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University of Southampton signs the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation PracticeÌý

The University of SouthamptonÌýisÌýa signatoryÌýto theÌý, reaffirmingÌýitsÌýcommitment to delivering world-leading research in a way that is environmentally responsible and sustainable.Ìý

Developed collaboratively across the UK research and innovation sector, the Concordat represents a shared ambition to embed environmental sustainability intoÌýresearch culture,ÌýsystemsÌýand practice. By signingÌýthe Concordat, the University joins leading universities, research institutes and funders in committing to meaningful, collective action to reduce the environmental impacts of research and innovation.Ìý

Embedding sustainability into research at Southampton

The University’s vision is that by 2030, sustainability will be a part of everything we do, our individual behaviours, how we work together and how we make decisions for the futureÌý– see Sustainability Strategy 2026-30. This is key to achieving our mission of changing the world for the better.ÌýAs a research-intensiveÌýinstitutionÌýwe haveÌýa significant role to play in guiding our society towards a sustainable future through our research and knowledge generation,Ìýaddressing global challenges from climate change and biodiversity loss toÌýutilisation ofÌýrenewableÌýenergy,ÌýsupportingÌýresilient cities and responsible AIÌýdevelopment.

WeÌýrecognise our responsibilityÌýinÌýensuringÌýthat how we conduct research reflectsÌýonÌýour environmental values and ambitions, including our pathway to net zero.ÌýSigning the Concordat strengthens our commitment to embedding environmental sustainability across the full research lifecycle,Ìýfrom design and funding applications through to delivery,ÌýpartnershipsÌýand reporting.Ìý

Our commitments under the ConcordatÌý

By signing the Concordat, the University of Southampton commits to embedding environmental sustainability acrossÌýsix priority areasÌýof our research and innovation activity:Ìý

• Provide clear and credible leadership for environmental sustainability,Ìýfrom institutional governance to individual researchers,Ìýensuring sustainability is embedded in research culture,ÌýstrategyÌýand decision-making.Ìý
• Conduct research in an environmentally responsible manner, reducing impacts across the research lifecycle and being transparent in how we measure and report them.Ìý
• Adopt low-carbon ways of working that continue to enable global collaboration and world-leading impact, using digital innovation, interdisciplinaryÌýthinkingÌýandÌýnew technologiesÌýto reduce emissions and resource use.Ìý
• Support the transition to net zero infrastructure for research and innovation, aligned with the University’s net zero pathways and carbon reduction principles.Ìý
• Strengthen sustainable procurement, working with suppliers and partners to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and minimise environmental impacts across supply chains.Ìý
• Promote reusable alternatives and innovation in materials, reducing single-use and fossil fuel-based products whereverÌýviableÌýalternatives exist.

These priorities align closely with our Sustainability Strategy,Ìýincluding our commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes, enhancingÌýbiodiversity,Ìýand supportingÌýsustainableÌýcultureÌýacross our campuses.Ìý

Supporting our research communityÌýthrough a shared ambition

Delivering on the Concordat will require a collective effort across ourÌýResearch Groups, Departments, Schools,ÌýFaculties, andÌýProfessionalÌýServices teams. Many colleagues are alreadyÌýleadingÌýinnovative work to improve the environmental sustainability of our research practices, including participation in theÌýLaboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), which continues to expand across our research communityÌýto reduce energy use, waste and carbon emissionsÌýassociatedÌýwith our laboratories.Ìý

See our signed letter for the Research Concordat here.