Strategy and governance

The University of Edinburgh aims to make a significant, sustainable and socially responsible contribution to Scotland, the UK and the world promoting health, economic growth and cultural wellbeing.

The University’s Social Responsibility and Sustainability Strategy 2010-2020 sets out a whole institution approach based on:

•   Learning and teaching

•   Research and knowledge exchange

•   People, services and infrastructure

Overall governance responsibilities sit with the Social Responsibility and Sustainability (SRS) Committee which succeeded the former Sustainability and Environment Advisory Group (SEAG) in 2015.

The scope and remit for the SRS Committee were reviewed during the last year, recognising that in addition to the sustainability and environmental topics, the Committee’s scope would also include fair employment, equality and diversity issues, access to education, widening participation issues, community relations and public engagement. Through engagement with both the University and local communities, government relations and partnerships, we seek to understand the social responsibility and sustainability issues that are important to our stakeholders and to the long term success of the University.

The University is a founding member of the Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment for Scotland and our ambitious Climate Action Plan is being reviewed in 2015.