In 2020 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) introduced its first strategy for environmental sustainability, taking us to 2025. We are proud to launch a refreshed strategy, which will carry us to 2030. This strategy aligns with the priorities of the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. Notable additions include an increased focus on compute and leveraging our impact as a funder.
Read our environmental sustainability strategy for 2025 to 2030
Environmental sustainability concordat
UKRI is a signatory to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. This is a collaborative document owned collectively by the research and innovation sector and currently hosted by Wellcome Trust.
The concordat focuses on a shared vision: the need to change how we conduct research and innovation. It promotes wider solutions and taking shared action now and into the future to achieve the transition to sustainable practices.
UKRI was instrumental in coordinating the development of the concordat and continues to be involved with its governance as a member of the concordat oversight group.
In October 2024 we published our letter of commitment to the concordat.
Sustainable procurement of goods and services
In 2024 we published our responsible procurement charter which aims to capture and communicate UKRI’s strategic values, legislative obligations, policy direction and guiding principles across six key themes, including environmental sustainability. The charter applies to all suppliers of goods and services to UKRI.
Carbon offsetting
UKRI has published its position on the use of carbon offsetting in relation to net zero activities and the expenditure of UKRI funds and grants.