The Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability works to enable the University to understand, explain and deliver on its ambition to be a leading socially responsible and sustainable university.
We deliver high quality and impactful programmes to catalyse action and collaboration across campus and support the University in achieving its Social Responsibility and Sustainability strategy and related commitments.
The University of Edinburgh has committed to become zero carbon by 2040. The University's Climate Strategy 2016 lays out a comprehensive whole institution approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation in order to achieve its ambitious targets.
The Circular Economy is about transitioning from a ‘take-make-dispose’ linear approach to resource use, to systems that encourage reuse and extraction of maximum value before returning resources to the biosphere.
Fairness in trade and sustainable procurement means calling for responsible practices in relation to workers, environment and society to be followed by our suppliers.
Labs use many times more energy and water per square metre than office spaces and can produce large quantities of waste including hazardous, clinical and single-use plastics
The Sustainability Awards offer an opportunity for staff and students to make a difference and contribute towards the University becoming more socially responsible and sustainable.
Globally, travel is one of the three biggest causes of climate change along with food and energy. As part of Zero by 2040, we have committed to work with staff, students and other organisations to reduce our impact.
The University of Edinburgh was the first university in Europe to sign the UN Principles of Responsible Investment, and has committed to avoid investments in fossil fuels, controversial weapons, and tobacco.
The University is the largest landlord of the Festival Fringe. Find out what we're doing to promote social responsibility and sustainability throughout the Festival.
