Sustainability events

Interested in taking part in sustainability-related events and activities at the University of York?

The University offers a wide range of events, workshops, conferences, and activities focused on sustainability, designed to engage, educate and inspire our staff, students and wider community on environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

From campus biodiversity walks and green lectures to city volunteering projects and sustainability conferences, there's something for everyone.

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Sustainability at York

York Festival of Ideas 2026

Natural World events

York Festival of Ideas 2026 is now live, featuring an exciting and diverse programme running from 30 May to 12 June. This year explores 'Place and Space’ with over 200 mostly free in-person and online events designed to educate, entertain and inspire.

Explore one of this year’s key themes, 'Natural World', featuring a range of inspiring events focused on nature and the environment. Step into nature with St. Nicks, hear about York Minster’s sustainable future, find out whether games can save the planet, and listen to some poetry in the woods (plus so much more).

Natural World events

Upcoming events

Event

'Sustainabili-Tea' drop in

Wednesday 6 May 2026 12pm

Come along to our first Sustainabili-Tea social to meet like-minded people and help us build a friendly community for sustainability on campus. Refreshments included (open to staff and students).

Event

Play for nature

Thursday 7 May 2026 10am

Using board games to protect the planet’s biodiversity - a case study with the makers of Kavango Board Game.

Event

National Emergency Briefing film screening

Tuesday 12 May 2026 6pm

Join us at the University of York Sustainability Clinic to watch the briefing together and discuss our responses with Dr Abi Perrin.

More events

Featured events

Sustainability Week

Annually in March: Sustainability Week features a wide range of sustainability-related events for staff, students and alumni engage with in order to raise awareness about environmental and social issues.

Big Community Challenge

Annually in October: The Big Community Challenge is a month-long project coordinated by York Cares, and brings teams together to make transformational changes to green spaces across the city.

York Environment Festival

Annually in September/October: York Environment Festival offers a month-long programme of events for all those interested in learning about environment-related issues and making York a greener place.

Knowledge sharing events

Student Sustainability Research Conference

Annually in March: Hosted at the University of Leeds, this conference brings together undergraduate and postgraduate students from universities across Yorkshire to share their sustainability projects and research. The event provides a welcoming and supportive space for students to showcase their work, exchange ideas and build connections.

Play for the Planet conference

Annually in April: Play for the Plant brings together educators, researchers and game developers to engage playfully with games. Anyone with an interest in game design and research in the context of the climate and ecological crises is welcome to share experiences, connect with each other and play.

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Sustainability at York