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Social responsibility and sustainability
We ensure that social, ethical and environmental concerns influence our decision making and the way we operate day to day.
We promote change, enhance community engagement and promote sustainability and social responsibility across the University.
Sustainability in the curriculum
Increasingly we are offering a student experience where you can explore sustainability, global environmental challenges, social justice and ethical dilemmas.
Fairtrade
As Scotland’s first Fairtrade University, we have been promoting better conditions for farmers and communities in developing countries since 2004.
Climate change
We have championed environmental sustainability since the early 1990s:
- The University is a founder signatory to the Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment 2009 and to the 10:10 campaign.
- We are actively reducing our carbon footprint and have invested £12 million in campus-wide combined heat and power energy projects, winning the 2008 National Energy Efficiency and Carbon Trust Awards.
- A student/staff initiative - Transition Edinburgh University - tackles Climate Change and Peak Oil through practical action research projects.
- EUSA achieved a second Gold in the ‘Sound Impact Awards’ judged by the National Union of Students’ Services Limited for their outstanding environmental performance.
A stimulating environment
The University is investing in transforming our buildings and surroundings to the highest environmental standards.
Our campuses are sensitively managed to promote biodiversity and tranquility.
Staff and student travel
We have integrated travel plans and continually improve facilities for cycling and public transport.
As a result, 90 per cent of students and 70 per cent of staff choose to leave their car at home, and opt instead to walk, cycle or share lifts with friends and colleagues.
Healthy eating
The University’s catering facilities were recently presented with national Healthy Eating Awards.
EUSA has adopted the Soil Association’s Food for Life scheme in some of its cafes.
This article was published on Sep 22, 2010