Our approach to sustainability
“We know that a big segment of school age learners care about sustainability. This is a generation that’s going to have to live with some of the worst impacts of climate change or inequality.”
Vicky Evans, Head of Sustainability
Walking the talk
Acting in a sustainable way is central to the mission we share with the University of Cambridge: “to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.” We believe that the rigour of our approach in developing our products and services must be matched in our approach to sustainability.
Alignment with the UN Global Compact
We have been a participant in the UN Global Compact for five years, using it as our primary mechanism for externally reporting on our sustainability efforts. Within our sustainability framework, we use the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an organising principle.
Our pillars align with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDGs 12 and 13 (Environmental), and SDGs 8 and 16 (Society).
In February this year, we also joined UNESCO’s Global Education Coalition which brings together organisations to drive education transformation to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Internal advocacy and good governance
Our Chief Executive and leadership team are accountable for implementing our sustainability framework. Experts across Cambridge are responsible for developing and delivering sustainable priorities within their areas, which includes members of the Environment Board and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board as well as colleague working groups. Over 1,000 colleagues are members of our staff networks which act on sustainability issues such as educating colleagues on climate and improving gender balance in recruitment.
“The biggest impact we can make on a sustainable future as an organisation is our mission. Our sustainability framework ensures that delivering impact responsibly is an integral part of our strategy.”
Catie Sheret, General Counsel and Board Sponsor for Sustainability
Our sustainability framework
In February 2025, Cambridge launched its first sustainability framework. Its development began with a materiality exercise to determine sustainability priorities. We then consulted with external organisations, colleagues, suppliers and customers to assess the biggest opportunities and risks that needed to be addressed.
The framework is designed to help Cambridge focus on initiatives that will be effective in mitigating the long-term risks of climate change and social inequality, as it continues to contribute to society and education.
As defined by our University, we view sustainability as “the pursuit of long-term wellbeing for all people and the planet”.
Our sustainability framework has four pillars:
Education
Accelerating solutions through education, publishing and research to empower people with the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to a changing world
People
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion
Environment
Accelerating solutions through education, publishing and research to empower people with the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to a changing world
Society
Growing our positive impact on society beyond our products and services
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment, 2025