Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Sustainable Development Goals
University of Huddersfield
At the University of Huddersfield, we are proud to be working towards the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through our teaching, research, and community partnerships, we are committed to creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future for all.
What do the 17 SDGs aim to achieve?
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.
At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Our university commitment
We are actively embedding the 17 SDGs across all aspects of university life. From teaching and learning and student engagement to research and external partnerships, the University of Huddersfield is dedicated to making a positive impact locally, nationally and globally. The SDGs guide our efforts to address pressing challenges such as inequality, access to education, responsible consumption, environmental issues and good health and wellbeing.
Our staff and students are at the heart of this work. Through projects, innovation, and community outreach, we are fostering a culture of sustainability and social responsibility.
Report of our activities against the 17 SDGS can be found here, and will be updated annually.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 1 - No poverty
Discover the work of our colleagues to widen participation in Higher Education and to challenge poverty regionally, nationally and internationally.
SDG 2 - Zero hunger
Explore our work as a university to reduce food waste, provide sustainable and high-quality food options and to provide support to students as needed.
SDG 3 - Good health and wellbeing
Our university aims to promote good health and wellbeing, offering outreach programmes in the local community as well as wellbeing services delivered from our new Health Innovation Campus.
SDG 4 - Quality education
As a university, we're a leading provider of high-quality education, showcased by our awards and commitment to engagement and research for continuous development.
SDG 5 - Gender equality
By supporting schemes in the community and through our specialised research groups and centres and Athena SWAN membership, we aim to enhance gender equality.
SDG 6 - Clean water and sanitation
We're conscious of the impact of our use of water and take responsible steps to engage with the issue, monitoring and minimising water use.
SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy
The University is working to increase the proportion of renewable energy that it uses and to address existing energy efficiency issues. Our research extends opportunities in affordable and clean energy locally, nationally and internationally.
SDG 8 - Decent work & economic growth
Our university is an equal opportunities employer and committed to the principles of Fair Work. We enable equal access to rewarding employment amongst our own colleagues and through our innovation, collaboration and research, support those agendas elsewhere.
SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure
The likes of our teaching and research makes major contributions to sustainable development in industry, innovation and infrastructure.
SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities
At the University we are proud of our continuing record in giving under-represented groups opportunities in Higher Education and Employability. Our research helps address inequality at home and internationally.
SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities
The University’s research and knowledge transfer activity is making a major contribution to sustainable cities and communities. We are also a contributor to urban sustainability, with facilities and assets which enrich the lives of local citizens and our students.
SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production
We are working to spend where it counts, ensuring we are exemplars of best practice in Corporate Social Responsibility including in consumption and production.
SDG 13 - Climate action
The University has adopted a Ten-Point Climate Action Plan, focused on delivering carbon neutrality on Scope 1/2 by 2030, and Scope 3 by 2045.
SDG 14 - Life below water
Our university research includes some which is relevant to the maintenance and enhancement of marine ecosystems and their biodiversity.
SDG 15 - Life on land
We're involved in work to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, of both plants and animals, especially those under threat.
SDG 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions
As a strong institution ourselves. we aim to upskill our students and local organisations and businesses on relevant topics for peace and prosperity.
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals
Our Strategy Map (2019-2025) commits to expansion in already extensive external engagement, including in government SDG policy development.
Past year reports
2024
Explore our report of SDG activities in 2024.
2023
Explore our report of SDG activities in 2023.
2022
Explore our report of SDG activities in 2022.
2021
Explore our report of SDG activities in 2021.