2023 news
Social responsibility and sustainability news from 2023.
University of Edinburgh commended at Green Gown Awards 2023
![](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/green_gown_awards_2023_-_finalist.png?itok=H2gJRr9r)
The University was a finalist in two categories – Nature Positive and Next Generation Learning & Skills – and was highly commended in the Digital Futures category.
University of Edinburgh ranked 3rd in the UK for sustainability
![An aerial photograph of central Edinburgh showing the meadows, Bristo Square and Holyrood Park in the background](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/aerial_shot_of_central_edinburgh.jpg?itok=uUvA43Vq)
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024 has ranked the University of Edinburgh 3rd in the UK, 6th in Europe and 15th globally out of a total 1,397 institutions.
University of Edinburgh backs Scotland's first subsidy-free, 100% community-owned wind turbine
![A photo looking down onto the Radio City Association headquarters, on Kilbirnie's Main Street](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/radio_city_association_kilbirnie.jpg?itok=iy3Y43pW)
A North Aryshire community enterprise has defied the odds, securing over £5 million in investment to pave the way for the first 100% community-owned, subsidy-free onshore wind turbine in Scotland. The University of Edinburgh has supported the project via the Scottish Growth Fund.
University climate action: seeking your views
![University climate action: seeking your views. Image generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI), using Adobe Firefly.](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/climate_strategy_consultation_900x400px.png?itok=b8-Bw69H)
Help make the University’s Climate Strategy better by responding to our consultation.
Social impact fund backed by the University of Edinburgh reaches key milestone
![A close up photograph of chocolates being prepared for decoration by a pair of gloved hands](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/harry_specters_1.jpg?itok=iiEI1GKd)
The Growth Impact Fund, developed by Big Issue Invest and UnLtd and supported by the University of Edinburgh has announced its third round of investments helping social businesses grow their impact, as it reaches the milestone of £1 million invested.
Scotland’s Climate Week spotlights green transport and home heating emissions
![](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/uofe_scotland_climate_week_2023.png?itok=CaQk5gDC)
This year’s Climate Week highlights the areas where we can take action for the biggest climate reduction impact. Many of our staff and students are already taking climate positive actions that reduce our carbon emissions and bring about other health and environmental benefits.
Welcome to Europe's top university for sustainability
![Pink Welcome Week bunting with trees in the backgound](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/welcome_week_social_media_images-6-edweb_welcome_news_article_cover_image.png?itok=5fj_mKyF)
With commitments to becoming a zero carbon University by 2040, we’re ranked 1st in Europe for sustainability by the QS World Rankings.
Find out how you can get involved with environmental and social impact during Welcome Week!
University of Edinburgh shortlisted for four Green Gown Awards
![Green Gown Awards 2023 Finalist](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/email_signature_finalists_2023.png?itok=IohEFJm8)
The University of Edinburgh has achieved a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility this year, after being shortlisted for four prestigious Green Gown Awards.
Clean Air Day 2023: The University of Edinburgh staff opting for car-free commuting
![A bike leaning against a stone wall with fields in the background](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/microsoftteams-image_1_8.png?itok=aeXaOiTA)
One of the simplest ways to reduce air pollution is to minimise car travel. We asked staff at the University of Edinburgh who are already enjoying the rewards of car-free travel what they find most rewarding about their commute.
The University of Edinburgh ranks fifth in the world for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
![University of Edinburgh ranked 5th for SDG 9 in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/fb_card.png?itok=bniGDbRw)
The University of Edinburgh has been ranked among the world’s top universities by The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its contribution to the UN SDGs, achieving 5th place globally for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
Climate action: The University’s carbon sequestration plan
![Tree planting at the Big Dig, May 2021, credit to Andrew Perry and Sport & Exercise](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/tree_planting_edweb_size.jpg?itok=N3fugBEd)
Staff, students and alumni are invited to a series of events exploring the University’s plans to create woodlands and restore peatland in order to offset our carbon emissions.
University of Edinburgh backed fund announces first investee
![White clouds in blue sky](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/87656513.jpg?itok=YWgeOYg3)
In April 2023, Neuropool, a neuro-divergent talent platform, received a £300,000 investment from the Growth Impact Fund, a social impact investment fund supported by the University of Edinburgh and developed by Big Issue Invest and UnLtd.
2022-23 Changemaker Award recipients
![Changemaker Awards, the University of Edinburgh Social Responsibility and Sustainability, congratulations! Photos of projects](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/edweb_changemaker_cover.png?itok=-SO2vHY9)
We're delighted to recognise inspirational staff and student Changemakers that have made a positive impact through their socially responsible and sustainable projects and by encouraging others.
Carbon emissions on our menus
![hand reaching for pot of food from self serve area in cafe.](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/levels_cafe-62.jpg?itok=_ah53biH)
Supporting staff, students and visitors to make informed choices on their food.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2023
![Fairtrade logo and text with dates of Fairtrade Fortnight 2023: 27 February to 12 March](https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/panel_breakpoints_theme_uoe_mobile_1x/public/thumbnails/image/j000606_ft_fortnight_lockup_dates_rgb_pos.jpg?itok=gtSNXmvZ)
The University is committed to promoting fair trade wherever possible, and works actively to combat human rights abuses in supply chains.