About Sustainable Futures

Realising sustainable futures requires new and integrative solutions to address the interacting global environmental challenges.

Sustainable Futures brings together the unique depth and breadth of internationally leading research at The University of Manchester and builds on the University’s track record of successful interdisciplinary working, to produce integrated and truly sustainable solutions to urgent environmental challenges.

Sustainable Futures will develop complete understandings of the environmental systems on which we depend and human interactions with them. It will spur scientific innovation and facilitate societal change at scale and pace to address urgent environmental crises. Sustainable Futures is unique in connecting core environmental expertise and broader societal agendas to develop systemic, innovative and actionable solutions.

Sustainable Futures will:

• integrate an unprecedented range of environmental expertise from across The University of Manchester to facilitate highly interdisciplinary research and impact.
• connect a wider range of research institutes at the University to extend the scope of our environmental expertise and impact of Sustainable Futures.
• deliver solutions into practice rapidly through unique established capabilities at the University.

Sustainable Futures is part of our Social Responsibility commitment to action

Research with impact

We are at the forefront of tackling key global challenges such as climate change, population growth, rapid urbanisation, overconsumption, food and water security, loss of biodiversity and pollution. Our research also contributes to sustainability challenges closer to home, working in partnership with organisations across Greater Manchester and the north-west to help improve the quality of our environment and peoples’ lives.

Socially-responsible graduates 

We’re equipping all students with knowledge and experience to positively contribute to our world as professionals, leaders and citizens of tomorrow. Through a wide range of our teaching programmes, initiatives such as the Ethical Grand Challenges programme, volunteering, programmes and projects, the University is providing our students with the opportunities to gain understanding and experience to tread lightly on our planet.

Responsible processes

We’re ensuring our organisational processes, such as our campus development programme, procurement, and energy and resource management, are creating opportunities for the efficient use of natural resources, with the additional benefits of financial savings and an environment that enhances health and wellbeing.

Engaging our communities

We are engaging with staff, students and alumni to embed a culture of environmental sustainability, and partnering with people and organisations in pursuit of shared goals around sustainability. We support our community of over 50,000 staff and students to become more informed and take action on sustainability.