The commitment to green chemistry education at York: past, present and future

Abstract

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York, UK has been at the forefront of green chemistry education initiatives for several decades. As the MSc programme in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology celebrates the 25th cohort of students graduating in Summer 2026, this manuscript celebrates this milestone through showcasing the integration of green chemistry education into curricula at all levels at Chemistry at York from outreach in primary and secondary schools to undergraduate and postgraduate instruction through to delivering continuing professional development training to those working in the chemical and allied industries. The impact of becoming a signatory of the Green Chemistry Commitment via Beyond Benign is also highlighted. Through outlining the educational approach at Chemistry at York, it is envisaged that aspects of the portfolio of activities designed to support green chemistry instruction are transferrable for other institutions to adopt, no matter what stage of curriculum development they are at. Potential future directions for green chemistry education are also discussed in recognition of the evolving curriculum and ethos to transition away from an optional enviornmentally-focused idea to green chemistry acting as a core lens to be used when practicing chemistry.