NCAS joins UK research sector initiative for environmentally sustainable innovation

The National Centre for Atmospheric Science has joined a shared commitment to a greener future.

At the heart of the new Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, which is a voluntary framework aimed at transforming the environmental impact of research and innovation in the UK, is a common ambition to deliver cutting-edge research while reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

This initiative unites research centres like NCAS, universities, institutes, funding bodies, and other organisations across the UK. 

A Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation

The concordat represents a shared vision for the future of research, aiming not only to drive scientific progress but also to do so responsibly, acknowledging the climate and ecological challenges we face. 

By signing the concordat, NCAS commits to advancing research practices that align with the science of climate change, acting as leaders in sustainability across all levels - from organisational leaders to individual researchers. This approach will support the wider environmental research sector in adopting sustainable practices and transparent reporting on environmental impacts.

Alongside other signatories, we are dedicated to taking immediate and ongoing action to reduce our organisation’s environmental footprint. 

This will involve rethinking every stage of research, from how projects are planned and resources sourced to how outcomes are shared and innovations are put into practice. 

The specific aims of the concordat include:

• Leadership in environmental sustainability: Providing visible and credible sustainability leadership throughout institutions and across the sector.

• Sustainable practices in research: Implementing low-carbon research methods, embracing new ideas and technologies, and incorporating sustainable practices from the outset of each project.

• Net-Zero carbon infrastructure: Transitioning to research facilities that aim for net-zero carbon, using robust carbon sequestration where necessary.

• Responsible sourcing and circular economy: Making informed choices about resources and materials based on their lifecycle, sustainability, and responsible sourcing.

• Promoting reusable products: Reducing reliance on single-use materials and fossil fuel-based products wherever alternatives exist.

To bring about this transformation, the concordat outlines six priority areas that will drive action and deliver real change by 2050:

1. Leadership and system change: Encouraging institutions to drive and support sustainable change at every level.
2. Sustainable infrastructure: Promoting the development of environmentally friendly research facilities and campuses.
3. Sustainable procurement: Building responsible supply chains that prioritise environmentally sustainable products and practices.
4. Reducing emissions from travel: Finding alternatives to travel when possible and offsetting emissions when not.
5. Collaborations and partnerships: Strengthening partnerships that emphasise environmental responsibility.
6. Environmental impact and reporting: Ensuring transparency by regularly assessing and reporting environmental impacts.

By meeting these ambitious goals, UK research and innovation organisations - including NCAS - aim to set a standard for others around the world. 

The concordat is more than a commitment; it is a roadmap for creating impactful research without compromising the planet. 

Together, the concordat signatories are building a future where sustainability and scientific advancement go hand in hand, inspiring others worldwide to join in reshaping how research is done for the good of the environment.

“As a national organisation engaged in both the pursuit of new knowledge and solutions in climate science and also supporting, through expertise and infrastructure, the environmental science research of others, we join the Concordat with enthusiasm. We know all too well from our own research the urgency and priority of sustainability action. The scientific infrastructure which we make accessible to researchers presents huge sustainability challenges. These infrastructures include the  UK’s large atmospheric research aircraft and high performance computers. Through our knowledge and innovation we will continue to make strides in the direction of sustainable infrastructure and will use our experience and influence to assist others on the same journey," said Professor Stephen Mobbs, Executive Director, National Centre for Atmospheric Science.