Sustainability | About | Queen's University Belfast Share Email Sustainability Sustainability Themed Research Education for Sustainable Development at Queen's Campus Activities Sustainability Themed Outreach A Net Zero University Meet our Team Sustainability Engagement Platform Events The Ripple Effect Podcast Blogs Sustainability Towards a better and more sustainable future for all Sustainability at Queen's Our University Commitment to Sustainability As a global institution, we have a major role to play in making a positive impact in our environment. Our Strategy 2030 sets out how we will embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals across all our activities, from research and education to adopting a leadership role in the promotion of the SDGs, and leading by example in areas such as equality, diversity and inclusion, sustainable procurement and a commitment to disinvestment from fossil fuels. We are a signatory to the UN Accord , which recognises the key role that global universities have in nurturing a culture of sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 through research and education. We are committed to embedding them in every aspect of our activity. A Net Zero University Queen's University Belfast has committed to achieving net zero by 2040 across scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Reaching net zero emissions will require collective effort and support from all our staff, students, and external partners. Our Net Zero Plan was launched in October 2023 and details how we will integrate climate action into all that we do. Queen's University Belfast Net Zero Plan Sustainability in Research Queen's commits to promoting environmentally responsible research practices. Queen’s is a signatory to the new UKRI Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. The signing reflects the University’s commitment to ensuring that environmental sustainability considerations are at the heart of key decisions, operations and investments. This agreement aligns with Queen’s and UKRI’s shared objectives to integrate sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into research, innovation, and leadership. Find out more about our commitment to the Concordat for Environmental Sustainability in Research and Innovation Annual Sustainability Report 2024-25 Our Annual Sustainability Report highlights our staff, student and local community's sustainability successes and achievements for 2024-25 Key themes include Sustainability in Campus Activities, Research and Sustainable Solutions, Sustainability in our Education, Outreach and Partnerships, and Engaging our Community on Sustainability. Annual Sustainability Report 2024-25 Sustainability News Time is still crucial for energy - but the issue has moved from daylight savings to smart grids 26 March 2026 Queen’s University ranked 70th in QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 29 January 2026 Arts Council puts Culture and Climate in the spotlight at Queen’s 11 November 2025 Queen’s University first to be recognised as a Platinum Cycle Friendly Employer 30 October 2025 Queen's Business School wins second, major architecture award in as many months 23 July 2025 Queen’s recognised as leading institution in global rankings 19 June 2025 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT RANKINGS In the Times Higher Education 2025 Impact Rankings , Queen’s overall was ranked 79th out of 2,526 universities worldwide. Partnership for the Goals #Ranked 32nd Reduced Inequalities #Ranked 31st Sustainable Cities and Communities #Ranked 101-200 Life Below Water #Ranked 14th Life on Land #Ranked 29th Responsible Consumption and Production #Ranked 90th A Sustainable University Queen's sustainability journey commenced in 2010 ensuring our campus now has sustainability embedded across the campus. Sustainability has been addressed across a number of different areas - construction, energy, waste, water, biodiversity, travel and community engagement. Our green and sustainable campus activities Leading Sustainability Research Queen’s has a proud history of conducting innovative, impactful and world-leading research that has positively changed people’s lives. Our researchers work across disciplines and sectors to address local and global challenges, incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and driving real-world impact in climate change. View our Sustainability Research Teaching the next generation of Sustainability leaders We prepare our students for leadership and citizenship in a global society, committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Our educational programmes are increasingly focused on embracing the ethos of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at a local, national and global level. By supporting meaningful engagement between students, research leaders and innovators, we equip students with the skills to improve lives for future generations. View more on Education for Sustainable Development Teaching the next generation of Sustainability leaders - View more on Education for Sustainable Development Queen’s Voices On Sustainability Staff, students and our local community share a range of expertise and perspectives related to sustainability. The university host a range of events that enable our community to sharing best practice on how we as a society can address our climate and biodiversity crises. See More On Our Sustainability Events Queen’s Voices On Sustainability - See More On Our Sustainability Events Outreach and Engagement Locally our staff and students have been working on a wide range of programmes within our community to embed the SDGs. Taking direction from our Social Charter we work with a range of community organisations through our Science Shop, bring our students and the community together through our volunteer programmes and provide funding to bring the green ideas of staff and students to life. More on our Outreach and Engagement programmes Wellbeing and Diversity The University is committed to supporting SDGs through wellbeing policies and programmes for staff and students, to assist them with their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. A range of programmes have been delivered throughout the year including WOW events (Wellbeing on Weekday) for students and Lunch and Learn sessions for staff. Staff Wellbeing & Diversity Student Wellbeing & Diversity Meet our team Queen’s University Belfast are committed to progressing positive sustainability change within Queen’s campus and beyond. To achieve sustainability action, staff and student support is needed throughout campus, within teaching, research, operations and the students’ union. On this page we have included information on those groups, staff and students who are key to decision-making and the delivery of key sustainability strategies and initiatives. Close Search