Sustainability newsletter
December 2025
A year of success
Welcome to the first edition of the University of York’s refreshed sustainability newsletter. This December, we're celebrating the highlights of 2025 and recognising the staff and students driving positive change across our community.
In this issue, discover inspiring projects funded by the SU Sustainable Development Grant, learn how we're building a more sustainable research culture, and explore standout moments from this year’s Sustainability Clinic module.
We’re also sharing a look ahead to 2026 - including upcoming opportunities, events and ways to get involved.
A look back at 2025
SUCCESSES
Sustainability stories from our community.
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN ANNUAL REPORT: FOUR YEARS OF PROGRESS, THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Since launching our Sustainability Plan in 2021, we have made significant steps in advancing our goals. Now nearing the halfway point, our latest Annual Sustainability Plan Report, published in November 2025, highlights some of the key steps we have taken to enhance and embed sustainability across our University community, as well as our priorities going forward.
The report showcases some of our successes so far, from tackling climate change and natural resource usage within our operations, educational programmes and extracurricular activities, enhancing sustainability in what and how we undertake research, as well as work supporting the wider city community.
The report also shares some of our key projects set out in the plan to continue our sustainability journey. These priorities include increasing awareness, providing further structured support, creating Sustainability Champions and expanding our networks. We will also continue to embed sustainability across major institutional policies and processes.
Your continued support is vital in helping make the University of York a sustainable place to live, learn and work.
SU Sustainable development grant: successful projects
Funded by the University’s Latte Levy, the York Students' Union Sustainable Development Grant offers funding to staff and student projects that aim to address at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals within the York Community.
In 2025, the York SU Sustainable Development Grant has given over £7900 to 20 projects, driving forward sustainability at York. Some highlights from the year include:
- Supporting beehives and sunflowers growing on campus.
- Helping Tech Soc and Women's Rugby Union reduce their waste.
- Supporting students from local schools to engage with environmental sustainability.
- Helping Creatures on Campus monitor biodiversity across campus.
Thank you to all the students and staff who have used the Sustainable Development Grant to do something incredible on campus - your work is inspiring!
Are you interested in starting a sustainability project but need funding? Find out how you can apply for the SU Sustainable Development Grant.
The next application deadline is 16 January 2026.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM
THE SUSTAINABILITY CLINIC
The Sustainability Clinic is an elective York Interdisciplinary Module (YIM) that brings students and local organisations together to address real sustainability challenges. Working in interdisciplinary teams, students receive a brief from a community partner — whether a business, charity or public sector organisation — and develop practical solutions.
Throughout 2024–25, student teams have made a real difference. Projects have ranged from delivering sustainability storytelling sessions in local libraries and supporting sustainable land management on nearby farms, to helping primary school pupils launch their own Healthy Living campaign.
This year, the Clinic’s reach has grown further, contributing to University-wide initiatives such as the York Festival of Ideas and becoming an active hub for sustainability events.
Our Clinic partners consistently highlight the quality and impact of students’ work: helping shape clear action plans, raising awareness among key stakeholders, inspiring future generations, and even supporting funding bids for key sustainability initiatives.
Students also recognise the value of the experience, building transferable skills, applying sustainability thinking in real-world contexts, and making a positive contribution to the local community.
“The Sustainability Clinic module was such a rewarding and enriching experience, offering a unique opportunity to apply sustainability principles in a real world context while making a meaningful impact. This interdisciplinary approach not only broadened my understanding of sustainability challenges but also enhanced my ability to work effectively in a team with different skill sets and backgrounds”.
Thank you to all staff, students and partners who took part in the Sustainability Clinic this year. Read the full Sustainability Clinic Highlights Report 2024-25. Interested in applying for the Sustainability Clinic or other YIMs in 2026? Visit our York Interdisciplinary Modules web page to find out more.
Sustainability Clinic team presenting their project at the Student Sustainability Research Conference, March 2025
Sustainability Clinic team presenting their project at the Student Sustainability Research Conference, March 2025
Students in the Sustainability Clinic space, Campus West
Students in the Sustainability Clinic space, Campus West
Student team attending a site visit to MiddleMarsh Reserve during their project with Thirteen Group.
Student team attending a site visit to MiddleMarsh Reserve during their project with Thirteen Group.
GREEN IMPACT LAB ACCREDITATION SUCCESS!
Our research community at York is celebrating a huge success with the completion of the first Green Impact Lab Accreditation (or GILA) cycle.
Working throughout the summer and into the autumn, 31 teams from wet labs across Biology, Chemistry, School of Physics Engineering and Technology, Geography & Environment gathered evidence to complete up to 54 lab relevant actions from the nationally standardised GILA list.
The teams were audited in October by trained York student auditors, in conjunction with SOS UK who run the Green Impact programme nationally, and successfully achieved over 175 points. These 31 successful teams can now use the accreditation to demonstrate progress towards embedding sustainability in their research, which is a prerequisite of applying for funding for any CRUK or Wellcome Trust grants.
"Congratulations to our research and laboratory community at York on the first successful completion cycle for Green Impact Lab Accreditation. The speed and determination of teams to achieve this has been impressive, and thank you to all who have given their time to ensure this outstanding result."
New and existing lab teams can now join the GILA Toolkit 2025/26 to continue their sustainability journey.
INTRODUCING THE SUSTAINABILITY
CHAMPIONS NETWORK
This year, sustainability work at the University has reached a new milestone with the launch of our institution-wide Sustainability Champions Network.
Our first group of champions, nominated from departments across the University, brings a diverse range of professional experience, strong knowledge of their buildings and teams, and a shared commitment to sustainability. They are already leading by example, working with colleagues on the Energy Saving Campaign to help reduce energy use and cut waste.
Over the coming year, our Sustainability Champions will meet regularly to share ideas, develop new projects and collaborate on initiatives that support a more sustainable University.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Sustainability Champion in the future, please contact sustainability@york.ac.uk for further information.
lookING AHEAD TO 2026
Get involved in Sustainability at York next year!
Here are some opportunities coming up in the new year:
- Sustainability Week is happening in March 2026: Register your interest to run an event or activity.
- Want to start a sustainability project on campus? Apply for the York SU Sustainable Development Grant (next deadline: 16 January 2026).
- Apply to study a York Interdisciplinary Module (including the Sustainability Clinic) in Semester 2, 2026. Find out how you can apply!
- Present your student project at the annual Student Sustainability Research Conference in March 2026: Apply to present your work.
- For staff: Visit our Staff Sustainability Hub.
- For students: Visit our Student Sustainability Opportunities Hub.
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