Learning and Research

The University of Chester is committed to ensuring its students understand how local and global sustainability challenges will shape their personal and professional futures. Building on wide ranging exemplars of good practice from across the institution (Education for Sustainable Development - Case Study Compendium), we are working towards embedding Education for Sustainability (EfS) in all undergraduate courses by 2030. Academic staff are supported to develop course-appropriate EfS learning and assessment by sharing good practice via a dedicated special interest group of our University-wide learning community, TLInnovate, lead by Dr Rebecca Collins.

We also use our campuses and communities as “living labs”, enabling students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Through engagement beyond the classroom, across both our estate and with local partners, students develop practical skills and contribute to sustainability challenges across disciplines such as Natural Sciences, Geography, Archaeology, Business and Teacher Education. For example, in 2026 third year Geography students on the Sustainable Futures module engaged with client briefs to develop recommendations for a sustainable academic travel framework, proposals for improving cycling infrastructure in Chester, and designed twilight nature walks to strengthen student connections with nature.

Students and staff also have access to formal Carbon Literacy training and opportunities to further develop their knowledge and skills through becoming Carbon Literacy Facilitators, to support wider EfS learning. 

The University of Chester Careers and Employability Service is committed to supporting students and graduates to make informed, reflective and purposeful career decisions through a values-led and socially responsible approach to Employability. Through our Sustainable and Ethical Careers and Employer Engagement Policy. we encourage students to consider the environmental, social and community impact of organisations and industries, while promoting fair, inclusive and responsible recruitment practices. Our work aligns closely with the University’s wider sustainability commitments, including supporting the transition to a low-carbon future, engaging with community and civic partnerships, widening access to opportunity, and helping students develop the skills needed for sustainable and future-focused workplaces. We also work with employers and partners who demonstrate professionalism, equality, transparency and social responsibility within their recruitment and workplace practices.

The Sustainability and Environment Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute (SERKEI) brings together over 100 researchers from disciplines spanning the natural, physical and computing sciences, social sciences and humanities, arts and creative industries to facilitate the exchange of ideas and development of novel, impactful collaborations.  In addition to convening public lectures and engagement events, SERKEI coordinates staff training and support for staff research and knowledge exchange activity, administers small grant schemes for staff projects, and works to raise the profile of sustainability and environment-related research and innovation taking place at the University of Chester 

As signatories to the Environmental Sustainability Concordat - Signatory Letter.pdf, we are committed to embedding its core priorities across our activities. This includes reducing and ultimately eliminating the environmental impacts and emissions associated with research and knowledge exchange; adopting more sustainable approaches to laboratories, travel and procurement; and taking a creative, data-driven approach to lowering our overall research and knowledge exchange footprint. 

Our current initiatives to support sustainable research and innovation include:

• Incorporation of sustainability considerations in internal and external RKE grant application processes, and development of staff resources to guide related decision-making.
• Participation in lab accreditation schemes such as LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) to enhance sustainable operation of laboratory spaces.
• Introduction of sustainability training for all academic and professional services staff.
• Development of sustainable travel guidelines for RKE activity, including fieldwork, meetings and conference attendance.
• Development of a sustainable construction & refurbishment policy.
• Development of guidance on equipment sharing and reuse.

We also recognise the importance of collaboration and culture change, engaging our entire university community in developing new, more sustainable ways of working, and strengthening regional, national and international partnerships. Through training, innovation and knowledge exchange, we are supporting our staff and students to contribute to, and lead, the transition to environmentally sustainable research and knowledge exchange practices.