SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth

We're working to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Find out how.

Our recent work and impact on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) aims to promote inclusive economic growth, sustainable employment and fair working conditions.

Our research examines responsible business, sustainable finance, circular economy innovation and policies that support resilient economies and future jobs.

Green skills boost

A programme supported by us to boost green skills needed for a future green economy in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has received an additional £1.61m in funding. The Future is Green targets high-growth carbon reduction sectors, offering online and in-person training in clean energy, sustainable leadership and circular economy skills. Led by Cornwall College Group with partners across the region, we will deliver training worth over £334,000 to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Hay bales and windmills

Read our SDG 8 progress report for 2024/25

The University began paying the Living Wage from 1 January 2014. This is independently calculated on what it costs to live and supports our lowest paid colleagues. Since the University first applied the Living Wage, the lowest rate paid has increased by 87% (to November 2025). 

Green Consultants is an award-winning programme, aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, designed to provide students with additional skills and experience required to work in the highly competitive environmental and sustainability sector. During 2024/25, we have supported 54 students to deliver 14 projects. Our target for 2025/26 is to support 75 students to complete projects.

Community Action and business support

The University of Exeter has established Civic University Agreements for Exeter, Cornwall and Devon. These Agreements set out how the University will work in partnership with other anchor institutions in the region to help find solutions for society’s most pressing problems.

Exeter Mission:

Support the sustainable and inclusive growth of the city
Innovate towards a sustainable low-carbon economy for the City of Exeter
Build a city of aspiration and opportunity
Support an ambitious culture and tourism offer
Enhance the health and wellbeing of our citizens

Cornwall priorities:

Green Futures
Health Futures
Fair Futures
Creative Futures

Devon Mission:

Thriving futures for young people
Innovation and skills for a sustainable future
Carbon considered housing for all

The Community Partnership Hub connects public, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations with researchers and students at the University of Exeter. Our aim is to help establish long-term, sustainable relationships which support partnering through research projects, student placements and internships, or volunteering.

Transition Risk Exeter Limited (Trex), a new University spin-out company, was also launched in 2025 to offer climate scenario analysis for investment professionals.

Sustainability Projects Fund

The Business and Finance Society (BFS) sustainability initiative, led by Exeter University students, has been awarded a Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF) to deliver through year-round programming, including speaker events, office visits, panel discussions and a dedicated sustainability panel at the Future Leaders Summit, BFS will showcase careers in sustainable finance, ESG, ethical business and climate policy.

Research and Publications

University of Exeter is one of 22 international partners of the HABITABLE Project, a research project on climate change and migration funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program for research and innovation. The fund tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth. It creates jobs, fully engages the EU’s talent pool, boosts economic growth, promotes industrial competitiveness and optimises investment impact within a strengthened European Research Area.

The release of the Planetary Solvency report in January 2025 proved to be one of the biggest environmental stories of the year. The jointly authored document by University of Exeter and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries warned that global GDP could fall 50% if action isn’t taken on the climate crisis.