Queen's University Belfast
Connected for Change: Queen’s Whole-Institution Approach to Sustainability
Finalist, Sustainability Institution of the Year
Finalist
About
Queen’s University Belfast has transformed sustainability from a set of environmental initiatives into a whole-institution model of governance, delivery, learning, research and civic partnership, delivering measurable progress over more than 15 years.
This approach has been shaped through sustained delivery, shared learning and an institutional commitment to improvement, recognising that progress depends on coordinated action across the University and with external partners. Queen’s plays a leadership role regionally and internationally, including as co-Chair of the all-Island UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Since 2018/19, Scope 1 and 2 emissions have reduced by 41%, supported by 100% renewable electricity, investment in low-carbon infrastructure and sustainable travel policies. Queen’s was the first university in the UK and Ireland to achieve AASHE STARS Gold, demonstrating whole-institution performance, transparency and continuous improvement. Sustainability is embedded within Strategy 2030 and the Net Zero 2040 Plan and is delivered across teaching, research, operations and civic engagement.
Top 3 learnings
- We saw that partnership delivers greater impact by connecting different parts of the organisation.
- We found that looking through different perspectives opens up new audiences and partnerships.
- We learned that empowering people to take action in their own areas creates meaningful, lasting change.
What it means to win
Winning a Green Gown Award would recognise Queen’s whole-institution approach to sustainability and celebrate the collective progress made by our staff, students and partners over more than 15 years.
SDG
| 2026 | |
| Sustainability Institution of the Year | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
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Green Gown Award Regions
Australasia
