People & Planet University League

1. Does the university work to an environmental sustainability strategy, setting SMART targets for reducing environmental impact [across 8 key areas]?
The University’s Sustainability Strategy sets SMART targets for reducing environmental impacts and can be viewed here.

2. Does the university have an externally verified environmental management system (EMS), does it cover the whole university estate and what level of accreditation has been achieved?
Yes, the University conducts comprehensive audits of its environmental impacts annually as part of its ISO14001 accredited Environmental Management System (EMS). Maintaining this certification requires continual improvement through an effective audit process, including both internal and external audits. Over the past five years, the University has completed six audits, ensuring compliance and driving ongoing environmental performance improvements. You can read more about our EMS here.

1. Is sustainability included within the portfolio of responsibilities of a member of the university senior management team?
Sustainability is included within the portfolio of responsibilities of a member of the University’s Senior Leadership Team. Nicola Davies, Chief Financial Officer, is the Executive Lead for Sustainability and Chair of the Sustainability Committee, providing strategic oversight of the University’s sustainability agenda and delivery of the Sustainability Strategy.

2. Does the university have a dedicated sustainability department, or a sustainability committee that has a remit for setting and implementing the sustainability strategy of the organisation?

The University has an active Sustainability Committee and dedicated Sustainability Team responsible for coordinating and overseeing delivery of the Sustainability Strategy and monitoring progress against the University's sustainability objectives.

Does the institution have an active, robust and publicly available Ethical Investment Policy that is clearly approved and reviewed by a relevant individual/committee within the university?
The University’s publicly available Ethical Investment Policy can be found here.

The Ethical Investment Policy applies to the full scope of the University's investments and commits the University to investing its funds on a socially responsible basis with due regard to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. The Policy adopts both the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and the United Nations Global Compact principles relating to human rights, labour standards, environmental responsibility and anti-corruption.

The Policy is overseen by the Investments Sub-Committee, is subject to regular review, and is approved through the University's governance framework. Implementation of the Policy is supported through an annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) review of the University's external fund managers. Fund managers are required to provide evidence of ESG performance, including alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, carbon emissions, biodiversity considerations, stewardship and responsible investment practices. This enables the University to actively monitor implementation of the Ethical Investment Policy and encourage continual improvement across its investment portfolio.

The university commits to including student representation on its investment committee(s).
A list of committee members that oversee investments can be found here: Investments Sub-Committee Terms of Reference. The Ethical Investment Policy commits to including a Student Representative Officer within the constitution of the Investments Sub-Committee. This ensures student representation within investment governance and decision-making processes. The annual ESG review process is also informed through collaboration between the Sustainability Team, Finance Department and Liverpool Guild of Students, ensuring student priorities continue to inform responsible investment practices and policy development.

There are clear ongoing opportunities for the wider student body and staff community to engage with the policy.
Yes. The Ethical Investment Policy allows members of the University community to make representations regarding investment exclusions and to raise concerns directly with the Chair or Secretary of the Investments Sub-Committee. In addition, ethical investment and divestment are discussed through regular engagement between senior University leaders, recognised Trade Unions, Liverpool Guild of Students and sustainability stakeholder groups.

There is a commitment, on an annual basis, to publicly disclose/list all investments being held in different companies across all asset classes and the market value of those holdings.
Yes. The Ethical Investment Policy commits the University to publishing annually a list of companies and other investments in which University funds are invested. The University publishes an annual list of investments covering both UK and overseas holdings.

Commitment, in Policy, to Screen out Specific Sectors:

Commitment to screen out fossil fuel companies: partial commitment or full commitment to screen out all fossil fuel companies?
Yes. The Ethical Investment Policy excludes direct investments in companies deriving significant revenues from the extraction and production of fossil fuels, including thermal coal, oil, gas and tar sands. This can be found under 'exclusions' in the Ethical Investment Policy.

Partial commitment or full commitment to screen out all arms companies?
Yes. The Ethical Investment Policy excludes direct investments in companies deriving significant revenues from the manufacture or sale of armaments. This can be found under 'exclusions' in the Ethical Investment Policy. 

Does the Ethical Investment Policy commit to screen out companies complicit in violation of international law?
The Ethical Investment Policy adopts the United Nations Global Compact principles, including commitments relating to internationally recognised human rights and avoiding complicity in human rights abuses.

Does the Ethical Investment Policy include a commitment to invest in renewable energy companies and/or funds supporting renewable infrastructure and/or social justice solutions with measurable, real-world impact?
The Ethical Investment Policy requires investment managers to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions and supports responsible investment principles. As part of the University's annual ESG review process, fund managers are asked to demonstrate alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, carbon emissions reporting, biodiversity considerations and stewardship activities, encouraging continual improvement in responsible investment practices.

Does the institution have a robust and publicly available Ethical Banking Policy reported on at the senior level?
The University of Liverpool maintains a robust and publicly available Treasury Management Policy, overseen and approved at senior level by the University Council. By adhering to CIPFA’s Treasury Management Code of Practice, the University demonstrates a commitment to responsible and transparent financial management. The policy emphasises the security and ethical stewardship of funds, providing a sound basis for ethical banking practices. Senior-level reporting and public accessibility of the policy offer a framework through which ethical considerations could be incorporated and monitored. 

Transparency and Accountability:

Does the university website collate information in one place about investment practices and procedures in such a way that facilitates greater transparency and access to information for students, staff and the general public?

The University actively monitors implementation of its Ethical Investment Policy through an annual ESG review of external fund managers. Fund managers are required to provide evidence of environmental, social and governance performance, including alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, carbon emissions, biodiversity considerations, governance and stewardship activities.

Responses are reviewed using a standardised reporting framework and discussed with individual fund managers to encourage continual improvement and greater transparency. The annual review supports oversight by the Investments Sub-Committee and enables the University to monitor progress against its ethical investment objectives.

The University publishes the following information relating to ethical investment and banking:

• Ethical Investment Policy

• Annual List of Investments

• Investments Sub-Committee Membership and Terms of Reference

• Treasury Management Policy

The University documents investment policy reviews through its governance structures. 

Does the institution have an active and publicly available ethical careers policy?
Yes. The University has a publicly available Ethical Careers Policy, which can be found here. The Policy sets out how Careers and Employability supports students and graduates to make informed career decisions based on their own values, priorities and understanding of wider societal and environmental issues.

The University operates a publicly available Job Posting Policy which sets out the requirements employers must meet before opportunities can be promoted to students and graduates through Careers and Employability services.

All vacancies advertised through Careers and Employability are subject to review and approval by the Careers and Employability Team and must comply with the University's Job Posting Policy. Opportunities that are discriminatory, misleading, unlawful, present undue health and safety risks, charge participation fees, or fail to meet minimum legal employment standards are not permitted.

The Policy follows guidance set out in the Best Practice in Graduate Recruitment Guide agreed by the Graduate Futures Institute (GFI), Institute of Student Employers (ISE) and National Union of Students (NUS), helping to ensure opportunities advertised to students and graduates meet recognised standards of fairness, transparency and good practice.

There should be evidence within the policy itself that it was last updated/reviewed within the last 4 years
Yes. The Ethical Careers Policy was published in April 2023 and is publicly available on the University website.

There should be evidence within the policy itself that it has been signed off at a senior level
Yes. The Ethical Careers Policy is approved by the Director of Careers and Employability, providing senior-level oversight and accountability for the Policy and its implementation.

Is information about the careers service structure and staff accessible and clear?
Yes. The University provides a dedicated Careers and Employability service for students and graduates. Information on careers support, services, resources, employer engagement activities and contact details is publicly available through the Careers and Employability page.

Does the careers structure/staff page state any third-party careers services the university works with, or confirm it does not work with third-party careers services?
The University operates a dedicated in-house Careers and Employability service for students and graduates. Information on careers support, employer engagement activities, staff and student services is publicly available through the Careers and Employability webpages. Careers support and employer engagement activities are delivered through the University's Careers and Employability Team, and vacancies advertised to students and graduates are reviewed and approved in accordance with the University's Job Posting Policy.

1. Does the University have a publicly available carbon management plan?
The University has a comprehensive and publicly available strategic framework for carbon management comprising the Sustainability Strategy, Climate Plan and Energy Strategy 2031+. Together, these documents set out the University's approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, transitioning to low-carbon heat and power, and achieving a transition to Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and Net Zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050. Likewise objectives also form part of the University’s Estates Strategy 2031+.

2. Does it include a carbon emissions baseline for 2005 or later which covers all scope 1 and 2 emissions?

Yes. The Climate Plan and HESA Estate Management Return both include a 2005 baseline for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and sets out the University's pathway to achieving net zero emissions. The University reports annual emissions data through its financial statements, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Estates Management Record (EMR), and the Standardised Carbon Emissions Framework (SCEF) with the latter operating a 2022/23 baseline across all scopes. The Sustainability Strategy Progress Report confirms a Scope 1 and 2 baseline of 40,208 tCO₂e in 2005 and reports annual performance against this baseline. Emissions data is publicly reported and monitored through the University's sustainability governance arrangements.

3. Does the Carbon Management Plan include a Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon reduction target consistent with at least 80% reduction by 2050 and at least one milestone before 2030?
Yes. The University has committed to achieving a transition to net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050 through its Sustainability Strategy and Climate Plan and aligned with national policy goals. Interim milestones and reduction pathways are included within the Climate Plan and supporting strategies. The Sustainability Strategy identifies achieving a transition towards net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and Scope 3 emissions by 2050 as a core measure of success.

4. Does the Carbon Management Plan name persons or titles responsible for the carbon reduction plan?
The Carbon Management Plan clearly identifies named persons or job titles responsible for delivering the carbon reduction actions. Appendix 1 of the Carbon Management Plan provides an overview of these Reduction Plans and specifies the job titles accountable for each action, ensuring clear accountability and progress monitoring. In addition, oversight is provided through the Sustainability Committee, chaired by the Chief Financial Officer, while implementation responsibilities sit across Property and Campus Services and other relevant departments. The Energy Strategy 2031+ also identifies the University of Liverpool Energy Company (ULEC) as accountable for implementation of the Energy Strategy.

5. Is there a reporting mechanism for monitoring the plan?

Progress against the Climate Plan is monitored through the Sustainability Committee as outlined in the Governance section of the Climate Plan, and reported through annual sustainability reporting, inlcuding the Sustainability Strategy Progress Report, and financial reporting. Environmental performance is also monitored through the University's ISO14001-certified Environmental Management System, the annual HESA Estate Management return, and through relevant KPIs under the University’s Estate Strategy 2031+. Reporting against the Energy Strategy is additionally made to ULEC.

7. Is there a sustainable travel policy that seeks to reduce emissions from staff travel?
The University has a Sustainable Travel Guide was  and Business Travel and Expenses Policy that promote lower-carbon travel choices and support reductions in business travel emissions. The guidance was developed in response to staff travel survey findings and forms part of the University's wider approach to reducing Scope 3 emissions associated with travel and transport.

8. Does the university calculate total carbon emissions attributed to offsite, externally managed residential accommodation?
Residential accommodation emissions are reported annually through the HESA Estates Management Record (EMR). Carbon emissions associated with student accommodation form part of the University's carbon reporting and monitoring processes.

9. Does the Carbon Management Plan report Scope 3 emissions for: Purchased goods and services?

The Climate Plan reports Scope 3 emissions associated with Purchased Goods and Services and establishes a baseline of 117,503 tCO₂e for 2022/23. The Responsible Procurement Policy supports emissions reduction across this category by embedding carbon reduction, whole-life costing, circular economy principles, Net Zero supply chain engagement and supplier sustainability reporting within procurement processes.

10. Does the Carbon Management Plan report Scope 3 emissions for: Capital goods including building and refurbishment?

The Climate Plan reports Scope 3 emissions associated with Capital Goods and identifies the Responsible Procurement Policy and sustainable guidance documentation for capital works as key reduction drivers for this emissions category. The Responsible Procurement Policy requires sustainability to be embedded within procurement, including a minimum 10% sustainability weighting in tenders, consideration of whole-life costs and environmental performance during supplier selection.

11. Does the Carbon Management Plan report Scope 3 emissions for: Transportation of goods to the institution?

Emissions associated with the procurement and supply chain are reported within the Scope 3 category Purchased Goods and Services, which has a baseline of 117,503 tCO₂e.

12. Does the Carbon Management Plan report Scope 3 emissions for:

Waste: The Climate Plan reports Scope 3 emissions associated with waste generated in operations and establishes a baseline of 127 tCO₂e for 2022/23. The Waste and Resources Management Plan is the reduction plan for waste emissions.

Business Travel: The Climate Plan reports Scope 3 emissions associated with Business Travel and establishes a baseline of 1,467 tCO₂e for 2022/23. The Business Travel and Expenses Policy and Sustainable Travel Guidance are the reduction plans for this emissions category.

UK Student Travel & International Student Travel: The University's Climate Plan reports Scope 3 emissions associated with Student Commuting under the category Downstream Transportation and Distribution (Student Commuting) and establishes a baseline of 3,366 tCO₂e for 2022/23. The University continues to develop and enhance Scope 3 reporting through implementation of the Standardised Carbon Emissions Framework (SCEF).

Student accommodation (excluding externally managed accommodation on university estates: The Climate Plan reports Scope 3 emissions associated with Upstream Leased Assets. Residential accommodation emissions are reported through the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Estates Management Record (EMR).

1. Is the University accredited by the Living Wage Foundation as a Living Wage employer?
The University is an accredited Living Wage Employer through the Living Wage Foundation. The University is committed to paying all directly employed staff at least the Real Living Wage and works with suppliers and contractors to promote fair pay practices. Further information is available through the University's Modern Slavery Statement and the Living Wage Foundation website.

2. Does the university have a policy that ensures outsourced staff receive the same or equivalent pay and benefits as directly employed staff?
The University is committed to fair employment practices and equality of opportunity across its workforce. Through its procurement processes, supplier standards and employment policies, the University seeks to ensure fair treatment of staff delivering services on its behalf. Information relating to pay and employment practices is published through the University's Statutory Pay Gap Reports and procurement policies.

3. Is the institution a Fairtrade University?
The University has achieved the Fairtrade University and College Award and currently holds a One Star Fairtrade University and College Award. The University promotes Fairtrade principles through procurement, catering, awareness raising, student engagement and annual Fairtrade campaigns.

4. Are the university ITC supply chains covered by Electronics Watch?
The University is a member of the North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC) and procures ICT equipment through framework agreements that are affiliated with Electronics Watch. Through this membership the University supports independent monitoring of labour rights within global ICT supply chains and works collaboratively with other higher education institutions to improve working conditions within the electronics sector. More can be found on the University’s Procurement pages and the NWUPC website.

5. Is the university signed up to the Can't Buy My Silence universities pledge?
The University is signed up to the Can't Buy My Silence universities pledge to stop using NDAs for complaints about sexual harassment, abuse or misconduct, or other forms of harassment and bullying.

6. What proportion of all academic staff are on fixed term contracts?
This information is reported annually through the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Staff Record. Further information on University workforce data is available through the University's workforce and equality reporting webpages.

1. Does the university have a publicly-available sustainable food policy (or a Sustainable Procurement Policy which integrates sustainability criteria for food) that is reported on annually at a senior level of the university?

The University has a publicly available Sustainable Food and Drink Policy. The Policy aligns with the Sustainability Strategy, Climate Plan, Responsible Procurement Policy and Waste and Resources Management Plan, supporting delivery of the University's sustainability objectives. The Policy is reviewed annually for currency, with a formal review every three years, and implementation is led by Catering and Hospitality Services working with Procurement, Sustainability Teams and other relevant stakeholders. Progress is monitored through the Sustainable Campus Operations Implementation Group (SCOIG) and Sustainability Committee.

2. Does the university's sustainable food policy require that sustainability standards are embedded in tenders & contracts with external contractors?
The Sustainable Food and Drink Policy requires sustainability considerations to be embedded within food procurement and supplier relationships. The University uses nominated suppliers regulated through membership of TUCO (The University Caterers Organisation) and commits to sourcing food sustainably and ethically. This includes the use of local suppliers where possible, sustainable seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, Red Tractor assured products, Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance accredited products, and ongoing engagement with suppliers to reduce packaging and environmental impacts. Sustainability requirements are embedded, where relevant, within food and drink tenders, contracts and contract management processes, including those delivered by external providers. Food procurement aligns with the University's Responsible Procurement Policy and prioritises suppliers demonstrating responsible environmental practices, ethical trading and compliance with relevant legislation, while encouraging seasonal and lower-impact supply chains, fair working conditions and responsible production standards where practicable.

3. Has the university implemented an externally audited/verified comprehensive framework for continual improvement in sustainable food and catering, such as Food for Life Served Here or Food Made Good?
The University of Liverpool currently holds Fairtrade University accreditation, awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation and SOS-UK, recognising its commitment to ethical sourcing and responsible procurement. The Sustainable Food and Drink Policy commits the University to reviewing opportunities to engage with recognised sustainable food frameworks where appropriate, in line with operational feasibility and strategic priorities. The Policy establishes a framework for continual improvement supported by governance, monitoring and annual review. Implementation also aligns with the University's ISO14001 Environmental Management System, providing a structured approach to monitoring, review and continual improvement while supporting external benchmarking and reporting.

4. Does the university provide space and / or other support for student / staff-led sustainable food projects?
The University actively supports student and staff-led sustainable food projects through the Liverpool Guild of Students, Sustainability Week and community growing initiatives. The Guild Gardening Project provides opportunities for students and staff to grow food on campus, participate in sustainable gardening activities and engage with biodiversity projects. The University also supports sustainable food engagement through initiatives such as Queen of Greens, which provides access to affordable fresh produce on campus, and through Fairtrade campaigns and awareness-raising activities. The Sustainable Food and Drink Policy also commits the University to working collaboratively with staff, students and sustainability teams to support participation, engagement and feedback on sustainable food initiatives.

5. Does the university have at least one plant-based food outlet on campus?
The University offers a wide range of plant-based food and drink options across campus catering outlets, and the Sustainable Food & Drink Policy commits the University to promoting a diverse range of food choices that support health, wellbeing, affordability, cultural preferences and sustainability objectives, including the provision of vegetarian and plant-based options across campus.

1. Does the university publish a strategy for student and staff engagement in sustainable development?
Student and staff engagement in sustainable development is embedded throughout the University's strategic framework, including Liverpool 2031, the Sustainability Strategy, the Climate Plan,  Biodiversity Plan, Energy Strategy 2031+ and Waste and Resources Management Plan.

2. Are the university sustainability policy and strategy and other student engagement opportunities for sustainability a component of every student induction?

Yes. Sustainability forms part of student welcome and induction activities across the University. During Welcome Week, students are introduced to the University's Sustainability Strategy and provided with information on opportunities to engage with sustainability throughout their studies. The Sustainability Team hosts engagement activities and information stalls during Welcome Week and promotes the Student Sustainability Hub, sustainability-related societies, volunteering opportunities, Living Labs projects, Fairtrade initiatives and wider sustainability programmes.

3. Does the university actively and regularly promote events and activities aimed at increasing engagement?

The University and Liverpool Guild of Students actively promote sustainability events, campaigns and initiatives throughout the year as part of an annual thematic calendar designed to increase awareness, participation and positive behaviour change. Activities include Sustainability Week, Climate Action Week, Earth Day, Fairtrade Fortnight, Net Zero Week, British Science Week, Bike Week, Recycle Week, Global Goals Week, COP, Open Day and participation in wider University initiatives such as Wellbeing Week and Feel Good February.

The University's annual Sustainability Week is a flagship engagement programme that brings together staff, students, researchers and community partners to explore sustainability through education, wellbeing and practical action. In 2026, Sustainability Week marked one year since the launch of the Sustainability Strategy and included the publication of the first Sustainability Strategy Progress Report and Energy Strategy. The Sustainability Team collaborated with the Guild of Students, academic departments, professional services and external partners to deliver more than 30 activities and events, including strategy drop-in sessions, film screenings, guided tours of the Energy Centre, Materials Innovation Factory and The Spine, sustainable laboratory tours, gardening and food growing activities, swap shops, workshops, cycling activities, wellbeing sessions and sustainability-themed talks. A highlight of the week was the Sustainability Fair, which attracted 378 attendees and brought together around 30 University, community and external organisations, including research centres, student services, sustainability charities and local environmental groups. Building tours, sustainability workshops and engagement activities were fully booked, providing staff and students with opportunities to explore sustainability in practice across the University estate.

The University also participated in Liverpool's first ever Climate Action Week in 2026, celebrating collaboration between the University, Liverpool City Council and Liverpool John Moores University, and highlighting the University's commitment to climate action through research, education and campus operations.

Annual engagement campaigns also include Earth Day activities such as the Stories of Sustainability photography competition, delivered in partnership with Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). The competition invited staff, students and alumni to share visual stories of sustainability and environmental action, attracting over 100 entries across both institutions. Selected photographs were displayed through public exhibitions in Liverpool and Suzhou, helping to raise awareness of sustainability challenges and solutions through creative engagement.

The Student Sustainability Hub and award-winning Sustainability in Action programme provide year-round opportunities for students to engage with sustainability through learning, volunteering, campaigns, events and personal action. The University also provides support and guidance to colleagues organising their own sustainability-focused events through the Sustainable Events Guide, helping event organisers integrate sustainability into the planning, delivery and evaluation of activities across campus.

The Sustainability team also provide support and guidance to students and staff hosting their own events on campus, and our Sustainable Events Guide, empowers event organisers to integrate sustainability into planning, management, and evaluation of events at the University.

4. Does the university provide funds for student-led sustainability projects?

The University provides funding, resources and practical support for student-led sustainability initiatives, projects and experiential learning opportunities. This includes funded Sustainability Intern roles, Sustainability in Action projects, SDG Curriculum Mapping, Green Impact activities, biodiversity projects, volunteering programmes and participation in external sustainability challenges. A key example is the University's annual Sustainable Innovation Challenge, delivered through Careers and Employability. The programme enables students to work collaboratively on real-world sustainability challenges with industry mentors, employers and partner universities, developing innovative solutions to environmental, social and business issues. The initiative is designed to widen participation and provide students from underrepresented backgrounds with access to funded sustainability and employability opportunities. Students develop skills in sustainability, innovation, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership while contributing to solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

5. Do all staff inductions cover university sustainability policy, strategy and areas for staff to engage?

Sustainability is embedded within staff induction activities and new staff are introduced to the University's Sustainability Strategy, Climate Plan and wider sustainability ambitions. The Sustainability Team contributes to staff induction sessions, providing information on sustainability governance, sustainability-related training, volunteering opportunities, events and resources available to support sustainable working practices. Staff are encouraged to engage with initiatives such as Sustainability Week, Living Labs, biodiversity projects, Fairtrade campaigns and sustainability training opportunities. The University also provides ongoing sustainability communications, guidance, workshops and professional development opportunities to support staff engagement beyond induction. More information can be found here.

6. Are invitations extended to recognised Trade Union representatives by way of membership at committees to which the sustainability strategy, carbon management plan and other relevant strategic areas of sustainable development are reported?

Recognised Trade Union representatives are actively engaged in the development and implementation of the University's sustainability and climate action agenda through regular meetings with senior University leaders and participation in sustainability-related stakeholder groups. Sustainability and Climate Plan actions are discussed with representatives from UCU, UNISON and Unite, alongside Liverpool Guild of Students representatives and the Green New Deal Action Group. These discussions include carbon reduction, sustainable campus development, sustainability in teaching and research, ethical investment and wider sustainability strategy implementation. The University's Declaration of a Climate and Ecological Crisis is signed by the University, Campus Trade Unions, and Liverpool Guild of Students.

7. Is there student representation on university committees concerned with estates, planning, finance and strategic decision making?
Yes. Student representation is embedded within the University's governance structures, ensuring that student perspectives inform strategic decision-making relating to sustainability, climate action, campus development and institutional priorities.

8. Does the university conduct a student or staff-led mapping, auditing or tracking of actions completed to promote environmental sustainability annually?

The University supports a number of annual student and staff-led sustainability auditing, mapping and accreditation schemes that track progress and identify opportunities for continual improvement. A key example is the Liverpool Guild of Students' participation in Green Impact, an internationally recognised, United Nations award-winning programme designed to support environmentally and socially sustainable practice. Green Impact provides a structured framework through which students, elected officers and staff collaboratively assess, monitor and improve sustainability performance across areas including leadership and strategy, operations, campaigning, curriculum reform, climate justice, health and wellbeing, partnership working and environmental impact. The Guild has achieved Green Impact 'Excellent' status since 2010 and publishes annual evidence to support accreditation.

1. Does the university demonstrate commitment to education for sustainable development at a high level of strategy or senior responsibility?
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is embedded within the University's Sustainability Strategy and Liverpool 2031, where it forms a core component of the Education and Student Experience pillar. The Sustainability Strategy includes a commitment that 100% of undergraduate and postgraduate taught students will have access to Education for Sustainable Development by 2031.

Responsibility for ESD sits within the University's governance structures through the Education Committee and Sustainability governance arrangements, ensuring sustainability is embedded across learning, teaching and the wider student experience. ESD is recognised as a key enabler in preparing graduates to address global sustainability challenges and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Has the university developed or uses a framework or strategy for ESD?
The University has embedded ESD within the Sustainability Strategy, Liverpool Learning Framework and wider co-curricular and extra curricular activity (Liverpool Advantage Opportunities). The Liverpool Learning Framework features ESD as a key principle and requires all programmes to contain at least one learning outcome linked to sustainability. The University also supports ESD through its Liverpool Advantage offer, which includes Sustainability in Action, the Student Sustainability Hub, Living Labs and the SDG Curriculum Mapping project, which helps identify and strengthen sustainability content across academic programmes. All co and extra curricular opportunities run through Liverpool Advantage are required to fulfil certain protocol and criteria that supports ESD and student outcomes.

3. Does the university have a mechanism for reviewing and reporting on progress of ESD integration with named persons responsible?
Progress on ESD integration is reviewed through the University's sustainability governance arrangements and education governance structures. Progress is monitored and reported through annual SDG Reports and Sustainability Strategy Progress Reports. Responsibility for ESD implementation is shared through the Education Committee, Centre for Innovation in Education and sustainability governance structures, including leadership from academic colleagues responsible for curriculum enhancement and sustainability. 

4. Does the university make available support and training to help academic staff integrate ESD into the curriculum?
The Centre for Innovation in Education (CIE) provides guidance, resources, workshops, online learning materials and one-to-one support to help academic staff embed sustainability within learning, teaching and assessment. Staff are supported through curriculum development activities, SDG Curriculum Mapping resources, ESD guidance, Living Labs opportunities and professional development initiatives linked to sustainability and global citizenship.

5. Does the university promote real-world learning of skills for ESD through the use of its setting as a ‘Living Lab’?
The University's Living Labs programme uses the campus and wider city region as a testbed for sustainability innovation, enabling students and staff to work collaboratively on real-world sustainability challenges. Living Labs projects connect teaching, research and operations and provide opportunities to develop practical skills in areas such as waste and resources, biodiversity, energy, climate action and sustainable transport. Students gain hands-on experience while contributing to sustainability improvements across the University and local community.

6. Does the university support and highlight School, Faculty or Research team projects for Sustainable Development?
The University actively supports and showcases sustainability-related projects across its Schools, Faculties and research institutes. This includes work undertaken through the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research (ICSR), Faculty sustainability initiatives, Living Labs projects and sustainability-related teaching and research activities. The University's annual SDG Report highlights research, education and operational case studies aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals and showcases contributions from academic staff, students and research teams across the institution.

7. Does the university have published criteria for the acceptance of research funding, donations, gifts and sponsorship via external partnerships and collaborations?
The University's Donor Charter confirms that all potential donations are assessed in accordance with a Gift Acceptance Policy and that the University may decline gifts where appropriate. The Charter also states that donations are used to support the University's strategic objectives and that fundraising activity follows recognised ethical standards through the CASE Statement of Ethics. The University additionally maintains governance policies relating to conflicts of interest, anti-corruption and bribery, gifts and donations. 

8. Does the university offer multiple scholarships for the full duration and cost of the degree, or a full fee waiver, for people seeking asylum?
The University offers Asylum Seekers Scholarships which provide support for eligible undergraduate students seeking asylum and their dependants. Scholarships cover tuition fees for the full duration of study and are supported by additional welfare and pastoral support arrangements. These initiatives are part of the University’s commitment under the UNHCR Global Pledge to expand refugee access to higher education and support its application for University of Sanctuary status. 

9. Does the university offer multiple scholarships for refugees or humanitarian protection holders?
The University offers scholarships and support for refugees and individuals with humanitarian protection status, including tuition fee support and access to wider student support services. These initiatives form part of the University's commitment to widening participation and supporting displaced learners.

10. Does the university offer scholarships for people with other limited leave to remain in the UK?
Through its Humanitarian Scholarships and widening participation initiatives, the University provides support for individuals with specific forms of limited leave to remain, subject to eligibility criteria. These scholarships support access to higher education for groups who may otherwise face barriers to participation.  The University has signed the UNHCR Global Pledge, committing to support asylum seekers and refugees with scholarships and pastoral care.

11. Does the university offer support for living costs equivalent to student finance for groups in 5.a-5.c?
Scholarship recipients may receive maintenance support in addition to tuition fee assistance. The University also provides access to financial support through hardship funds, student support services, money advice services and welfare support to help remove barriers to participation and success. Details here.

12. Does the university include these groups in their Access and Participation plan or equivalent?
The University is committed to widening participation and supporting underrepresented and disadvantaged groups through its Access and Participation Plan and associated widening participation activities. This includes support for asylum seekers, refugees and other displaced learners through scholarships, outreach activities, transition support and ongoing student support services. 

Information on the University’s energy sources, waste and recycling practices, carbon reduction, and water usage is published within the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Estates Management Record (EMR).