Skip to Content

Campus Activities

University Operations

NET ZERO 2040

Queen’s University is committed to ensuring sustainability is incorporated into every aspect of its operations.

A Net Zero future is Queen's University Belfast's main environmental goal, with our Net Zero Plan launched in 2023. 

We have embedded sustainability across all of our operations from the day-to-day management of the University Estate to the policies we have in place for ensuring the wellbeing of our staff and students.

Over £10 million invested in carbon reduction projects

20% increase in cycling parking provision

21% reduction of carbon emissions

At an institutional level

>50% low carbon energy

(Electricity consumed, generated using low carbon technology)

Over 90% waste diverted from landfill

On Campus Energy

We generate heat and electricity on campus and use renewable energy for all electricity from the National Grid.

Cycle Friendly Campus

We've received a Gold award from Cycling UK

Green Flag Campus

Awarded a Green Flag Award for high quality public green space on our Lanyon site.

100% renewable electricity used on campus

Six Biodiversity Hot Spot Areas

68 Labs with LEAF Accreditation

Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework

88 Green Fund Projects

Two students walking from the library
OUR NET-ZERO JOURNEY

Queen's has pledged a multi-million pound investment in our Net Zero Plan to help us play our part in tackling the global climate emergency.

The Net Zero Plan will help us reach net zero emissions by 2040, continuing the journey that commenced in 2010 when our Carbon Management Plan commenced.

Visit our Net Zero website for more information.

School of Biological sciences
BUILDING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Sustainability is integrated across the design and construction of our University estate.

Sustainability is being integrated in every element of our new buildings and refurbishments. Elements include materials, waste, water, energy, travel and biodiversity. 

Sustainable Construction

A bike outside the Lanyon
PEDALLING TO PROGRESS

The University are committed to supporting our staff and students to travel green to Queen's.

The university has committed to reduce carbon emissions associated with commuting by 25% by 2028 via a range of measures. How we will do this is set out in our Travel Plan 20223-28

Big Loop Bikes | Travel to Work Loan Scheme | Cycle Plus Scheme

Procurement staff on a computer
SUPPLYING HIGH STANDARDS

We have developed a Supply Chain Code of Conduct which is applicable to all suppliers and links directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The purpose of the Code will create awareness across our suppliers of social, ethical, economic and environmental issues. The Code will help suppliers understand the behaviours and standards that are expected of them and their supply chains when working on University contracts.

Sustainable Procurement

Bus opposite Queen's
GREENING OUR ENERGY SOURCES

Queen’s journey to net zero carbon emissions started in 2010, with the roll-out of the Carbon Management Plan and in 2023 the University published its Net Zero Plan 2040.

Significant investment in greening our energy has taken place. This includes integrating renewable energy technology, sourcing 100% of our imported electricity from renewable sources and investing in energy efficiency equipment via out own Green Revolving Fund. 

Energy and Carbon Management at Queen's

WASTE AND RECYCLING

The University is focused at prevention, and reduction, of waste across the campus.

Alongside recycling facilities located across campus, a number of waste reduction initiatives are ongoing. This includes asset management software to reduce chemical waste, latte levy and a 2GoCup return scheme. 

Waste and Recycling

Volunteer gardeners
ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY

Throughout the year staff, students and our local community work to enhance biodiversity on and off campus.

This includes creating six 'biodiversity hot spot areas' throughout campus, and engaging with our community via a number of projects and initiatives. 

Biodiversity at Queen's

A lab
GREENING OUR LABORATORIES

Laboratories across our campus are accredited with Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF).

LEAF supports our staff and students to embed sustainability into their labs, addressing emissions associated with waste, water and energy.

LEAF

ENGAGING WITH SUSTAINABILITY

Staff, Students and our local community have a part to play in enhancing sustainability at Queen's.

To ensure our community is aware of the climate emergency we are facing, and are provided with the resources needed to act for our planet, a range of sustainability events, initiatives and programmes take place within Queen's.

Green Fund | LEAF | Carbon Literacy Training

Events and Campaigns