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Sustainability

Sustainable Development Goals

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How we’re taking action 

In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The purpose of these goals is to promote partnership working among the 193 United Nations member states to address some of the world’s most pressing issues, including: reducing inequality, eradicating poverty, tackling climate change and improving health and education. 

Here at Essex, we are committed to achieving these goals and, for the second time, we are presenting another report to show what we are doing, as an institution, to meet every one of them. Our report shows how, through research and education, as well as how we operate as an organisation, we are making a difference to the goals.

The SDG Accord

We are among 300+ global signatories of the SDG Accord. The SDG Accord focuses on UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 Partnerships for the Goals, to revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development. We are committed to embedding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our education, research, leadership, operations, administration, and engagement activities.

three students walking up a tree covered path on a sunny day
Presenting the Sustainable Development Goals

Our Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023 showcases what we are doing to achieve each of the 17 Goals. Whether it is through research, education, or our action as a University, you can find out more information about our achievements so far.

Download the report (.pdf)

Working towards a more sustainable future

For the second time, we are presenting a dedicated report which sets out the actions we are taking to deliver progress in meeting each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It is not just what we do through excellence in education and excellence in research that makes a difference to the goals, but also how we operate as an organisation with a better, more sustainable future at the forefront of our thinking.  

Professor Anthony Forster
"Every decision made by our committees includes a mandatory analysis of the impact it will have on the environment, equality and diversity. From the changes we have made in reducing and recycling the waste from our campuses, to the direct action we have taken to address the gender pay gap, we are constantly improving the way we do things and the choices we make in becoming a more sustainable organisation."
Professor Anthony Forster Vice-Chancellor

The report explains the methods we have used to measure sustainable development. Essex produces almost 1,900 academic research publications per year and has over 3,000 degree programmes. At this scale, manually mapping each of the goals against all of our publications and degrees is impractical.

In the interests of consistency and objectivity we have measured our progress with the goals by using independently established keyword sets to search our research publications and education materials for relevant content. This is explained in more detail in the report.

Case Studies

For each of the Sustainable Development Goals, we have highlighted a case study which shows the progress we are making in meeting them.

We have divided these into two categories: research and action. They highlight our world-leading research in key areas and actions the University itself is taking – our policies, or our world-leading centres.

There are many more examples of work in these areas which we were unable to highlight in one report, but here is a sample of what we are doing to achieve these all-important goals.

SDG 1 - No poverty
A new report called Poverty and Social Rights in Essex focuses on housing, social security, food banks, child poverty, and access to libraries.
SDG 2 - Zero hunger
World-leading plant productivity research at Essex is to be further enhanced with plans for a new £3.5 million state-of-the-art indoor crop growth facility.
SDG 3 - Good health and wellbeing
New partnership between our Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing and the World Heart Federation will use data to deliver new insights.
SDG 4 - Quality education
The VI6 Partnership has won a national award for its work to ensure students can access the widest possible range of courses.
SDG 5 - Gender equality
The University of Essex is leading the taskforce charged with furthering equality, diversity and inclusivity within the Young Universities for the Future of Europe alliance.
SDG 6 - Clean water and sanitation
Our research looks at the environmental factors which impact on our seas and waterways, providing insights to tackle pollution and help us improve water quality.
SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy
A partnership between University of Essex researchers andglobal solar inspection and data analysis company Above is improving services to solar farms across the world.
SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth
Dr Faiyaz Doctor was named the UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership Academic of the Year for his outstanding work to use AI in the shipping industry.
SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Essex has launched an inclusive and sector-leading investment fund to drive innovation and spin-off companies. Angels@Essex has secured £19.6m for start-ups in just two years.
SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities
Breaking the damaging cycle of gender-based violence and poor mental health amongst migrants is the focus of a major new international study led by Essex researchers.
SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities
Researchers are partnering with Our Colchester and Colchester Borough Council to raise awareness of plastic pollution and explore ways to reduce single use plastics.
SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production
An international project aimed at tackling food waste across Europe is adapting and applying existing Internet of Things and big data technologies to food supply chains.
SDG 13 - Climate action
Our Climate and Ecological Emergency Advisory Group brings people together from across the university community to oversee work on climate and environmental action.
SDG 14 - Life below water
The Government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science is working in partnership with Essex scientists to promote marine and freshwater science research and education.
SDG 15 - Life on land
Essex Law School’s Brontie Ansell is setting an example for others to follow after becoming the first representative for Nature on a company management board.
SDG 16 - Peace justice and strong institutions
Award-winning research from Essex academics helps develop peaceful and inclusive societies while improving the accountability of governments and institutions across the world.
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals
Our new partnership with charity Lepra is looking to help people affected by leprosy and other vulnerable groups throughout the world.
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