Have your say on the University’s Sustainability Strategic Framework
The University of Exeter is developing a Sustainability Strategic Framework to support our purpose to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future.
The Framework brings together sustainability activity across education, research, operations and engagement, supporting our purpose to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future. It will replace the Environment and Climate Emergency Policy Statement, adopted in 2019.
We are consulting with our student and staff communities from the 26th October to the 20th November on the draft Framework.
Why do we need a Sustainability Strategic Framework?
Sustainability activity already takes place across many parts of the University. The Framework brings this together in a single, coherent structure. This will help us to understand how different strategies, plans and activities contribute towards our priorities.
The Framework centers around three strategic pillars:
- Regenerative environment
- Transformational knowledge
- Thriving people and partnerships
How has the Framework been developed?
This draft Framework has been shaped through extensive engagement with our University community and sustainability governance groups including the Advocate Climate Taskforce and the Climate and Environmental Crisis Board. As part of this, we undertook an initial engagement phase in February and March 2026 to gather views from our University community on the aspects of sustainability most important to them, what the Framework should cover and how sustainability could be embedded across the University. This engagement has helped us identify the sustainability issues that matter most to our staff and students and focus the Framework on these areas.
What are we asking you about now?
Before the Framework is finalised and launched, we would like to hear from staff and students one final time. This is an opportunity to tell us whether we have got the overall direction and level of ambition right, identify anything important that may be missing, and help us understand the opportunities for turning the Framework into meaningful action.
Read the draft Framework
You don’t have to be a sustainability ‘expert’ to take part.
Before giving your feedback, you can explore:
How to have your say
There are different ways to get involved.
- Complete our survey
Our short survey takes around 5 minutes to complete and is open to all students and staff at all of our campuses.
We’d like to know whether we’ve got the direction and level of ambition right, whether the priorities reflect the sustainability issues the University should be addressing and whether anything significant is missing.
- Join a focus group
Alongside the survey, staff and students can take part in a 90-minute focus group to explore the Framework in more detail.
The sessions are an opportunity to discuss the Framework’s priorities, what gives you confidence in its direction and delivery, and whether there are any important gaps or areas that need further consideration.
Interested in taking part? Expressions of interest are now open.
For students:
Streatham and St Luke’s students
- In person, Queen’s LT6.1 Streatham campus
- 11th November
- 14:00-15:30pm
Penryn students
- In person, Peter Lanyon Seminar 7 Penryn campus
- 16th November
- 11-12:30pm
Students taking part in these focus group will receive a £25 stipend in recognition of their time.
For staff:
In-person
- Queens LT6.1, Streatham campus
- 11th November
- 12:00-13:30pm
Online
- Online
- 19th November
- 9:30-11:00am
- Open to staff from all campuses
What to expect
During the session, we'll explore the three areas of the Framework and ask for your views on:
- how clear and relevant the Framework is;
- whether the level of ambition feels right;
- what gives you confidence in its direction and delivery;
- how you can see yourself or your area contributing; and
- whether anything important is missing.
You don't need to be a sustainability expert to take part. We'll provide information about the Framework to support the discussion.
What happens to my feedback?
Feedback from the survey and focus groups will be brought together and analysed to identify:
- Overall levels of support and confidence
- Common themes
- Areas that may need greater clarity
- Concerns or potential gaps
- Specific suggestions raised by participants
Your feedback will be considered as the Framework is finalised. Not every suggestion will result in a change to the Framework, however the consultation will help identify areas that should be considered before it moves forward.