Campus
We are committed to making our buildings environmentally friendly while encouraging students and staff to embed social responsibility and sustainability in the behaviour of the University community.
Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation
The newly transformed Old High School has become the first refurbished building in the UK to achieve the industry sustainability 'BREEAM Outstanding' award at design stage.
The Centre's unique design included careful consideration of building fabric, prioritising sustainable and recycled materials, and a specialised system of insulation to limit energy loss and seal windows and doors.
2012-13 Highlights
The fourth Combined Heat and Power Plant and Network opened at the University, enabling the generating of the heat and power for the Central area and Holyrood area on campus.
Holyrood CHP and District Heating
A University-wide travel survey conducted in 2013 highlighted that 88% of staff and students use low-carbon emitting transport by choosing to travel on foot, by bike or by public transport to work.
Staff and Student Travel Survey 2013
Hearty Squirrel, a student and staff volunteer run food co-operative, providing healthy, local, ethical, organic and Fairtrade food, obtained fixed premises through the support of the University.
Accommodation Services started their own apiary in Pollock Halls, encouraging the biodiversity of the local area and raising awareness amongst students of the positive impact of beekeeping on flowering plants and seed production.
Edinburgh became the first University in Europe to become a signatory of the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment, reflecting the university’s commitment to honour environmental, social and corporate governance throughout its investment practice.