Sustainable labs

Funding Sustainable Research

Sustainability is becoming a core consideration in research funding, with increasing expectations from funding bodies for researchers to demonstrate environmental responsibility in their work. These pages outline the evolving landscape of sustainability in research, the expectations placed on researchers, and the current opportunities available to support sustainable practices in your lab space.

Our Commitment to Sustainable Research

At the University of Exeter, we believe that sustainability is a shared responsibility. As a research-intensive institution, we are committed to:

  • Reducing the environmental impact of research activities
  • Embedding sustainability into research design, delivery, and infrastructure
  • Supporting innovation that contributes to global environmental solutions
  • Encouraging collaboration across disciplines to tackle complex sustainability challenges

Expectations for Researchers and Lab Users

We ask all members of our research community—academics, technical staff, students, and collaborators—to understand the concordat and to actively engage with Sustainable Labs. Whether through sustainable lab practices, participation in green accreditations, or involvement in initiatives such as the UniGreenScheme, your contribution is vital.

The Environmental Sustainability Concordat sets clear expectations for researchers to consider environmental impacts in their work—making sustainability a key consideration for funding applications and project planning. By signing it, the University reaffirmed its leadership in sustainable research practices and strengthened its commitment to integrating sustainability into the heart of research culture, operations, and funding.

Read the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice

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Funding Opportunities

The University offers internal funding to support sustainability actions in research environments. These funds are ideal for pilot projects, circular practices, equipment upgrades, or initiatives that align with our institutional sustainability goals. More information on how to apply for these funds are available in the following links.

The Advancing Sustainability Initiatives (ASI) fund is now open on a 12-month rolling basis for all staff for small to medium-sized projects, with applications reviewed ad hoc throughout the year. Examples of previously funded projects can be seen here. The ASI fund is made possible through the UniGreenScheme — a national programme that enables university labs to repurpose and redistribute unwanted equipment, reducing waste and generating income to reinvest in sustainable innovation.

A common misconception is that lab users don’t benefit directly from the UniGreenScheme. In fact, the ASI Fund exists specifically to utilise these profits, ensuring they are reinvested into the university’s technical spaces through measurable, impactful projects. Each funded initiative is followed by a 12-month report, capturing outcomes and demonstrating the value of circular practices in action. By contributing to the UniGreenScheme, you’re not only extending the life of valuable lab resources — you’re actively helping fund future sustainability projects across the university. 

If you have questions about the above funding or using the UniGreenScheme, please contact us: sustainablelabs@exeter.ac.uk or visit our SharePoint site for more information.

Sector-wide funding is also available to support sustainability in research. These opportunities may be offered by professional bodies, research councils, or charitable organisations. We will continue to share new external funding opportunities as they become available.

If you are aware of any funding opportunities not listed here, please let us know. We’re always looking to expand the support available to our research community.

For guidance on funding sustainable research in your lab, keep in touch with us with the below channels.

Keep in Touch

Contact us: sustainablelabs@exeer.ac.uk 

Join our Teams channel

Bookmark our SharePoint site

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