President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, has signed the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice on behalf of The University of Manchester.
The Concordat, developed by the UK research and innovation (R&I) sector, is born out of recognition from universities, research institutions and funding organisations that cutting-edge research needs to be delivered in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way.
The signing reaffirms the University's commitment to continued action in the Concordat's priority areas, including leadership, sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement, emissions from business and academic travel, collaborations and partnerships, environmental impact and reporting data. Through this commitment the University will work with the sector to reduce its negative environmental impacts and to transition to environmentally sustainable practices.
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor at The University of Manchester said: "The Concordat is a bold and collective effort to drive research and innovation in an environmentally sustainable way. As The University of Manchester steps into its third century, we want sustainability to be woven into everything we do-how we teach, how we research, and how we run our campus.
"It's a key part of our identity as a civic and global university, and it underpins our commitment to social responsibility. Together with other universities, we will continue to lead the way in the search for local and global environmental solutions, helping to shape a healthy and prosperous future for generations to come."
The University of Manchester's sustainability strategy for 2023 to 2028 roadmaps how we are taking action to reduce our carbon footprint, promote sustainability in teaching, learning, research and innovation, and engaging with the community to ensure a smooth transition to a more sustainable society.
Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research at The University of Manchester said: "Sustainable Futures is one of our research priorities at The University of Manchester - delivering solutions to urgent environmental challenges through interdisciplinary collaborations - including accelerating the energy transition to net zero, protecting biodiversity, working with industry to promote a circular economy, innovating to ensure the transition enables communities to thrive across the world, and inspiring our students through our teaching.
"Equally important, like all universities, we have a responsibility to ensure that how we organise our research protects and benefits our environment and planet. This is embedded in the University's sustainability strategy and the Concordat provides further momentum to help keep the University on track through collaboration with research partners and fellow universities, as we work together towards this shared vision for a cleaner and sustainable future."
The University of Manchester joins other Russell Group Universities in signing the Concordat, alongside major funders and learned societies including Wellcome, UK Research and Innovation, British Academy, National Institute for Health and Care Research and Cancer Research UK.
The University of Manchester is at the forefront of tackling global sustainability challenges and is renowned for its world-leading research. It consistently ranks as a global leader - most recently 2nd in the world and 1st in the UK in The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in recognition of its commitment and contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Recent research and innovation by scientists from the University includes a team which have developed a new material that can reduce water pollution caused by harmful chemicals, while another group of researchers has investigated the effects of climate change on UK peatlands. Innovation is taking place across the University to find sustainable solutions to the climate crisis, including in the field of graphene, which was isolated at the University at the beginning of the century.
