Staff

Find out how to make your area of work more socially responsible and sustainable.

Take action for social responsibility and sustainability

We offer a range of training courses, events, support and advice for staff to help you improve your sustainability skillset and make a difference, no matter where you work in the University.

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.

Make a difference

The Framework is intended to be used by senior leadership to drive and monitor our transition towards a sustainable University. It creates a standard for everyone to work to and is structured to allow continuous progression.

Embed sustainability in the taught curriculum with the help of a variety of development resources.

No matter what your discipline or experience, we encourage you to join our community of practice which is co-organised with the UN centre of regional expertise in education for Sustainable Development.

Solar panels Easter Bush

Take action on campus to make positive change through sustainable, evidence-based practices.

Areas include: supply chains, energy, buildings, waste, travel, finance, landscaping and food.

Edinburgh Earth Initiative Earth Fellows

Connect with Edinburgh Earth Initiative and Edinburgh Innovations to maximise the impact of your sustainability research.

The Research Office can help you demonstrate your commitment to sustainability in grant applications.

More ways to make a difference

Sustainability champions with keepcups summer meetup 2022

Join a network of staff and students making the University more sustainable.

We will help you develop the skills you need to lead positive change.

More ways to connect

Volunteering on Dumyat Hill 2024

The University’s A Day to Make a Difference initiative gives every member of staff an additional day of paid leave to volunteer for a charity, organisation or other good cause.

There are also volunteering opportunities on campus, including with the Big Dig, to plant and maintain trees as part of our Wild Campus.

Use the Sustainability Rewards app to:

  • Track the sustainable actions you’re already taking and celebrate your progress. 
  • Learn and discover new ways to live more sustainably. 
  • Earn rewards for your continued commitment to sustainability. 

Celebrate your achievements for what you're already doing, with the Changemaker Award, or by working through criteria to achieve a Sustainable Lab Award or Sustainability at Home Award.