Sustainability

Approach to reporting

This report communicates progress in implementing the Social and Civic Responsibility Plan.

A list of strategic metrics for sustainability, social and civic responsibility issues, is included within this annual report.

The University’s Social Responsibility and Sustainability Committee has responsibility for overseeing the progress in implementing the Social and Civic Responsibility Plan.

It will monitor and review the plan on behalf of the University’s Executive Group. Monitoring progress for specific strategic objectives will also be undertaken by other relevant governance structures.

Professor Sandy Tudhope, University Lead on Climate Responsibility and Sustainability, is the Convenor of the SRS Committee. Professor Lesley McAra Assistant Principal Community Relations is the Vice Convenor. Students are represented on this committee by the Edinburgh University Students’ Association through the Vice President Community.

Working groups linked to the SRS Committee support the development and response to key issues.  In 2019-20 these included:

  • Community Board (previously Community Engagement Programme Board)
  • Environmental, Social, Governance
  • Modern Slavery
  • Sustainable Development Goals in the Curriculum and Student Experience
  • Sustainable Strategy Advisory Group  Sustainable Laboratories
  • Travel and Aviation Working Group
  • Utilities.

The University has partnership working groups with the Edinburgh University Students’ Association.

Committees

Survey results: 95% of University of Edinburgh students are interested in climate change