Policy and strategy

Our commitment to sustainability is embedded into our strategic planning at every level from the University Plan down. The following documents form some of the key plans and strategies that detail our approach. 

Progress on key elements of our sustainability operations can be seen in Measuring success

University Plan

Sustainability is one of the four key elements of our University Plan. Our policy aims to balance social, financial and environmental concerns. Its three elements are:

  • Ensuring that the community clearly benefits from our activities
  • Ensuring financial viability by maintaining surpluses and cash flow
  • Taking proactive measures to minimise environmental impacts and, wherever possible, enhance the environment.

The full University Plan outlines in more detail our vision for sustainability.

Sustainability strategy

Our Sustainability strategy has been approved by Senior Management Group. 

With this strategy we aim to:

  • Embed sustainability in the institutional culture
  • Create and disseminate understanding of sustainability
  • Achieve widespread recognition for best practice and innovation in sustainability
  • Enhance biodiversity and minimise our environmental footprint

Read the Sustainability Strategy Nov 2012 (PDF , 347kb)‎ in full.

Sustainable travel plan

The University of York is a popular place to work, study and visit. We have over 15,000 students and around 3,500 staff as well as external visitors all of whom live, work or travel to the campus. The potential implications for congestion and traffic pollution are obvious.

Over the years we have tried and tested a successful approach to managing the number of vehicles arriving or parking on campus. Our sustainable travel plan identifies in more detail how we will continue to do this. See also the section on sustainable travel and transport.

Carbon management plan

Carbon reduction makes good business as well as environmental sense in these times of high volatility at a time of rocketing fuel prices. Our Carbon Management Plan has been developed to detail the University of York's commitment to carbon reduction and aims to exceed the HEFCE requirements. See also the section on energy and carbon management.

Ethical investment policy

The University's ethical investment policy is based on the premise that the University's choice of where to invest should reflect the ethical values it espouses in public life.

The University will not knowingly invest in companies whose activities include practices that directly pose a risk of serious harm to individuals or groups, or whose activities are inconsistent with the mission and values of the University.

Ecological management plan

Biodiversity is an important aspect to the management of the external environment of the University. Biodiversity and habitat creation were have always been and remain a primary concern when maintaining and developing our campus.

Did you know...?

  • Despite significant growth in numbers of staff and students on Heslington West, car parking demand has remained at 1999 levels
  • The forecast savings from our carbon management initiatives amount to 20,476 tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2020
  • All new University buildings must achieve BREEAM Very Good or Excellent rating

Key contacts

University Plan

Sustainability Strategy 

Sustainable Travel Plan

Environment and energy

Carbon management plan