Our commitment to sustainability

Being socially responsible and sustainable is a key part of how we do things at the University of Edinburgh.

Sustainability is firmly embedded in our buildings policy at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine to manage all our workplace activities which impact our environment and its resources.

Climate strategy

The University of Edinburgh is working to become net zero carbon by 2040. A refreshed version of the strategy is currently under development.

Part of our strategy is to restore woodland and peatland here in Scotland, not only to store carbon, but to restore nature and benefit local communities.

Sustainability targets and performance

 

Travel choices

Support is available to help you try out active travel.

 The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine website gives timetables of the bus routes and shuttle buses that service BioQuarter (Little France) as well as information for cyclists. The University provides interest-free loans to purchase annual tickets for public transport.

 

Fairness in trade and sustainable procurement

The University has made various commitments to working towards socially responsible and sustainable procurement and supply chains. Fairness in trade and sustainable procurement means calling for responsible practices in relation to workers, environment and society to be followed by our suppliers. This includes work around modern slavery, conflict minerals and supporting fair trade.

Sustainability: supply chains and investments

Modern Slavery statement

 

Sustainability awards

Lab and office teams from across the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine have the opportunity to champion social responsibility and sustainability in their areas through the University’s Changemaker Awards.

Changemaker awards

 

Sustainable labs

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 Social Responsibility and Sustainability team can help you make your lab more sustainable through training, funding and advice. 

Researchers and academic staff can use the ‘Living Lab’ approach to link up their research with improvements to University practice.

Sustainable labs

 

Social responsibility

Wellbeing groups on the BioQuarter campus inspire people to take up sport and develop active, healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

The Little France Jog Scotland group meets at lunch time three times a week at the Chancellor’s Building.

The University of Edinburgh Little France Jog Scotland Group

Little France Jog Scotland Facebook page

 

Related links

For more detailed information on the University-wide approach to sustainability, visit:

Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh