Leicester ranked a top 3 UK progressive city

Leicester has been named the UK’s third most progressive city for social and environmental issues, which is great news for the University of Leicester’s students and staff.

The survey by mortgage experts Bankrate UK scored 50 cities in seven categories to determine their commitment to addressing issues such recycling rates, ultra-low emission vehicle registrations, gender pay gap and enabling positive change.

The top scoring cities are politically active and mobile, champion equality in the workplace and beyond, handle waste the right way, make it easy to avoid animal products, controls their carbon footprint, and ensure women are well-represented in local council.

The University of Leicester’s £360m annual contribution to Leicester and Leicestershire – outlined in an independent economic and social impact report – not only places us at the heart of the city’s economy, generating economic and social benefits for the city, but also at the forefront in helping to make the city a great place to live, work and study.

From its support for local businesses, the University of Sanctuary programme, schools programmes, climate expertise and work tackling health inequalities, including COVID-19 risks for BAME healthcare staff, the University of Leicester is proudly at the heart of our city.

Committed to environmental sustainability, it has been rated in the top 3 per cent of global universities for supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and reduced its CO₂ emissions by 52 per cent since 2004/05 despite being 13 per cent bigger, and is committed to reaching net zero as part of its Climate Strategy.

Dr Sandra Lee, Social Impact Lead, said: “As Citizens of Change, the University will continue to play a significant role in enriching the economic, social, and cultural life of our city.

“As the University moves into its second century, I am excited by what we can achieve in the city together to make our future generations proud.”