Sustainability
We aim to:
- Embed sustainability in the institutional culture: promote sustainable working and living practices and make sustainability core to our structures, governance, decision-making and operational processes.
- Create and disseminate understanding of sustainability: lead in generating the knowledge to enhance sustainability in society and embed sustainability in the curriculum and professional development provided to the university community.
- Achieve widespread recognition for best practice and innovation in sustainability: be recognised as an exemplar of good practice in sustainability.
- Enhance biodiversity and minimise our environmental footprint: be more effective in our use of resources and make large reductions in use of natural resources, in carbon emissions and waste production.
The Sustainability Strategy Nov 2012 (PDF 
, 347kb) sets out in more detail the objectives underpinning these aspirations. The Action Plan (Sustainability Tracker (MS Excel 
, 35kb) sets out more detail of how this should be achieved.
The University Plan has elements of sustainability embedded throughout and refers specifically to the sustainability of the institution in Enabling Objective 1.
Environmental Sustainability Policy
As a prestigious Russell Group University, we have the capability to deliver extensive environmental contributions through our internationally recognised academic teaching, research programmes and campus-based activities.
Our Environmental Sustainability Policy sets out our commitments to:
- Develop our environmental management systems
- Protect the environment and minimise pollutions from our activities
- Comply with environmental rules and regulations
- Increase sound scientific knowledge of environmental sustainability through our research and educational programmes
Our developments
We have a wide range of initiatives, activities and actions that contribute to the University's position as a sustainable institution. For the full range of our initiatives check out our Sustainable York guide. Here are some of our most recent developments:
- Carbon management plan
targets set above HEFCE requirements - Waste management
increasing recycling rates (already achieved zero to landfill) - Sustainable travel incentives
reduction in car use against an increase in staff and student numbers - Green initiatives
eg York Print Plus reduction in personal printers and introduction of 100% recycled paper - Catering contracts
use of local produce and our Fairtrade status - Staff and student promotions
including Student Switch Off campaign in halls and Green Impact teams within departments - Sustainable development
Minimum BREEAM Very Good status for new buildings on campus
Modern Slavery Act statement
We are fully aware of our obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and we have summarised here the steps we have taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in our supply chains or in any part of our core activities.