risks."

The University of Liverpool regards the successful identification, monitoring and control of risk to be the prime criteria by which effective treasury management will be measured. Accordingly, the primary objective will be to ensure the security of the principal sums invested and secondly to optimise returns on its investments.
 
The University of Liverpool acknowledges that effective treasury management will provide support towards the achievement of its business objectives. It is therefore committed to the principles of achieving the best value in treasury management, and to employing suitable performance measurement techniques, within the context of effective risk management.

 

Meeting minutes that provide updates on investment policy reviews and divestment/investment status if relevant?

Yes, the University documents investment policy review meetings. 

Does the institution have an active and publicly available ethical careers policy that has been updated in the last 4 years that it has been signed off at a senior level?

Yes, the University has a publicly available Ethical Careers Policy updated in the last 4 years and can be found here. 

We also have a Job Posting Policy, which can be found hereThe University’s careers services is easily accessible through our Careers and Employability page and 'meet the team' pages.

Does the University have a publicly available carbon management plan which meets each of the following 5 conditions?

The Energy Services Team monitor energy and carbon across the entire University in support of the Sustainability Strategy and Liverpool2031 Net Zero Carbon targets. The University's Climate plan sets out our ambitions, principles, and commitments in relation to addressing the climate crisis and outlines how we are going to move forward in developing our pathway to achieving net zero by 2035. With key activities already underway, the Climate plan will help us transition to net zero at pace and with real impact.  

A carbon emissions baseline for 2005 or later which covers all scope 1 and 2 emissions.

The University has adopted the sector-specific carbon emissions framework developed by EAUC, AUDE and BUFDG. The sustainability team is coordinating a data collection exercise from departments across the university including procurement and estates and applying DEFRA conversation factors in order to baseline scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions. This information will be used to inform new metrics in the revised Sustainability Strategy, due to be published in 2024.

A carbon reduction target for covering scope 1 & 2, consistent with an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 at a minimum AND at least one milestone towards this target before 2030?

The Climate plan sets out our ambitions, principles, and commitments in relation to addressing the climate crisis and outlines how we are going to move forward in developing our pathway to achieving net zero by 2035.

The University has adopted the sector-specific carbon emissions framework developed by EAUC, AUDE and BUFDG. The sustainability team is coordinating a data collection exercise from departments across the university including procurement and estates and applying DEFRA conversation factors in order to baseline scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions. This information will be used to inform new metrics in the revised Sustainability Strategy, due to be published in 2024.

Named persons or titles responsible for the carbon reduction plan.

The action plan section of the Climate Plan sets out the actions we will be taking across all of the climate focus areas outlining projected timescales and responsibility. The document is live and dynamic, and provides a snapshot of progress.

A reporting mechanism for monitoring the carbon management plan?

The action plan and and timescales in the Climate Plan are updated and reviewed by the Sustainabilty Board at quarterly meetings.

Are scope 3 emissions reported to HESA through the EMR?

The target comprises scope 1 & 2 emissions; meanwhile scope 3 emissions (including from waste, travel and supply chain) are addressed within the University’s sustainability governance AND reported to HESA Estate Management Return. 

Does the institution have a sustainable travel policy that seeks to reduce emissions from staff travel?

The University has a sustainable business travel policy that can be found here and is committed to encouraging sustainable travel behaviours by offering a range of award-winning sustainable travel initiatives and facilities, which reduce carbon emissions, improve local air quality, reduce traffic congestion and improve local communities. 

The Travel and Transport Working Group are ensuring equitable car parking management and sustainable travel initiatives, and the University recently launched a staff and student travel survey. The data collected from the surveys will be used to baseline scope 3 carbon emissions associated with travel and inform the development of a University Travel Plan, and a new Travel Policy which is currently under development.  See the Climate Plan and Sustainability strategy for more information on our sustainable travel commitments. 

Does the carbon management plan include a baseline and reduction targets for scope 3 emissions calculated in the following areas?
  • Waste (including construction)
  • Water
  • Procurement (supply chain)
  • Staff and student business trips e.g. flights to conferences and field trips
  • Staff and students commuting to university on a daily basis
  • Carbon emissions associated with the travel between students’ homes and the university at the start and end of term (including international students’ travel to and from their home country)

The University has adopted the sector-specific carbon emissions framework developed by EAUC, AUDE and BUFDG. The sustainability team is coordinating a data collection exercise from departments across the university including procurement and estates and applying DEFRA conversation factors in order to baseline scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions. This information will be used to inform new metrics in the revised Sustainability Strategy, due to be published in 2024.

Is the University accredited by the Living Wage Foundation as a Living Wage employer?

The university is accredited by the living wage foundation as a living wage employer. 

Does the university have a policy that ensures outsourced staff receive the same or equivalent pay and benefits as directly employed staff?

Yes, please see the University’s Statutory Pay Gap Report. 

Is the institution a Fairtrade University?

The University and The Guild of Students are working in partnership to achieve Fairtrade Accreditation, to do so we are working together to complete the 11 mandatory criteria ready for audit in Spring 2025.

Are the university ITC supply chains covered by Electronics Watch?

The University of Liverpool is a member of the North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium and much of what we buy is through framework agreements created by this and other HE consortia throughout the country. 

Is the university signed up to the Can't Buy My Silence universities pledge?

The University is signed up to the Can't Buy My Silence universities pledge to stop using NDAs for complaints about sexual harassment, abuse or misconduct, or other forms of harassment and bullying.

Does the university have a publicly-available sustainable food policy (or a Sustainable Procurement Policy which integrates sustainability criteria for food) that is reported on annually at a senior level of the university?

Yes, the sustainable food policy can be found here.  The University also has a procurement policy which is available through the staff intranet.

Does the university's sustainable food policy require that sustainability standards are embedded in tenders & contracts with external contractors?

Yes, sustainability standards are embedded in tenders and contracts with external contractors through our membership of TUCO (The University Caterers Organisation).  

Does the university provide space and / or other support for student / staff-led sustainable food projects?

The University provides space for sustainable food projects. The Guild of Students Sustainability Team and staff and student volunteers are busy all year-round transforming areas of campus into the garden of dreams, with raised beds, Guild Walk Wall Planter and Hügelkultur provide opportunities to grow food in the most sustainable way. Give it a Go sessions offer lots of ways staff and students can get engaged in growing things, from herb pot planting to fungus gardens.

The Guild of Students Gardening project, is partly funded by the Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability project that is primarily based around upscaling and invigorating food growing at the University, for diet, wellbeing, and environmental benefits. The project aims to increase the number of food growing initiatives on campus, and to get staff and students involved as ambassadors for encouraging biodiversity in urban settings. The project has produced fruits and vegetables on campus, which are offered to students and within our local community. The project is raising the profile of food growing to our staff and students and aims to ultimately develop many different gardens on campus, growing healthy food with no packaging, creating new green spaces and contributing to positive wellbeing. Staff and students are encouraged to volunteer at the weekly gardening sessions to experience planting, harvesting and general maintenance of the campus gardens and reduce the University’s carbon footprint.

The University recently introduced the Queen of Greens Bus to campus. It is a mobile greengrocer that brings affordable fresh fruit and vegetables to communities across Liverpool. Queen of Greens bus makes weekly stops right here on the University of Liverpool campus.

The Student Food Pantry is a recent project developed by the Money, Advice Guidance Team as part of Student Services, to support our students during the cost-of-living crisis, for those experiencing food poverty. As part of a partnership with the Environmental Sustainability team and Campus Food and Drink, the Food Pantry provides a range of household supplies and redistributed food that would normally go to landfill to student members for a small weekly fee. The Food Pantry has proven to be a lifeline for students. It is a community hub which provides a safe space for students, and ensures they are supported in meeting their daily food needs. 

More details of food projects and initiatives can be found in the latest Sustainable Development Goals Annual Report and our round-up from Sustainability Week 2024.

Does the university have at least one plant-based food outlet on campus?

Plans are underway to transform the Law and Social Justice Café into a plant based outlet.

Does the university publish a strategy for student and staff engagement in sustainable development?

Student and staff engagement and communication is a component of the University’s strategic framework Liverpool 2031, Sustainability Strategy and Climate Plan.

The Climate Plan outlines a set of principles that will guide our climate response. This includes, encouraging our staff and students to be positive agents for change and champions of sustainability guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We recognise the need to ensure our ambition and commitment are reflected in our decision-making processes, alongside the importance of the actions and understanding of all our students and staff. Therefore, a core area of the Climate Plan is our programme of engagement and embedding. This programme ensures we work together, across all university stakeholders, with pace and intent to create systematic change alongside individual and collective actions.

We place equity at the heart of our approach ensuring we are aligned to our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion commitments. We have a clear and dynamic engagement programme enabling our entire community to understand how they can make a difference and get involved in making our Climate Plan a reality. The University’s Sustainability Strategy outlines our commitment to student and staff engagement and communication.

Are the university sustainability policy and strategy and other student engagement opportunities for sustainability a component of every student induction?

New students are welcomed on to campus for the start of the new academic year, as we aimed to equip them with the skills, information and knowledge to be more sustainable in Liverpool, and beyond.  

We have a presence during the induction process and each year the Sustainability team host a welcome stall at the Welcome Week Fair for students to find out about how they can find out more about sustainability at the University of Liverpool, including information about sustainability policy and strategy and the range of engagement opportunities available

Dedicated staff are on hand to answer questions, provide insight into the Sustainability in Action module and the Student Sustainability Hub, sustainability in halls, as well as the health and wellbeing support networks and resources available at the University.  The Sustainability Student Hub is a central point of reference, to find resources on sustainability related societies, volunteering, career development opportunities, COP28 activities, lifestyle choices, and social networks. The Hub is home to the award-winning Sustainability in Action module. The Sustainability in Action online course is introduced to all students during Welcome Week activities and all current students are automatically enrolled in Canvas. 

 

Does the university actively and regularly promote events and activities aimed at increasing engagement?

The University and Guild of Students host regular sustainability events and initiatives throughout the year as part of the thematic calendar, such as Earth Day, Net Zero Week, British Science Week, Bike Week, COP28, Recycle Week, Global Goals Week, Open Day etc, and participate in the University wide Wellbeing Week and Feel Good February programme of events.

The University’s annual Sustainability Week delivers nearly 50 different events for staff and student’s, the aim of the week is to raise awareness of sustainability objectives and initiatives at the University and promote positive behaviour change amongst our community. 

Sustainability Week 2024 took place between 26th February – 1st March, as part of the Feel Good February initiative. Working in collaboration with the Guild of Students, the Sustainability team, with the help of staff and students from across the University delivered nearly 40 educational, wellbeing and creative activities and events, that covered a range of sustainability topics. The aim of the week was to raise awareness of sustainability objectives and initiatives at the University, and for staff and students to come together to explore and promote sustainable practices. Events held during the week were varied to reflect our broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlights included: Sustainability team roadshow, Net Zero Lecture, film screenings, guided tours of our Energy Centre, sustainable labs and the Spine Building, gardening, food growing, swap shops, workshops, cycling, mindfulness and much more.

The Sustainability team also provide support and guidance to students and staff hosting their own events on campus, such as the UoL Circular Economy Project team pop-ups, and recently launched a new Sustainable Events Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to empower event organisers to integrate sustainability into the planning, management, and evaluation of events at the University. This guidance is about embodying our responsibility to lead by example and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices.

 

Does the university provide funds for student-led sustainability projects?

The University provides annual funding for student led sustainability projects, such as funds allocated for 6 student interns to enhance the student sustainability community through online and campus activities. Examples of student-led projects include example the San Marcos Business Challenge, Green Impact, Green Fingers, UN SDG Curriculum Mapping, and Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability developed from the Sustainability Fund. See our Annual Report for an overview of some of the projects that took place in 2022/23.

Do all staff inductions cover university sustainability policy, strategy and areas for staff to engage?
The University organises regular induction events for new starters to help better understand their place of work, meet colleagues, be welcomed by senior members of staff, and hear from key contacts from across the University who can provide advice and support on many aspects of working at the University, including sustainability. As part of the staff induction session, led by the Academy, there will be an introduction to sustainability at the University. The University also provides a range of opportunities for staff to develop their understanding of sustainability and climate and ecological change, and how to implement sustainable practice into their roles at the University and beyond.
 
This includes a range of resources and support, including staff guidance, online courses, events and workshops. The sustainability team work with departments and teams across the University to provide bespoke support on how staff can make their actions in work more sustainable.
Are invitations extended to recognised Trade Union representatives by way of membership at committees to which the sustainability strategy, carbon management plan and other relevant strategic areas of sustainable development are reported?

Invitations extended to recognised Trade Union representatives by way of membership at committees to which the sustainability strategy, climate plan and other relevant strategic areas of sustainable development are reported, see Climate Action Advisory Group Terms of Reference .

Sustainability and climate action are the focus of a series of meetings between senior University leaders and local representatives from University and College Union (UCU), UNITE and UNISON, the Green New Deal (GND) University of Liverpool Action Group and the Liverpool Guild of Students.

Meetings are scheduled regularly to help foster discussions on the University’s sustainability and Climate Plan actions. They refer in part to matters raised by the Green New Deal Action Group, a collaboration between students and the campus unions, which seeks to make sustainability a priority in trade union relations with the University. Discussions include all aspects of university operations, from reducing our carbon emissions, to how we can develop and use our campus in a way which minimises our environmental impact. Sustainability in teaching, research and careers are also on the agenda as well as the University’s divestment strategy. More details can be found here.

The University of Liverpool, Campus Trade Unions, and Liverpool Guild of Students have also signed a joint Declaration of a Climate and Ecological Crisis.

Is there student representation on university committees concerned with estates, planning, finance and strategic decision making?

There is student representation on university committees concerned with estates, planning, finance and strategic decision making. The Guild of Students work closely with the University Council, and attend Sustainability Board and Advisory Group meetings to ensuring that the University’s SDG Accord commitments are being met. More information on the University’s Governance can be found here.

Does the university conduct a student or staff-led mapping, auditing or tracking of actions completed to promote environmental sustainability annually?

There's the Education for Sustainable Development UN SDG Curriculum Mapping project where students can volunteer to identify links between existing modules and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Project volunteers look to identify areas of best practice and opportunities for further development of the SDG's in their curriculum.

Does the university demonstrate commitment to education for sustainable development at a high level of strategy or senior responsibility?

There is a commitment to Education for Sustainable Development at the University of Liverpool at a high level. The ESD is being built around the interests, needs and ambitions of our students.  

A key  target in the Sustainability Strategy is ensuring that every student has the opportunity to undertake a sustainability-related module, extra-curricular activity, or other relevant learning by 2022. This target has now been achieved as a result of a collaborative project between Careers and Employability, the Centre for Innovation in Education, and the Education for Sustainable Development working group. 

In addition to the commitment within the Sustainability Strategy is the commitment within the new University wide Strategy, Liverpool2031 which commits to ‘ensure that sustainability is woven into the curriculum and wider student experience, connecting each discipline to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and enabling every student to gain relevant attributes, skills and knowledge’ and ‘create a curriculum for all which is sustainable and inclusive in its content and delivery’. The Curriculum Project was identified as one of the immediate priorities for the Education and Student Experience pillar of Liverpool2031, and aims to create a new Institutional Learning Framework that will develop graduates as employable, socially responsible global citizens, emphasising holistic skills alongside disciplinary knowledge. Education for sustainable development is a key theme of this work.

The university has developed or uses a framework or strategy for ESD?

The Centre for Innovation in Education coordinates staff development resources for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at Liverpool. These resources are in support of our institutional: Sustainability Strategy. Global Citizenship student attribute in the Liverpool Curriculum Framework. Higher education sector drivers for ESD including: The QAA’s Education for Sustainable Development guidance (March 2021). There's the Education for Sustainable Development UN SDG Curriculum Mapping project where students can volunteer to identify links between existing modules and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The university has a mechanism for reviewing and reporting on progress of the integration of Education for Sustainable Development into the curriculum with named person(s) responsible for progress?

The Education for Sustainable Development Working Group, chaired by Dr Matt Murphy - Senior Lecturer in Engineering Design, has responsibility for reviewing and reporting on progress of the integration of ESD into the curriculum. The Education for Sustainable Development Working Group's objective is to ensure that every student is aware of the University’s commitment to sustainability and the UN SDGS; and where every student is equipped with the knowledge and skills to make their own contribution to a sustainable future. 

The Education for Sustainable Development Working Group reports directly into the University's Education Committee. The Guild Liaison Committee, the Student Success Boards, and the Faculty Education Committees also report directly to the Education Committee. The Education Committee reports to Senate and Council and to the Finance and Resources Committee in relation to planning and resource allocation matters.

More details about achieving our ESD target can be found on our blog.

The university makes available support AND training to help all academic staff integrate Education for Sustainable Development into the curriculum?

The Centre for Innovation in Education coordinates staff development resources for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at Liverpool. The University provides support and training to help all academic staff integrate ESD into the curriculum. ESD staff support is available through introductory guides, toolkits, case studies, an online self-paced course, bespoke support for staff to enhance ESD in their teaching, workshops, training, events, and facilitates a staff community of practice.

Furthermore, the Curriculum Project is underway to embed sustainability, among other themes, into the Liverpool Curriculum Framework and design and approval process for new programmes and modules. 

Does the university promote real-world learning of skills for ESD, through the use of its setting as a ‘Living Lab’?

Yes, through Curriculum mapping and the Centre of Innovation in Education provides a range of opportunities for staff in the University to develop ESD within their learning and teaching. These resources are designed to enhance and develop student ESD competencies (knowledge, skills, attributes) to engage with complex real-world problems.

The Environmental Planning and Management Project is an excellent example, displaying how real-world learning can be developed through ESD. It focuses on a module that facilitates learning through the process of environmental consultancy. Students gather evidence and relate this to their practice of contextualising and formulating solutions to real-world environmental problems. More information on real-world learning through ESD can be found here. 

The university supports and highlights School, Faculty or Research team projects for Sustainable Development?

The university supports and highlights School, faculty or research team projects for Sustainable Development. There is a huge variety of projects and activities to get involved in at the University, where ideas and experiences can be shared.

The University submits evidence to the THE Impact Rankings annually to capture our impact on society based on success in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. 

There are three faculty sustainability committees which support environmental performance, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty representatives provide updates for inclusion in the monthly Sustainability Briefing note, which is circulated to key stakeholders each month, containing information and updates on key activities taking place across the University in support of the sustainability commitments set out in Liverpool 2031. 

To help address the global impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, Climate futures are harnessing high-quality research expertise spanning climate science, emissions reduction, food sustainability, air quality impacts, new materials discovery, behaviour insights, risk communication, community engagement and the development of new sustainable technologies. Climate Futures are aligning these strengths to explore impacts of climate change, develop solutions to environmental challenges and address knowledge gaps.  

See our latest SDG Annual Report which highlights School, Faculty or Research team projects for Sustainable Development.

Does the university offer multiple scholarships for the full duration and cost of the degree programme, or a full fee waiver, for people in the process of seeking asylum?

At the University of Liverpool, we offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to help make higher education more affordable. The University of Liverpool are pleased to offer tuition fee and maintenance support for up to three undergraduate students who have sought protection in the UK, so they can succeed in higher education.

The University of Liverpool has signed up to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) Global Pledge for expanding refugee access to Higher Education.

The UNHRC, with its global network, aims to expand access to higher education and self-reliance for refugee and host community youth. It has launched this global initiative which recognises the range of essential contributions that can be made by stakeholders around the world.

The University has committed to providing:

  • Up to 4 Asylum Seekers Scholarships each year for undergraduate students who are seeking asylum in the UK or are dependents of. The Asylum Seekers Scholarships cover the cost of tuition and provide awards to support the costs of study e.g. equipment, books, travel and accommodation.The value of the scholarship awarded is dependent upon individual circumstances.
  • 2-3 Humanitarian Scholarships for Masters students who have refugee status outside the UK or for Ukrainian Nationals who have EU temporary protected status. The Humanitarian Scholarships are offered across a wide range of subjects, with one dedicated to law courses funded through the School of Law and Social Justice.

In addition, the English Language Centre provides support for students to be equipped with the language skills they need to fully participate in the courses when they arrive in Liverpool.

The Humanitarian Scholarship and Asylum Bursary, along with membership of Cara and support for British Academy Researchers at Risk, form part of the University’s commitment to applying for University of Sanctuary status and its commitment to supporting global humanitarian initiatives.

Does the university offer multiple scholarships for the full duration and cost of the degree programme, or a full fee waiver, for people with refugee status or humanitarian protection?

At the University of Liverpool, we offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to help make higher education more affordable. The University of Liverpool are pleased to offer tuition fee and maintenance support for up to three undergraduate students who have sought protection in the UK, so they can succeed in higher education.

The University of Liverpool has signed up to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) Global Pledge for expanding refugee access to Higher Education.

The UNHRC, with its global network, aims to expand access to higher education and self-reliance for refugee and host community youth. It has launched this global initiative which recognises the range of essential contributions that can be made by stakeholders around the world.

The University provides:

  • Up to 4 Asylum Seekers Scholarships each year for undergraduate students who are seeking asylum in the UK or are dependents of. The Asylum Seekers Scholarships cover the cost of tuition and provide awards to support the costs of study e.g. equipment, books, travel and accommodation.The value of the scholarship awarded is dependent upon individual circumstances.
  • 2-3 Humanitarian Scholarships for Masters students who have refugee status outside the UK or for Ukrainian Nationals who have EU temporary protected status. The Humanitarian Scholarships are offered across a wide range of subjects, with one dedicated to law courses funded through the School of Law and Social Justice.

In addition, the English Language Centre provides support for students to be equipped with the language skills they need to fully participate in the courses when they arrive in Liverpool.

The Humanitarian Scholarship and Asylum Bursary, along with membership of Cara and support for British Academy Researchers at Risk, form part of the University’s commitment to applying for University of Sanctuary status and its commitment to supporting global humanitarian initiatives. More details can be found here.

Does the university offer multiple scholarships for the full duration and cost of the degree programme, or a full fee waiver, for people with other limited forms of leave to remain in the UK?

At the University of Liverpool, we offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to help make higher education more affordable. The University of Liverpool are pleased to offer tuition fee and maintenance support for up to three undergraduate students who have sought protection in the UK, so they can succeed in higher education.

The University of Liverpool has signed up to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) Global Pledge for expanding refugee access to Higher Education.

The UNHRC, with its global network, aims to expand access to higher education and self-reliance for refugee and host community youth. It has launched this global initiative which recognises the range of essential contributions that can be made by stakeholders around the world.

The University provides:

  • Up to 4 Asylum Seekers Scholarships each year for undergraduate students who are seeking asylum in the UK or are dependents of. The Asylum Seekers Scholarships cover the cost of tuition and provide awards to support the costs of study e.g. equipment, books, travel and accommodation.The value of the scholarship awarded is dependent upon individual circumstances.
  • 2-3 Humanitarian Scholarships for Masters students who have refugee status outside the UK or for Ukrainian Nationals who have EU temporary protected status. The Humanitarian Scholarships are offered across a wide range of subjects, with one dedicated to law courses funded through the School of Law and Social Justice.

In addition, the English Language Centre provides support for students to be equipped with the language skills they need to fully participate in the courses when they arrive in Liverpool.

The Humanitarian Scholarship and Asylum Bursary, along with membership of Cara and support for British Academy Researchers at Risk, form part of the University’s commitment to applying for University of Sanctuary status and its commitment to supporting global humanitarian initiatives. More details can be found here.

Does the university offer support for living costs equivalent to that received through student finance to any of the groups in Education for Sustainable Development questions?

The University provides support for students who are experiencing poverty, including hardship funding and other financial help, as well as a range of other measures such as providing subsidised food and extending access to campus facilities. We have provided a guide on provisions available, and how this supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in line with our Sustainability Strategy.

Students experiencing financial difficulty and require support can contact our Money Advice & Guidance Team at or book an online confidential one-to-one appointment. The University has a dedicated hardship fund available to provide temporary financial assistance to experiencing financial difficulties. The University Hardship Fund (UHF) is open to UK, overseas and EU undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Guild of Students also offer short-term (4 week) emergency loans of £25 for students in immediate hardship.

 

Does the university include any of the groups mentioned in Education for Sustainable Development questions in their Access and Participation plan, or equivalent agreement with a devolved funding body?

Widening Participation and Outreach team at the University of Liverpool has a well-established support programme for young people who have faced a Disrupted Education. We would like to engage with young people who have the potential to progress to university, but due to disruptions within their education, may face barriers when considering higher education. The University of Liverpool can offer bespoke information and guidance from designated outreach staff to support transition to university, and support with transport to enable participation in the University’s Open Days and Applicant Discovery Days on campus to young people who have experienced a disruption to their education. Not to mention the University’s Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Energy Sources, Waste and Recycling, Carbon Reduction and Water Reduction

Information on the University's Energy Sources, Waste and Recycling, Carbon Reduction and Water Reduction is published within the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Estates Management Record (EMR).