Sustainability

Topics

An overview of topics we are working on.

Research

Illustration of measuring, researching and examining climate and nature
The University's research is world-leading. It goes on to count in policy debates, inform business, be part of the public discourse, and therefore have a real impact on society. We're finding ways to make it more sustainable.

Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning illustration SRS hands holding a book
Equipping students with the skills they need for their careers and also their lives is core to what the University does. 'Green skills' are a key part.

Biodiversity

Hand holding seedling
We're improving biodiversity on each University campus, and beyond.

Climate action

Climate action illustration - hand holding megaphone
The University of Edinburgh has committed to become zero carbon by 2040. The University's Climate Strategy 2016 lays out a comprehensive whole institution approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation in order to achieve its ambitious targets.

Energy and buildings

We are working to increase sustainability across the University's estate.

Food

Good Food meal with brocolli, knife and fork raised
Sustainable food practices at the University are themed around sourcing; provision; practice; learning, teaching and research; and leadership and culture.

Responsible investment

Learn about our main areas of progress in fossil fuel divestment, climate-positive investments, socially positive investments and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) reporting.

Supply chains & purchasing

Supply chains illustration: production (mines), transport, factories, recycling/disposal.
We improve sustainability in our supply chains through fair and sustainable procurement, championing fair trade, and initiatives to combat modern slavery, conflict minerals and issues around palm oil.

Waste and the circular economy

Recycling bins: paper and card, dry recycling, other/food. Cute illustration with mouse and trees growing out of the bins
The Circular Economy is about transitioning from a ‘take-make-dispose’ linear approach to resource use to systems that encourage reuse and extraction of maximum value before returning resources to the biosphere.

Travel

Illustration of train, train ticket and video conferencing headset
Travel is one of the three top sources of greenhouse gas emissions globally. At the University, we take a 'climate conscious' approach to travel to reduce our emissions where we can.

Community Engagement

Edinburgh skyline illustration with bunting
We work to support social impact, share knowledge and experience, build close connections, provide services to our communities and open our estate.

Fair employer and equality and diversity issues

Widening participation

Reporting

View our annual social responsibility and sustainability reports