2018 news
Archived news from 2018.
View the Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report 2017-18
Q1 highlights for 2018/19
The Department for Social Responsibility & Sustainability (SRS) delivers and facilitates programmes to catalyse action and collaboration across campus. We launched the new academic year with a focus on supporting staff and students to get involved and take practical action.
Why the University of Edinburgh is investing £1.5m in social enterprises
In January 2018 the University announced it was investing £1.5m to support local social enterprises. Why did the University do this, and what did the University invest in?
Win a £200 bike station voucher!
We're giving away two £200 vouchers to a randomly selected member of staff and student who complete our Be Sustainable online training by Monday 10 December.
The University of Edinburgh signs 'New Plastics Economy' global commitment
The global commitment, led by the Ellen MacArthur foundation, seeks to eliminate plastic pollution at the source. The commitment has been signed by many of the world’s largest packaging producers, brands, retailers and recyclers, as well as governments and NGOs.
University of Edinburgh named ‘Sustainability Institution of the Year’
The University of Edinburgh received the Sustainability Institution of the Year Award 2018 in the internationally acclaimed Green Gown Awards. This was awarded for the continuous work to adopt a whole institution approach and become a more socially responsible and sustainable university.
Could you represent the University in the Edinburgh Fairtrade City group?
Edinburgh has held Fairtrade City status since 2004. The University works with the Council to officially support fair trade and help the city work towards agreed fair trade goals.
New guide - Sustainability: Key to Long-term Institutional Success
The Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges has launched a new Guide that highlights the business benefits of sustainability and explains why it is key to the success of higher education institutions.
Q4 highlights for 2017/18
In the last quarter of the 17/18 academic year there was continued progress in relation to the targets which we have set. Our quarterly infographic shows some of our highlights and the annual Social Responsibility and Sustainability report (coming soon) will give a fuller picture of achievements.
We recognise and support the new International Fair Trade Charter
Supporters of the charter share a vision of a world in which everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their full human potential.
Welcome from Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Our department provides all students with lots of different ways to learn more about social responsibility and sustainability while at University.
Commitment to embed social responsibility into the curriculum and student experience
The University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh University Students’ Association have received the NUS Responsible Futures accreditation, recognising efforts to embed social responsibility and sustainability into the curriculum and student experience.
University's commitment to responsible investment praised in new report
The University's latest assessment by the UNPRI (United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment) reflects the institution's ongoing, progressive commitment to incorporate environmental, social and governance factors into investment decisions.
Recap from the annual Resource Efficiency Workshop
On 18 July, 50 staff who are interested in resource efficiency from around the University gathered at Godfrey Thomson Hall to enjoy informative presentations about how the University and our partners are combating waste.
University encourages reusable cups and bottles
In a bid to cut disposable plastic waste, the University and Students' Association have made it easier and cheaper for staff and students to use reusable coffee cups and water bottles on campus.
Training in social responsibility and sustainability for University staff
We offer training for staff who want to know more about sustainability and learn how to make positive changes to their workplace.
New report launched on the contribution of universities to the Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Edinburgh is a contributing institution to a Global Alliance of the world’s universities, colleges and sustainability networks who have launched a new report; ‘Global universities, colleges and students leading delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals’.
University finalist in five Green Gown Awards categories
The annual awards celebrate Universities and Colleges across the UK making sector-leading commitments to the global sustainability agenda.
We've moved!
After six years at Hope Park Square, we have now relocated to the Boilerhouse at High School Yards.
Printing Services receive award for cycle delivery service
Delivering goods by bike rather than car reduces the carbon footprint of orders.
Fifteen-year commitment to fair trade renewed
The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh University Students' Association have received two-star Fairtrade Award at a ceremony in Keele University, marking nearly 15 years of support for ethical and responsible purchasing.
Items from over 5,000 students collected for re-use
At the end of May, the University's annual end of term re-use plans swung into action.
2018 Planetary Health Meeting
The 2018 Planetary Health Meeting took place in McEwan Hall Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 May and was attended by over 500 international delegates.