Sustainable Development Goals

The University and Students' Association signed the Sustainable Development Goals Accord in 2017.

The purpose of the Accord is to inspire, celebrate and advance the critical role that education has in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals and the value it brings to governments, business and wider society. This reaffirms the University's commitment to make a significant, sustainable and socially responsible contribution to Scotland, the UK and the world. 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals, part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, were adopted by the United Nations and world leaders in 2015.  Over the next fifteen years, these will universally apply to all, countries will mobilise efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

Through its research, learning and teaching, operations and community of staff, students and alumni, the University is committed to delivering these Goals with partners, including the Students' Association, both locally and globally.

As part of its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals Accord, the University will highlight projects and initiatives that directly contribute to these Goals through our reporting.

More information about the Sustainable Development Goals

More information about the Sustainable Development Goals Accord

1. No poverty	We will work together with local communities Research Social investments Learning and teaching Widening access and participation
2. Zero hunger	We will work together with local communities Research
3. Good health and well-being	Biodiversity Travel Research Learning and teaching Good food Carbon sequestration
4. Quality education	Widening access and participation Learning and teaching Carbon sequestration Equality, diversity and inclusion United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP26 Supporting students and scholars at risk
5. Gender equality	Equality, diversity and inclusion United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP26
6. Clean water and sanitation	Research
7. Affordable and clean energy	Carbon emissions Research United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP26
8. Decent work and economic growth	Social investments Responsible finance Sustainable procurement
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure	Carbon emissions Research Social investments
10. Reduced inequalities	Equality, diversity and inclusion Learning and teaching Research Widening access and participation Social investments Supporting students and scholars at risk
11. Sustainable cities and communities	We will work together with local communities Carbon emissions Research Carbon sequestration Social investments
12. Responsible consumption and production	Waste Responsible finance Sustainable procurement Good food
13. Climate action	Carbon emissions Research United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP26 Responsible finance Sustainable procurement Carbon sequestration
14. Life below water	Research Biodiversity
15. Life on land	Biodiversity Research Carbon sequestration
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions	We will work together with local communities Research United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP26 Supporting students and scholars at risk
17. Partnerships for the goals	We will work together with local communities Research Carbon sequestration Widening access and participation Social investments United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP26 Supporting students and scholars at risk