Foreword

As a global and world leading university, Edinburgh seeks to benefit society through the research it conducts, and the students who learn here and whose lives are influenced here.

In addition, as a large organisation with hundreds of buildings, thousands of students and staff, with supply chains reaching across the world, the University of Edinburgh impacts people and nature through the way in which it operates and undertakes its work.

Making sure that impact is a positive one is important to us.

The importance of social responsibility as a strategic priority was recognised through the establishment of the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability in 2013. High quality and impactful programmes continue to catalyse action and collaboration across campus and support the University in achieving its Social Responsibility and Sustainability Strategy.

In line with our commitments to responsible investment, a 2015 review resulted in a change of fossil fuel investment policy and a decision to divest from three of the world’s biggest coal and tar sands companies. Our policy underlines our commitment to use the leverage of our investments to bring about positive change that reduces carbon emissions in fossil fuels and other sectors, and to press further with our world-leading research activities that actively contribute towards the development of low carbon technologies.

The efforts of staff and students in making a positive contribution towards society and the environment continued to be recognised in 2015. Record numbers of staff and students participated in the University’s Sustainability Awards, with over forty departments being recognised for their innovation and achievements at the fifth annual awards ceremony.

This report illustrates the continued progress made by staff and students in 2015 to make a more socially responsible and sustainable university. 

Dave Gorman

Director of Social Responsibility and Sustainability