Sustainability

Supply chains and investments

Details of our Supply chains and investments programme, including Good Food, modern slavery, conflict minerals, fair trade, palm oil and responsible investment.

Good Food

Good Food meal with brocolli, knife and fork raised
Good Food is food and drink that is tasty, healthy, good for the environment and good for the people who make it. Find out how you can make good food choices on campus and contribute to more sustainable and ethical food systems worldwide.

Fair and sustainable procurement

Map of mine in Africa to factory/processing in Asia to final electronics worldwide
The University has made various commitments to working towards socially responsible and sustainable procurement and supply chains.

Modern slavery

Graphic: chains connected to price tags with barcodes
In 2016, the UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) came into force. It requires commercial organisations with a turnover of over £36 million to publish a statement detailing what actions they are taking to combat any risks of modern slavery in their own operations and in their supply chains.

Conflict minerals

 What are Conflict Minerals? Smart phone with minerals Gold, Tin, Tantalum and Tungsten shown on the screen.
The University of Edinburgh was the first higher education institution in the UK adopt a formal conflict minerals policy.

Fair trade

Fair trade illustration: bananas, coffee, rice
We have participated in the Fairtrade University scheme since 2004, making commitments to procure fair trade, awareness-raising and research.

Palm oil

Screenshot from video Palm Oil Production - plantation experiences from Fiona Borthwick
The University of Edinburgh is working to ensure it buys products that contain certified sustainable palm oil.

Responsible investment

The approach the University takes to responsible investment is rooted in its focus on social and civic responsibility, and a vision to make the world a better place.