Sustainability
We are working towards a more sustainable future, through our research, education, and partnering activities across our campus.
It's important that we’re leading the way on sustainability – the biggest challenge facing the world – and it's significant that one of the driving forces behind this is not only our colleagues' commitment, but also our students.
Professor Jane Robinson
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Place
What we do
Our Commitment to Sustainable Research
Newcastle University is proud to be a signatory of the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. This sector-wide agreement recognises the urgent need to reduce the environmental impacts of research and commits us to delivering world-leading innovation in a more responsible and sustainable way. Led by our University Executive Board, this step marks a clear commitment to driving real change.
Our focus areas include:
- Leadership and system change
- Sustainable infrastructure
- Sustainable procurement
- Emissions from business and academic travel
- Collaborations and partnerships
- Environmental impact and reporting
As part of this commitment, Professor Matthew Grenby, PVC for Research and Innovation, sits on the EAUC Oversight Group, which advises the UK research community and monitors progress towards the Concordat’s sustainability goals. A signed statement from Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Day confirms Newcastle University's commitment.

Latest news
UK health leaders unite to protect future of medical research
Newcastle University's Vice-Chancellor has joined prominent figures across the UK health sector committing to urgent action to reverse the 'alarming decline' in clinical academic posts.
Climate change is supercharging Europe’s biggest hail
Warming may lead to less frequent but bigger and more devastating hail storms, new research has shown.
Harnessing space to fight toxic algae blooms
Newcastle University scientists are at the forefront of a UK-wide effort to use space technology to predict and monitor harmful blue-green algae blooms in Lough Neagh.