Civic University

The University of Sheffield is one of the UK’s original civic universities, founded through donations from the people of Sheffield, with a mission rooted in public good.

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As Sheffield’s civic university, we have a responsibility - and an opportunity - to support a thriving, fair and climate-ready city and region. Sustainability is central to our role as an anchor institution: we use our research, our convening power and our physical estate to create positive impact for Sheffield, South Yorkshire and beyond.

Supporting Sheffield and South Yorkshire through research and innovation

Through the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre, we help the region tackle the big transitions of the next decade - decarbonising energy, adapting to climate change, restoring nature and building healthier, more resilient communities. We do this by working alongside local authorities, public services, businesses and community organisations to turn research into practical solutions.

Our civic commitments include:

collaborating with partners to address place-based challenges, informed by local needs and lived experience
supporting innovation that strengthens the regional economy and accelerates the transition to net zero
creating opportunities for students and staff to contribute their expertise to real-world projects across the city and region

Strengthening economic sustainability

As a major employer and investor, the University supports the economic wellbeing of Sheffield and the wider region. We contribute through:

secure, skilled jobs and career pathways - including opportunities for local people and under-represented groups
partnerships with businesses and the public sector that support productivity, innovation and inclusive growth
attracting people, talent and investment to the region, strengthening Sheffield’s role as a national and international centre for education and research
supporting start-ups and spin-outs

We also recognise that a successful transition to a low-carbon future must be a fair transition. That means supporting innovation and growth in ways that create shared benefits - building skills, improving health outcomes and helping reduce inequalities.

An open, welcoming and climate-ready estate

Our campus is part of the city - and our estate has an important civic role. We are committed to making it more open, accessible and welcoming, while also ensuring it is prepared for a changing climate.

This includes:

creating high-quality public realm and green spaces that support wellbeing, biodiversity and active travel
improving connections through and around campus - helping people move safely and comfortably between key city destinations
ensuring our buildings and outdoor spaces are designed and managed for climate resilience, including hotter summers and more intense rainfall
using new and refurbished spaces to support community engagement, cultural activity and partnerships that benefit the region

Our approach is rooted in the idea that a sustainable campus should not only reduce emissions - it should also support a healthier urban environment and contribute to the city’s long-term resilience.

Working in partnership as a trusted civic institution

Delivering these commitments relies on strong relationships and shared ambition. We will continue to work with partners across Sheffield and South Yorkshire to align our strengths with regional priorities and to ensure our contribution is meaningful, measurable and focused on the areas where the University can add the greatest value.

Sustainability at Sheffield