Queen's is committed to delivering cutting-edge research in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way.
Concordat for Environmental Sustainability in Research and Innovation
Sustainability in Research Concordat
Queen's is a signatory to the UKRI Concordat for Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, a voluntary environmental sustainability agreement that aligns with the University’s ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, and embedding the UN Sustainable Development goals across operations, teaching and research. This agreement will maximise the contribution academic research makes to the UK and Northern Ireland’s climate goals.
UKRI Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice LetterQueen's University Belfast signing the UKRI Concordat for Environmental Sustainability in Research and Innovation reflects the University’s commitment to environmentally responsible research practices and ensuring that environmental sustainability considerations are at the heart of key decisions, operations and investments.
This agreement aligns with Queen’s and UKRI’s shared objectives to integrate sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into research, innovation and leadership. It builds on our existing programmes and policies to embed sustainability into our research practices including our sustainable lab certification programme.
"The priorities set out in the Concordat align with the values and commitments of the University, as outlined in our own Strategy 2030, and will shape our ongoing work and action planning for the ambitious target of delivering Net Zero by 2040." Professor Sir Ian Greer
President and Vice-Chancellor, Queen's University Belfast
The University continues to collaborate with civic partners to exchange best practices and identify collective solutions for the region in working towards net zero, as part of our commitment to social and civic responsibility, making a positive impact locally and globally and supporting economic growth in an environmentally sustainable way.
Publicly committing to this concordat is an important milestone in our journey towards achieving net zero.
Queen’s recognises and is already working towards objectives in the six priority areas detailed in the concordat:
- Decision-making and engagement
- Carbon
- Procurement
- Efficient use of resources
- Fostering a healthy living environment
- Interactions with the physical environment
“We are proud to sign the UKRI concordat and pledge to further enhance the sustainability of our research. Our researchers work across disciplines and sectors to address local and global challenges, incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and driving real-world impact in climate change. Through this concordat we will continue to build upon our strong foundation of existing interventions and initiatives to support responsible and sustainable research practices” Professor Archie Clements
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Enterprise
Further information
- To find out more on the commitments we have made, visit Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of R&I Practice.
- For further information on the UKRI Concordat, visit Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice.