The University of Southampton’s vision is that by 2030, sustainability will be a part of everything the University of Southampton does: our individual behaviours, how we work together, and how we make decisions for the future. This is key to achieving our mission of changing the world for the better. The University’s Sustainability Strategy was recently refreshed covering the period 2026 -30, and work is progressing to embed the agreed targets into all University activities. 

Professor Phil Wright, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Strategy Sponsor, and Chair of the University’s Sustainability Strategy Board (SSB) speaks to Staff Matters about the Strategy.

Why is sustainability such a key priority for the University of Southampton?  

‘’Sustainability is fundamental to our mission as a university and is integral to our research, education, operations, and partnerships. We have both the opportunity and the responsibility to contribute meaningfully to our communities and to a more sustainable future. The University is working to ensure sustainability becomes part of everything we do, and to develop future leaders in our students equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address our global challenges.’’ 

What progress has the University made so far? 

‘’Our Sustainability Strategy 2020–25 has delivered significant progress across several areas covering emissions, education, research and operations. We have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by approximately 30% against our 2018–19 baseline, we mapped our teaching programmes against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, strengthened research practices through initiatives such as implementing sustainable practice in our labs (LEAF) and signed up to the Research Concordat. We have also substantially reduced our exposure to fossil fuel investments. We will build on this progress through our Sustainability Strategy 2026–30 and continue to build a culture in which sustainability is increasingly embedded throughout university life and beyond.’’ 

What challenges still remain? 

‘’One of the biggest challenges is Scope 3 emissions, the indirect emissions linked to things like supply chains and travel. These are more complex, so tackling them requires long-term collaboration with staff, students, partners, and suppliers.’’ 

What’s new in the Sustainability Strategy 2026–30? 

‘’The new Sustainability Strategy 2026–30 builds on the progress we’ve already made, it sets an ambitious and pragmatic roadmap for the future and will address solutions to reduce our emissions, develop our students through appropriately designed educational programmes and culture, enhance our research societal impact and optimise our operations. The Sustainability Strategy 2026–30 was shaped through extensive consultation across the University and aligns closely with our wider institutional goals.’’ 

What’s the long-term vision?  

“By 2030, we will embed sustainability in our decisions and operations – from how we teach and conduct research, to how we manage our campuses and work with communities. Our aim is to help create a fairer, more resilient, and more sustainable future for everyone.”

To see a longer version of this interview in video format, watch below:

For more information on the wider University Sustainability Strategy, please visit the Sustainability Strategy SharePoint or refer to the latest University of Southampton Annual Sustainability Report. 

For any queries about the Strategy and its implementation, please contact the SIG team at sig2024@soton.ac.uk. 

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