Submitted by Penny Peck on Fri, 14/02/2025 - 11:31
The University of Cambridge has become a signatory to the ground-breaking Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, joining 70 signatories and supporting organisations (as of 13 February 2025).
"Not only is the Concordat a very welcome initiative to bring the sector together and address the environmental impacts of research and innovation activities, which otherwise detract from their net benefits," says Prof Judy Hirst, chair of the University's Sustainable Research Working Group, “it is also a clear signal from funders of their increasing expectations of both institutions and individuals to cut the environmental costs of the research they fund."
By signing the Concordat, the University commits to progressively embed environmental sustainability into its research and innovation practices through action in six priority areas:
- Leadership and system change
- Sustainable Infrastructure
- Sustainable procurement
- Emissions from business and academic travel
- Collaborations and partnerships
- Environmental impact and reporting data
Developed collaboratively by representatives from across the UK’s research and innovation sector, including universities, research institutes and funding organisations, the Concordat is a commitment and shared ambition to embed environmental sustainability in research practice, culture, and approach throughout the signed organisations, and collectively as a sector.