ZERO BY Climate Strategy 2040 2016-26 Foreword 2 Summary

We are pleased to launch the Climate Change Strategy 2016-2026 which presents our whole institution approach, Summary encompassing University research, learning, teaching, operations and investments. 4 Introduction Through the efforts of our staff, student Action Plan 2010-2020, and on our 5 Background Our operational boundary and alumni community and working with experience in investing over £30m in low 7 and baseline our partners, the University of Edinburgh carbon technology, and attracting more 8 Past and business as usual makes strong and lasting contributions to than £50m of climate research since emissions addressing this vital issue. 2010. Introduction This new Climate Change Strategy The time for debate on the science has presents our bold vision to be carbon long since passed, as has the time for neutral by 2040, including ambitious arguments on whether to act. In this targets and concrete goals. Strategy, we commit to long-term goals to 9 Strategy Targets and future ensure we are leading the way in tackling emissions We build on our outstanding history of climate change, across all of our activities discovery and innovation, showing our and recognising the core strength of institutional commitment to sustainability. the University as a globally connected, Our targets This commitment drives our cutting-edge socially committed research and learning climate research with impact, prepares organisation. There is no doubt that the our students to address one of the 12 Research, learning and dedicated efforts of our staff, students foremost global challenges of the 21st living lab and partnership working will successfully century, and leads to improvements in deliver the programmes set out in the the energy efficiency of our estate and Strategy and ensure that we achieve our operations, reducing campus-wide new targets. carbon emissions. 14 Reducing our operational We look forward to working with you. We have learned from and draw on the emissions successes of the University’s Climate

18 Leveraging investments 18 Renewables and smart energy

19 Risk management and adaptation

Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE Alec Edgecliffe-Johnson The Whole Institution Approach Senior Vice Principal Edinburgh University Students’ Association President 20 Progress through partnerships

21 Governance, review and reporting

Hugh Edmiston Professor Lesely McAra Director of Corporate Services Assistant Principal Community Relations Governance

22 Implementation and next steps

Dave Gorman Director of Social Responsibility Next steps and Sustainability

www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 1 Figure 1 Summary Our e 2 emissions We recognise that climate change is one of the most significant Innovating to reduce our Beyond our own emissions Working together global challenges of the century. emissions in 2025 As a University, we have an opportunity We will only make progress on Summary to influence the world beyond our Possible The United Kingdom, along with more Our previous approach was ambitious, campuses. our climate change ambitions indicative than 170 other countries, officially signed Our vision but did not adequately take into account -26,838 tCO the key drivers of University emissions. by working with our city, national pathway based the Paris Agreement in 2016. We will be carbon neutral by 2040. We have already attracted more than upon predictive As a result of mergers, new buildings and £50 million over the last seven years and international partnerships. Total emissions reductions Total The Agreement sets out a global target calculations As part of a global community working growth in student numbers, emissions to fund our world-class academics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Locally, we are active members of a to address climate challenges, we will have increased since the introduction working in climate science, emissions and a decisive call to action to mitigate number of city groups that address demonstrate our commitment through of the Climate Action Plan 2010-20. reduction and sustainable technology. dangerous climate change caused by adaptation and biodiversity, and our research, our teaching, and the Following an extensive review of the Research has focused on identifying the participate in the Edinburgh Sustainable Introduction human activity. management of our operations and University’s emissions, this Strategy threats climate change poses, particularly Development Partnership to promote the investments. To meet this challenge and to support identifies key elements as electricity, to some of the world’s most vulnerable city’s sustainability strategy. gas and business travel. We are Scotland’s and the world’s transition to We will reduce our energy consumption, communities, and developing innovative developing targeted programmes to Nationally, we work closely with the a low carbon economy, the University of enhance our use of renewable energy, technologies to help mitigate these Energy reduction reduce emissions in these areas. Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and Edinburgh has set out these ambitious and explore new ways to cut our direct threats. campaign other peers, and are members of the but achievable targets. and indirect emissions, which will fall We will continue to improve our We will continue to promote this Environmental Association for Universities -8,363 tCO e in line with the efforts required to avoid 2 sustainable infrastructure, building research – to encourage wider public and Colleges (EAUC), which advances A whole institution approach dangerous climate change. Our targets on £30 million already invested understanding of climate change sustainability measures and information Our Strategy lays out a comprehensive in low carbon technology since We believe in demonstrating the value of challenges and solutions – and we will sharing across the sector. whole institution approach to climate 2006. We will continue to develop our climate solutions through our reporting ensure that all students have the e

2 change mitigation and adaptation in metering to ensure that we have a Globally, we are forging links as a and we will implement processes to opportunity to understand how their order to achieve our ambitious targets. better understanding of our emissions. member of the International Sustainable understand the carbon impacts of our area of study will be impacted by Programmes to encourage positive Campus Network with leading universities To meet these new obligations, we will business decisions. climate change. behaviours are being enhanced to such as Harvard, MIT and Oxford 10% cut in take action on research, learning and Following an extensive review of the further reduce emissions and encourage In 2013, we became the first university and Cambridge. We are exploring expected flight teaching, operations, responsible 106,802 tCO University’s emissions, this Strategy staff and students to participate. in Europe to sign the Principles for partnerships with leading, European, growth investment, and will investigate 1 identifies key drivers as electricity, gas Responsible Investment. We have American, Asian and other global renewables opportunities. We will implement completely new -2,375 tCO e and business travel. We are therefore committed to encourage companies universities to share best practice and 2 projects in order to reach our targets, We will use the University’s five developing targeted programmes to to cut their carbon emissions and explore common objectives. including the new Sustainable Campus prioritise low carbon investment. We

Emissions in 2025 (Business as usual) campuses as living laboratories for reduce emissions in these areas. Fund to deliver energy efficiency savings learning, and to test innovative ideas. have divested from coal and tar sands What happens next? across the University. Sustainable – reducing our direct exposure to fossil Building on more than two decades travel advice will be rolled out to fuels by 90% since 2008. We publish Figure 2 Climate Strategy targets improve awareness of alternative travel of progress, this Strategy marks a our annual Principles for Responsible milestone on our journey to becoming a options and drive down business travel Investment report online for public Move to electric contributions to our emissions, and we zero carbon university. We have already vehicle fleet viewing. started a number of programmes to 1 will move our vehicle fleet from fossil fuel to electric power. We will continue our work in this area and make our commitments happen, and -760 tCO2e

are exploring development of a course we will announce further decisions and The Whole Institution Approach We will reduce our emissions of carbon We will also create projects to change in the Business School that will give developments over the coming years, per £ million turnover by 50% from a our business practices and reduce students hands on experience of starting with an implementation plan in 2007/8 baseline year by 2025 our emissions in the future. Projects managing responsible investments early 2017 and our next annual social are underway to re-imagine our approach and recommending stocks to our responsibility and sustainability report this e 2 to carbon performance in IT and building investment committee. winter. design and have the potential to deliver Other policy 2 significant savings and emissions and behavioural reductions. A new task group will change investigate renewables opportunities 79,964 tCO We will return our carbon emissions to for the University, as investments in -5,340 tCO e 2 2007/08 baseline year levels by 2025 renewable energy and direct carbon offsetting could lead to a dramatic reduction in our emissions. Governance So that different areas do not have 2025 net carbon emissions (With this Strategy) 3 different approaches, we will continue to make sure that the University’s policies in waste, transport, Land based We will become a net zero carbon procurement and food are aligned carbon offsetting university by 2040 with this Strategy. SRS Staff & Student workshop -10,000 tCO2e Next steps

2 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 3 Introduction Background Climate change is recognised as one of the most significant global challenges of the 21st century.2 The We conducted an extensive programme of review from 2015-2016, to reconsider our approach Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) detailed the current scale of the problem and risks to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Consultancy work resulted in the identification of Summary involved in its Fifth Assessment Report (2014), pointing to greenhouse gas emissions from human approaches to measuring emissions, reviewing best practice in the university sector, examining the activities as the dominant cause of global warming since the mid-20th century.3 business cases for renewables and a review of international carbon reporting.

The last decade showed the highest mandatory, including universities, with the The University of Edinburgh Lessons learned and recommendations contributed to this performance and the Figure 3 global average surface temperatures first official reporting deadline scheduled for the University were identified and University now leads the way in CHP University growth since records began, about 0.8°C above for November 2016.7 In addition, Section The University of Edinburgh is a major collated. This research has informed technology in the UK. We have improved energy user: we have 35,000 students, pre-industrial levels, meaning we already 44 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act development of the new Strategy and we our energy infrastructure through the 35.3k face a global climate never seen before places duties on public bodies relating 13,000 staff, 550 buildings and 240,000 present key review findings here. development of four CHP installations, by advanced industrial societies. to climate change, requiring them to alumni and represent a significant part with a fifth planned for Easter Bush 9.2k Introduction contribute to Scotland’s carbon emissions of the City of Edinburgh community. Lessons learned campus, due to be running by 2017.14 25.7k 7.9k The 21st session of the UN Framework reduction targets, climate change Students, staff and alumni have expect- The University has saved almost 10,000 Convention on Climate Change The University’s Climate Action Plan adaptation, and to act sustainably.8 ations of the University as a world-leading tCO e per year as a result of CHP Conference of Parties (COP21), held in (CAP) 2010-20 proposed a reduction in 2 higher education institution that is a installation. Progress in energy efficiency December 2015, resulted in the Paris The need to take steps to mitigate and our carbon emissions of 29% by 2020, 37% 16% member of the Edinburgh and wider has been made against qualitative increase increase Agreement, with consensus that the adapt has driven innovation towards low national and global communities and against a 2007 baseline year. As of 2014/15, the University was 12% above measures through programmes that increase in global average temperature carbon energy solutions across sectors. which must address climate change.  

encourage sustainable behaviour Our targets should be kept below 2°C above pre- Organisations and governments are baseline against an interim 2015 target such as “Switch” and the Edinburgh industrial levels.4 One hundred and increasingly pursuing renewables to The University has an outstanding history of -20%. The principal reason for this 07/ 14/ 07/ 14/ Sustainability Awards, with increased 08 15 seventy five countries, including the UK, reduce future energy costs, meet their of discovery, invention and innovation has been an increase in the estate due 08 15 since its founding in 1583, and on which to mergers and new build, with student engagement. have committed to achieving this goal by moral commitments to reduce their Student numbers Staff numbers we are committed to build.11 University numbers and the physical estate growing officially signing the Paris Agreement on carbon emissions and secure their energy The University has consistently reduced (total numbers) (FTE) 22 April 2016. supply in a volatile world. researchers increasingly focus on global substantially since 2010. Original targets the amount of waste from our operations challenges, conducting research with were not set with sufficient consideration that we send to landfill. In 2014-15, 47% Solar and onshore wind are now cost- £841m The Scottish context impact that feeds into climate change for the likely drivers of carbon in the less waste was sent to landfill, 35% competitive in some parts of the world, mitigation and adaptation strategies or University such as the scale and context The Scottish Government noted that more was recycled or composted and with UK solar moving closer to being that addresses responsible investment for growth within the period, and did 0.83m annual national carbon emissions 9 twice as much waste was reused at the subsidy-free. for the climate. We are also a leader not adequately align with strategic and reduction targets were missed for four University compared to 2013-14. These 0.67m £555m in learning and teaching in the area of estates objectives or identify pathways to consecutive years since 2010, but recent Renewable energy will represent improvements led to an increase in the largest single source of climate change, with undergraduate offer- achieve those targets. waste diverted from landfill, of 550 reports show that the annual target has ings as well as postgraduate courses. been met for 2014.5 Scotland’s emissions electricity growth over the next tonnes. In 2014-15, landfill diversion five years, becoming the dominant Student involvement and the student Previous success reached 93%, and we have shown a 23% 52% have fallen by 45.8% from the 1990 experience will continue to be integral increase increase baseline so that the 2020 target of 42% energy source by the time our Performance against relative space continual improvement over the past 3 undergraduates reach middle age.10 to the success of climate action. We and turnover indicators has been more years. has already been reached. Continued equally show commitment to addressing  £ and sustained action is required in order positive, demonstrating improvements Mitigation and adaptation open up climate change as a founding signatory 07/ 14/ 6 in the carbon efficiency of the University. 07/ 14/ to meet future targets. The Scottish opportunities to apply new technologies, 08 15 of the Universities and Colleges Climate Large-scale investment in Combined 08 15 Government has made reporting of increase efficiency and reduce costs 12 Commitment for Scotland (UCCCfS). Heat and Power (CHP) energy centres carbon emissions by public bodies while reducing emissions. Gross internal Turnover The Whole Institution Approach and district heating networks has area (m2) (£m) Our vision We will be carbon neutral by 2040. As part of a global community working The Climate Change Strategy 2016-2026 The Strategy takes a whole institution to address climate challenges, we will Figure 4 University emissions relative to different factors for the University of Edinburgh draws on approach to deliver both global and local demonstrate our commitment through our tradition of leadership and impact, impact in mitigation and adaptation. our research, our teaching, and the learning from and building on the Climate The approach encompasses the management of our operations and Action Plan 2010-20 and reflecting University’s research, learning and investments. 160 approaches laid out in the University’s teaching, operations driven by efficient    Social Responsibility and Sustainability use of space and energy, responsible We will reduce our energy consumption, £ Strategy 2010-20. It aligns with and investment and work with local and global enhance our use of renewable energy, 120 15% drop 7% drop 3% drop 10% drop e Governance helps to deliver on the aims set out in partners. The University campuses serve and explore new ways to cut our direct 2 and indirect emissions, which will fall the University Strategic Plan 2016-21, as a living laboratory for testing innovative 80 to “build sustainability into our planning ideas, thus bringing together learning, in line with the efforts required to avoid dangerous climate change. processes, ensuring that our new and teaching, research and operations, Tonnes CO Student intensity refurbished buildings are equipped to leading to improvements that teach or We believe in demonstrating the value of 40 Staff Full Time Equivalent (FTE) intensity meet and address the threats of climate progress research while reducing carbon climate solutions through our reporting 1000m2 Gross Internal Area (GIA) intensity change by being energy-efficient and emissions. and we will implement processes to 0 £1m turnover intensity meeting waste and carbon standards understand the carbon impacts of our 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Next steps throughout their lifetimes”.13 business decisions.

4 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 5 Figure 5 The waste hierarchy & waste in tonnes by disposal method 2007-15 (academic estate only) Our operational boundary and baseline A review of both the University’s CAP 2010-20 and best practice provided an opportunity to reconsider the baseline year and the University’s operational boundary for carbon emissions. Our Most preferable Summary 4,000 Strategy maintains the 2007/8 (academic) baseline year, but revises the boundary. Prevention (data not collected) Along with emissions from electricity, Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Scope 1 travel is a key source of University Scope (Preparation for) 3,000 gas and other fuels, water, waste emissions are those from sources owned 3 carbon emissions. Reuse and company-owned vehicles, the or controlled by the University, from Staff and student commuting appear Strategy now includes business travel, gas usage (gas boilers) and fuel used 93% in our formal carbon assessments and Recycling 2,000 which accounted for almost 9% of the by owned vehicles. Scope 2 includes Waste reports, but these figures are not included not sent University’s carbon emissions in 2014/15. electricity consumed by the University in the Strategy’s total for target purposes, to landfill This has led to a revision of total baseline minus electricity generated by CHP units. Introduction Recovery as these activities are not directly under 1,000 emissions from 2007/8 to 86,707 tCO e, 2 As evident in Table 1 (overleaf), electricity the University’s control. Measurement of previously reported as 76,959 tCO e in Landfill 2 and gas are key sources of University Scope 3 emissions from commuting and the CAP 2012 update. 0 operational carbon emissions. procurement, with a specific focus on Least preferable 2007/082008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/132013/14 2014/15 We base our carbon accounting capital goods and ICT, will be developed and reporting on the WBCSD/WRI Scope 3 emissions and refined for future inclusion in Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Under recognised corporate standards, reporting. 18

standard , using the Carbon Guru Our targets reporting on Scope 3 emissions is usually Over time, the University will both adopt platform to generate assessments. voluntary, however the University must The University has also made progress in investigations, approaches to carbon best practice and seek to take the lead We will continue to use this platform to report waste, water, staff and student transport and travel. We now have seven capture and storage, forest carbon through our carbon and sustainability generate annual reports on emissions, commuting and business travel to the small electric vans and five petrol hybrid sequestration, offshore renewables and reporting, recognising the need to move and will seek external verification of Higher Education Statistics Agency vehicles. Thirteen charging stations have power systems. beyond merely operational carbon assessments, in line with standard best (HESA) for the Estates Management been installed so that staff and visitors reporting into attempts to quantify Our Global Environment and Society practice. Record (EMR). The University includes can charge personal electric vehicles. We broader benefits from our activities. Our Academy (GESA) encourages waste, water and business travel have partnered with the higher and further efforts here also fit with broader ambitions multidisciplinary responses to challenging Scope 1 and 2 emissions in reporting, and these will be included education sector in Edinburgh to deliver to show leadership in integrated reporting global issues such as climate change The University is required to report in our target setting process. Business the city’s first electric bike share scheme, and linking our annual accounts. through teaching, research and outreach eCycle, providing eight bikes for staff use. and engaging with civil society.15 We have also delivered a student bike hire scheme, UniCycles, in partnership Drawing on best practice with the Edinburgh University Student’s Figure 6 Greenhouse Gas Protocol emissions scopes and the University of Edinburgh Association (EUSA). Fifty bikes are Universities worldwide are increasingly available to encourage students to cycle adopting innovative measures to to the University. We conduct staff and reduce their carbon emissions, and student travel surveys every two years, best practice within the sector provides capturing valuable information on travel inspiration and direction for the University Project Elpis behaviours that feeds into our Transport of Edinburgh. The University of British Scope 1 Greenhouse gas emissions Scope 3 Columbia (UBC) serves as an exemplar, Strategy. Creative solutions for refugees in Direct emissions from activities Other indirect emissions that The Whole Institution Approach meeting ambitious absolute carbon Greece through solar-powered owned or controlled by the occur upstream and University of Edinburgh students emissions reduction targets through University downstream, associated with contribute to solving global problems innovative retrofits and capital projects, mobile devices. the University’s activities through innovative projects in the energy despite growth in floor space and student University controlled Two second year students studying efficiency and renewables spaces. numbers.16 energy (gas used for Project Elpis, for example, involves Environmental and Ecological Sciences the CHP and gas Waste boilers) development of solar powered mobile Energy efficiency improvements are with Management established Project chargers for refugees in Greece, which central to carbon reduction in UK Elpis which aims to provide free electricity University vehicles universities, and often successful funding for refugees through the use of solar and the fuel they use may also have future benefit for climate Water refugees. options have included green revolving power. funds and price per tonne of carbon as With support from the University’s Success is evident in the University’s the parameter for appraising projects.  Staff clear focus on climate-related research Chaplaincy and crowdfunding efforts, the Staff/student commuting* Scope 2 Governance across disciplines. Our research in Universities are increasingly installing project installed their first solar powered Indirect emissions from climate change spans behaviour on-site renewables and alternative energy units on the island of Samos in Greece in June 2016. electricity consumed by the and social change, cultural and sources with more regularity for climate University that we do not own and financial reasons.17 We have also Business travel technology studies, policy, law and The long term objective of the project is or control identified decarbonisation of the UK business in the College of Humanities to provide a fully sustainable replicable electricity grid as a key factor that will and Social Science. Research in our model that addresses social, economic Electricity (excluding Procurement reduce our emissions associated with University owned (particularly capital College of Science and Engineering and environmental issues. electricity. electricity generation) goods and ICT)* includes atmospheric studies, biochar Next steps *Measured but not used for target setting

6 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 7 Past and business as usual emissions Strategy targets and future emissions

The University has conducted detailed forecasting of future carbon emissions to identify a ‘business as The University proposes the following ambitious targets, achievable through identified projects and

usual’ pattern of future growth and the drivers of increasing carbon emissions. This is crucial to under- programmes. Summary standing the opportunities that exist for reducing direct emissions.

Figure 7 Past emissions and predicted ‘business as usual’ emissions 2008-25 1 Past emissions

We will reduce our emissions of carbon Introduction

120,000 per £ million turnover by 50% from a Water 100,000 2007/8 baseline year by 2025 Owned vehicles 80,000

Fuels Our targets 60,000 2 Waste 40,000 Transport We will return our carbon emissions to 20,000 Gas 2007/08 baseline year levels by 2025 0

To nnes Electricity

CO2e 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

3 Predicted emissions* (Business as usual) *from 2020 large new energy intensive research facility assumed We will become a net zero carbon Table 1 Scope 1 and 2 emissions 2007-15 university by 2040

Carbon tCO2e 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 The Whole Institution Approach

Electricity 38,836 34,281 37,543 42,877 47,212 53,132 49,791 43,306

Gas 38,054 39,122 43,668 44,439 38,558 35,339 38,073 40,672 Net zero, or carbon neutrality, includes Decarbonisation of the UK electricity grid a key driver of the business as usual Fuel 579 309 895 699 650 658 667 467 sequestering or offsetting carbon, where and its impact on the University’s future increase in future University emissions. every effort is made to reduce operational carbon emissions has been incorporated Sustainable travel advice and a planned Owned vehicles 345 321 495 369 453 455 464 433 emissions and only unavoidable into the analysis and is extremely Integrated Transport Strategy will provide Total 77,814 74,033 82,601 88,384 86,878 89,584 88,995 84,878 emissions are offset. Detailed forecasting significant. means to reduce business as usual of future carbon emissions with the emissions by 10% by 2025 through Our energy reduction campaign includes plotting of “business as usual” and recommendations and incentives the launch of a new Sustainable Campus Table 2 Scope 3 emissions 2007-15 identification of key drivers of increasing to use virtual collaborative tools and Fund and extensive programmes carbon emissions gives us confidence in rail alternatives. There will be further

encouraging positive behaviours, to Governance our proposals for a series of interventions opportunities arising from greening the deliver tangible pathways for emissions to reduce future carbon emissions. transport fleet and improvements to the Carbon tCO e 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 reductions by 2025. Business travel has 2 We have determined programmes with carbon efficiency of ICT. been central to research collaborations the most impact, targeting emissions and will continue to be, however it is also Water 700 675 829 790 533 735 726 583 from electricity, gas and business travel. Waste 534 487 576 571 157 350 306 200 Business travel 7,659 7,610 7,602 7,490 8,124 8,544 10,048 11,909 Next steps Total 8,893 8,772 9,007 8,851 8,814 9,629 11,080 12,692

8 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 9 Figure 8 Our e 2 emissions A number of additional opportunities exist which we will explore over the lifetime of the Strategy, but which have not been counted in quantified reductions presented. Further in 2025 savings will arise from the impending switch on of the new CHP facility at Easter Possible Bush, potential new design standards for Estates developments, improved space indicative management, innovations in energy, ICT and building technology, and substantial -26,838 tCO pathway based opportunities should the University adopt renewables technologies. upon predictive Total emissions reductions Total calculations

Wind generated power

Carbon offsetting Energy reduction (peatland/forest) campaign

-8,363 tCO2e e 2

10% cut in expected flight 106,802 tCO growth -2,375 tCO e 2 The Whole Institution Approach Emissions in 2025 (Business as usual) Our Climate Strategy takes an approach that will address key drivers of emissions increases, through targeted programmes, while also acknowledging the key role that the University plays as a leading higher education institution, conducting research with impact and teaching students to contend with a Move to electric future where climate change will continue to be a global challenge. vehicle fleet -760 tCO e 2 Figure 9 A selection of The University will work to prevent or reduce emissions, influence emissions Research, learning and living lab approach review group from its indirect operations and considerations integrate a whole institution approach Solar energy by linking operations, research, learning Reducing our operational emissions and teaching. e 2 Our staff, students and alumni will Other policy contribute towards identifying and Leveraging investments and renewables investigation and behavioural implementing innovative solutions. A change Energy storage similar holistic approach has been taken 79,964 tCO by universities such as Harvard, Stanford Risk management and adaptation -5,340 tCO2e and UBC, which have met ambitious Renewables provide significant opportunities, as renewable technologies are emissions targets despite growth. predicted to continue to fall rapidly in price over the next five to ten years.19 Many of Progress through partnerships these opportunities may offer financial and efficiency as well as carbon savings. We introduce the whole institution approach and details of the key programmes and 2025 net carbon emissions (With this Strategy) projects that will deliver efficiency and carbon savings in the subsequent sections. Land based carbon offsetting

-10,000 tCO2e

10 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 11 The Whole Institution Approach Research, learning and living lab

The University of Edinburgh is responding to climate change with multi-disciplinary and high-impact Objectives Summary research across a range of disciplines. The University launched Edinburgh • Promote and profile University Action for the Climate in September 2015 The University of Edinburgh is researchers studying problems with The Climate Strategy aims to support climate change research to harness University expertise in climate responding to climate change with multi- global impact such as climate change.20 continued efforts in research, learning • Ensure students understand change, encouraging global debate disciplinary and high-impact research Projects undertaken using ARCHER and teaching, taking the following how their area of study relates to and exchange before, during and after across a range of disciplines. Our include development and refinement approach: climate change the UNFCCC COP 21.25 It will continue submissions to the research assessment of extreme weather forecasting and • Promotion and profiling of to serve as a hub to promote public framework for UK higher education simulations of offshore marine renewable • Promote the University as a living Introduction climate change related research, awareness26, knowledge exchange and institutions reflect a strong and increasing energy devices. The University already lab reporting on impact and aligning collaboration around climate change presence of research designed to better provides unique opportunities for with University research strategy research and policy development, linking Learning for understand the earth and its climate students to immerse themselves in with ClimateXChange.27 and other systems, and of research climate change issues and approaches. • Ensuring students will have the Challenges Sustainability on the development of climate change opportunity to understand how The Strategy complements on-going The Carbon Management MSc is SCOTLAND mitigation strategies. Research includes their area of study relates to efforts to establish undergraduate considered a landmark collaboration • Sufficient engagement with the development of renewable energy climate change and how it will be University as a living lab and staff sustainability courses, as Ag Ionnsachadh airson between the world-renowned Schools Our targets technologies and carbon capture and impacted by climate change well as supporting development of Seasmhachd ALBA of Geosciences, Economics and the storage. Facilities built at the University • Embedding of climate change specialised offerings that exemplify Business School at the University of • Promoting the University as a provide researchers and students mitigation and adaptation across the living lab approach. Across the Edinburgh.21 The University also offers living laboratory where new and Based at the University of Edinburgh, with unique research and learning University learning and teaching University, academics, professional the world’s first MSc in Carbon Finance22, innovative solutions are applied by Learning for Sustainability Scotland is opportunities. services, support colleagues and and an LLM in Global Environment and both staff and students to our own Scotland’s United Nations Regional students are collaborating to develop The FloWave Ocean Energy Research Climate Change Law. 23 organisational challenges Centre of Expertise on Education for Staff & student role academic research projects that Facility was conceived for cutting-edge Sustainable Development. We also offer an online PGCert in Climate analyse sustainability related issues and academic research into wave and tidal Change Management and in Carbon • Contribute to research, learning and opportunities on campus, proposing and As part of an international network of current interactions. It provides a testing Innovation.24 More broadly, the University teaching in climate change areas testing solutions. The University as living more than 125 centres, it supports and ground for ocean energy technologies in promotes Sustainable Development is piloting a new undergraduate online • Define and implement innovative lab is a key tenet of the Climate Strategy replicated real ocean conditions. Education, Global Citizenship and sustainability course open to on-campus projects to positively impact and will continue to be championed, Outdoor Learning through shared best The ARCHER supercomputing service, students, with the longer term aim to University operations, driving down delivering a rich student experience, practice and support for educators. based at the University of Edinburgh, widen access to alumni. carbon emissions of solving real world problems while is also an invaluable resource for improving our operations. The Whole Institution Approach Governance ARCHER FloWave The £43 million ARCHER (Academic The FloWave Ocean Energy Research Research Computing High End Facility was conceived for cutting-edge Resource) system provides high academic research into wave and tidal performance computing support for current interactions. It provides a testing research and industry projects in the ground for ocean energy technologies in United Kingdom. replicated real ocean conditions. Next steps

12 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 13 The Whole Institution Approach Encouraging positive behaviours through Reducing our operational emissions targeted sustainability programmes The University has developed a suite of programmes to encourage and recognise positive staff We are committed to climate change mitigation and adaptation through our operational activities, and and student behaviours that contribute to carbon reduction, with the goal of nurturing a culture of Summary this commitment is central to delivery of emissions as well as cost reductions. sustainability and action on climate change.

We recognise that we need to provide Our new Estates Strategy will support “We will continue to demonstrate our information on which behaviours will help Long haul and underpin this drive to tackle the issue commitment to address climate change Objectives (e.g. Be Sustainable guide31), provide Other * of reducing operational emissions and across our operations and buildings. We Flight s • Target emissions from electricity and feedback on the difference being made developing a carbon resilient estate. will have processes in place to under- 94% gas through the new Sustainable by adopting these behaviours (e.g. Domestic stand the carbon impacts of decisions Road The University will continue our Campus Fund and enhanced energy data availability), and provide Introduction and will integrate these into our decisions. 4% commitment to CHP, and we expect to programmes to encourage positive mechanisms to implement original ideas Short haul Our estate will be proactively planned to Rail save an additional estimated 2,000 tCO e behaviours to enable creativity and leadership (e.g. Figure 11 2 be climate resilient and to embrace the 2% annually after installation of a further CHP Sustainable Campus Fund). Both new opportunities that our natural environment • Target business travel emissions The University’s business travel at Easter Bush in 2017.28 and existing programmes will deliver Ferry provides to adapt to climate change. through new sustainable travel data (2014-15) shows that <1% savings. The Energy Systems Consolidation advice aviation is the single largest We will take action to reduce our ener- Project is being led by Estates with the Travel is an integral part of working in contributor to travel emissions. gy use, and promote effective use of • Support the Sustainable Information aim to support improved reporting by both academia and support groups, Flights to London make up the Our targets resources and sustainable travel where Technology Group in identifying delivering a metering, monitoring and and international travel is key to the majority of domestic air travel. possible. We will support positive chang- pathways to energy and resource 1 t targeting system solution that will capture University maintaining collaborations and 2, n es in behaviour and investigate innovative efficiency *Flights for which 02 le and report energy consumption across enhancing its global presence. At the 1 iva forms of energy saving, generation and distance could not ton qu the University. The project will span two • Develop estates design guidelines same time, business travel contributes nes o O e e storage including the greater use of be calculated f C 2 years and include implementation of for future emissions reductions significantly to our total carbon emissions. renewable energy. We will protect and changes to the existing system and relating to buildings and where possible enhance the natural value Our new University sustainable travel providing a newly procured system. infrastructure, while also considering place and will link with the Sustainable that can impact and improve University and biodiversity of our estate.” advice will promote alternatives to air adaptation Campus Fund, providing data to inform operations. travel where possible and develop a Estates Strategy 2016 implementation of energy efficiency, • Ensure organisational alignment on range of incentives and policies linked to Our Sustainability Awards also contribute renewable energy and other sustainability strongly to emissions reductions and climate change across policies supportive technologies to provide non- projects. travel solutions that help save time and cost savings through positive behaviour 36 Sustainable Campus Fund costs, while also reducing emissions. Projects to encourage sustainable across University operations. The Challenges behaviour also focus on waste reduction Awards recognise and reward staff Delivering energy and cost savings through a £2.75m fund. Programmes that support and encourage and reuse, and have significant impact and students who act to make our positive behaviours have delivered, and on the amount of University waste going University more socially responsible and The University is committed to strong The success of similar funds is evident • Adequate staff and student will continue to deliver, significant energy to landfill. A network of 50 staff volunteer sustainable. Since the Awards launched action to ensure we use energy efficiently in the United States at top performing engagement with the Fund and other and cost reductions across the University Waste Coordinators take action to ensure in 2010, an increasing number of schools and wisely. universities such as Harvard, Caltech and programmes campuses. These programmes are that waste is disposed of sustainably. and departments have taken part every Stanford.29 As a first step, we are excited to launch • Implementation of guidelines for integral to the success of the Climate The WARPit internal reuse platform has year. our first Sustainable Campus Fund, Success can also be found in the UK, estates sustainable design Strategy. over 500 users, who together have saved In 2014-15, 35 departments and four The Whole Institution Approach jointly managed and administered by with the Higher Education Funding In 2006, we launched the “Switch and the University £100,000 in new item student societies participated. Every 33 Estates and the Department for Social Council for England’s (HEFCE) Revolving Save” campaign, which included local purchases over 18 months. A PC reuse year teams make an impact by finding 30 Responsibility and Sustainability (SRS), Green Fund (RGF). Staff & student role engagement with staff and students in project is in progress whilst the SHRUB new ways to conserve resources, save as a key part of the Climate Strategy. student cooperative facilitates reuse of A list of projects has been developed, • Widespread participation in the Fund University buildings and departments, energy, raise funds for good causes and The Fund supports carbon emissions, student items.34 presenting opportunities in buildings and other programmes, to deliver resulting in a total savings of £80K in build links with the local community. cost and energy reduction goals. This and infrastructure, heating and lighting, projects that will reduce University electricity consumption in its early years We continue to support reuse initiatives measure is vital to engagement and local Finally, positive change results from and laboratory-specific interventions. operational carbon emissions This programme has been renewed and as part of a vision for a circular economy. action, providing financing to parties learning opportunities provided by the On-going location reviews and audits invigorated – as “Switch” – to continue to The University of Edinburgh is keen to within the University to implement energy University. The Be Sustainable resources continue to identify these various support emissions reductions. support and become a major player in efficiency, renewable energy and other provide an online guide, face to face opportunities. Example projects in the £2.75mn 9 the drive towards a circular economy in sustainability projects that generate cost The Carbon Trust estimates that workshops and an online training pipeline include ventilation alterations, 3yr Sustainable projects an investment of between 1-2% of the context of Scotland as a thought and programme, giving access to information savings. 35 fume cupboard replacements and Campus Fund identified energy spend in an effective employee practice leader. on day to day sustainable practices and Governance The fund is established with a total lighting upgrades. Staff switch off equipment: engagement campaign can save We will nurture these valuable offering our staff and students ways to allocation of £2.75m over three years, 37 Following the initial three years of the organisations up to 10% on energy costs opportunities to develop greater get involved. We have a future ambition beginning in 2016/17 with an investment fund, we will review performance, with 60% always with the right institutional mechanisms in understanding of procurement for a to link our Be Sustainable staff training to of £750k for year 1, and £1m for year 2 the aim to provide continued funding for switchw 34% often place. We have these mechanisms. More circular economy and collaborations the online undergraduate sustainability and year 3. We will track and measure AND SAVE ENERGY innovations in new builds and on-going than one hundred Energy Coordinators with industry on product design and course currently under development, cost and energy savings and emissions alterations of existing buildings where 115 Energy Coordinators (89 Active) form a network to take practical action development. In keeping with the as part of continuing professional reductions in with a view to learning needed. within their work units, identifying savings whole institution approach, we aim to development. lessons for total funds. 32 Next steps Figure 10 2016 energy highlights opportunities. Energy audits are taking support further student-led projects

14 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 15 Key projects with future quantifiable benefits Organisational policies contributing to positive change A number of projects in sustainable IT, estates management and laboratories are expected to have a Our whole institution approach of the Climate Change Strategy prioritises organisational alignment significant impact on future carbon emissions and will help the University to adapt to the impacts of across policies. We will ensure continued coherent development of relevant policies to provide a com-

climate change. prehensive framework for tackling climate change mitigation and adaptation. Summary Sustainable IT Recycling and waste to 3%. Our latest travel survey (2016) success, with van deliveries reduced by estimates the carbon footprint from staff 25%, thus saving over 200kg of CO . management policy 2 The Sustainable Information Technology and student commuting is 13,283 tonnes Use of the eProcurement service saved Group (SITG) has been formed with the The University of Edinburgh is committed CO e per annum. 2 over 68,000 paper orders in 2014/15. following objectives that support the to low resource use, recycling and Our forthcoming Integrated Transport The University directly engages with Climate Strategy: reuse. Our recycling and waste Strategy responds to the objective of suppliers to reduce their carbon management policy focuses on reducing • Evidence building: to gather data the University Strategic Plan to facilitate emissions associated with procurement.

the unnecessary use of raw materials, Introduction to reach a broad understanding of sustainable and active travel between This approach is consistent with Climate reuse of products and encouraging the scale of the University’s footprint the different parts of our estate and Strategy goals, delivering emissions and enabling recycling, composting or associated with IT, including agreeing promote more sustainable modes of reductions. energy recovery. The policy recognises a boundary in line with the remit of business travel. We recognise that our the impact of the transport, treatment and The difficulties inherent in calculating the group dispersed estate presents significant disposal of resources and subsequent emissions from supply chains will be transportation challenges for our students • Pathways to energy efficiency: wastes on the local and global addressed in future developments. and staff who need to move between to identify and enable IT efficiency environment, and on the University’s our campuses. The Integrated Transport improvement projects throughout carbon footprint. Good Food Policy Our targets the University, assessing the Strategy will set out how the University effectiveness and consequences It clearly aligns with Climate Strategy will achieve this vision, so that by 2021 The University has recently developed of various opportunities to make The Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Refurbishment prioritised use of natural, goals through commitment to reducing our students, staff and visitors will be our Good Food Policy (2016), which energy, carbon and cost savings Innovation brings low carbon leaders and local and sustainable materials, as well impact through continued improvement able to access our estate by the mode of reflects a whole institution approach and practitioners from business, finance and as clean and green energy generation of recycling and waste management transport best suited to their needs. We sustainability issues associated with • Pathways to resource efficiency: the public sector together to turn good through solar, air source heat pump and practices, good procurement practice will have in place facilities and incentives food, such as waste and procurement. to identify and enable IT efficiency ideas into reality. connection to CHP. and promotion of sustainable behaviour that make walking, cycling and public University research is helping to solve improvement projects throughout the food sustainability challenges, and we Innovative methods were used to “ECCI’s unique building is a successful amongst members of the University transport the obvious and preferred University, assessing effectiveness also benefit from innovative student- achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating negotiation of heritage and sustainability community. way to travel both for commuting and and consequences of various business travel. All of our sites will benefit led initiatives. The Food Researchers for its refurbishment. It was designed for that fosters innovation, joint working and Scotland is the first country to become opportunities to make resource from equitable access to travel measures in Edinburgh (FRIED) network brings exceptionally low energy demand as a bold forward thinking.” a Circular Economy 100 network savings and incentives that take account of the together academics, other staff and listed building, outperforming new builds. member, and the University is part of the Building Design Magazine access arrangements and geographic students who are interested in food The Group’s work could assist over time Ellen MacArthur Foundation Network constraints and opportunities of each. related research. University surveys in identifying reductions in expected IT- Universities Scheme. Researchers related emissions growth. indicate that food issues are a priority for At the same time, valuable improvements low carbon, human health and wellbeing and practitioners at the University of The Transport Strategy recognises that many students and staff. The University’s Estates sustainable design can be made to streamline and cohere and whole life costs. The University will Edinburgh have worked together with transport makes a significant contribution Accommodation, Catering and Events processes and practice across new incorporate low carbon technologies by Zero Waste Scotland to produce a report to our carbon footprint and air quality, (ACE) aims to serve healthy food sourced The built environment is responsible for builds and refurbishments, while also default across all Estates developments, to identify ways that principles of the and that to address this we need to from responsible supply chains. ACE has 45% of UK carbon emissions, with 18% testing innovative and cutting-edge demonstrating the case for adopting circular economy can be embedded in encourage more active and low carbon received numerous awards recognising derived from non-domestic buildings.38 research, learning and teaching as well travel choices. It will include actions

approaches. Informal post occupancy cutting-edge low carbon, low impact such achievements. The Whole Institution Approach 41 Sustainable design can minimise evaluations of certain new builds on technologies, building on the concept of as University operations. This research that will increase walking, cycling and will be extremely valuable to inform ways public transport use, and increase the The Procurement Office works to environmental impacts of buildings the University estate reveal instances of net positive, regenerative buildings. influence the selection criteria for national (mitigation), whether new build or sustainability failures. It is important to forward. proportion of electric vehicles within the University fleet and used by staff and food and drink contracts to reflect the existing, while also facing head-on those identify standards or principles that can Laboratories 43 Integrated Transport Strategy students to commute to the University. University’s sustainability objectives. The challenges posed currently by climate be followed consistently in order to place Laboratories have been identified as a SRS Department raises awareness and Since the University commenced change (adaptation). An extensive our buildings and their surroundings key contributor to operational emissions, facilitates action on food issues through monitoring of its transport impact in the Procurement policy programme of new buildings and at the leading edge of design with a high carbon and environmental events and practical support. estates improvements is planned for developments. footprint, and especially high energy year 2000, we have implemented travel The goal of sustainable procurement the University over the coming years, so policies and actions to encourage our policy and strategy at the University The Good Food Policy explains how Therefore, supporting our forthcoming consumption. The University, with support embedding effective climate action in students and staff to travel by lower of Edinburgh is to procure goods and these activities contribute to a larger new Estates Strategy, the University will from the UK-wide S-Lab project, set up a the current Estates design process and carbon forms of transport that benefit services in ways that maximise efficiency ambition and assists the University in develop and apply a proportionate and pilot in 2013 to deliver an assessment of practice is imperative. our environment by reducing traffic and effectiveness while minimising publicly expressing its commitment

effective method to assess the carbon the impact of laboratories and to provide Governance support to develop relevant standards congestion and improving air quality. The negative social and environmental to “good” food. It also enables the The University already aims to deliver implications of our Estates Strategy, 42 for promoting and implementing effective main objective of our travel policy has impacts. University to respond to a number of sustainable buildings, with exemplars capital programme, refurbishments and been to reduce the proportion of staff and internal and external drivers. These practices within University laboratories.40 The Procurement Office works with such as the Edinburgh Centre for minor works, based on clear roles and students who commute by car, as this is include legal obligations44, evolving best 39 suppliers to reduce carbon emissions, Carbon Innovation (ECCI). Our effective methodologies. We will also Work has extended to laboratory design the least sustainable form of transport. practice across the higher education for instance with the stationary buying Estates department has the objective of maintain an understanding of leading and we will integrate efforts in this area The actions we have implemented sector and new opportunities to link initiative, which aims to reduce orders obtaining a BREEAM rating of “excellent” edge sustainable building design, and with the broader estates sustainable have reduced the proportion of staff University research with practice and, for new buildings and “very good” for develop and update design guides for design programme. and deliveries through local collaboration. 45

driving to work from 28% to 16%, and staff and student expectations. Next steps refurbishments. sustainability based upon low impact, the proportion of students from 4.5% The trial of this initiative has shown

16 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 17 The Whole Institution Approach The Whole Institution Approach Leveraging investments Risk management and adaptation

The University of Edinburgh was the first university in Europe to sign the Principles for Responsible 49 Summary Investment in 2013.46 The Scottish Government’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme, launched in 2014 , address- es issues raised by the climate change risk assessment undertaken for Scotland, and its aims and Subsequent actions to divest from coal We engage with companies still carrying Drawing on innovative approaches at themes provide the foundation for the University of Edinburgh’s approach to adaptation: climate ready and tar sands and explore positive out activities in fossil fuel industries in universities such as Yale and Brown, we changes to the endowment portfolio order to exert influence towards mitigation are exploring development of a course natural environment, climate ready buildings and infrastructure networks, and climate ready society. demonstrate leadership and show the and alternatives. The University also in the Business School to give students whole institution approach in practice, provides transparency by publishing hands on experience of managing Climate change in Scotland has already • Global energy market impacts • Act in partnership locally, with brought warmer, wetter autumns and affecting energy supplies and energy continued representation on the City bringing about positive change that the annual Principles of Responsible investments and recommending inn- 50 reduces emissions from fossil fuels. Investment report online for the public.47 ovative low carbon investment strategies. winters and hotter, drier summers. The security of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh Introduction consequences of climate fluctuations Adapts Steering Group and Beyond consideration of these direct with potential impact on the University of participation in the Edinburgh Living impacts and risks to estate and Edinburgh include: Landscapes (ELL) Partnership, functions and capacities within it, the Renewables and smart energy which addresses issues of • Increased flood risk, threatening University adopts an approach to adaptation for the city and will feed the estate (particularly the historic climate change that acknowledges that Best practice in the private sector and review of approaches to energy and carbon emissions into estates design environment) we are embedded locally in the city of reduction reveal that companies worldwide have met absolute reduction targets in large part through

Edinburgh, but also in the context of • Identify, evaluate and monitor Our targets • Water shortages from drought in 48 Scotland and more widely in the world. adaptation actions, following renewable energy technologies. summers, affecting University-held As also emphasised in the University Adaptation Scotland guidance: land Universities in the UK are also offsetting review group will be formed may provide multiple benefits in terms of Strategic Plan 2016-21, the Scottish assess climate threats and embracing renewables options with to examine the business case for and linking to practical Scottish sustainability • The need to adapt performance adaptation programme notes that actions opportunities, assess climate risks greater frequency. Feasibility studies opportunities and risks associated with action and offsetting University emissions and design, construction, must be taken at local, national and and identify actions, report and for widespread use of renewables investment at scale in renewable energy via peatland or woodland planting or management and use of buildings international levels.51 implement, monitor and review technology (PV specifically) on the and carbon offsetting. The review will restoration. and surroundings The University of Edinburgh is developing • Conduct assessments of risk University of Edinburgh campuses explore measures such as solar, off site The University will also consider • Possible disruption of transport, an adaptation strategy to include the to operations and impact on are already being conducted by MSc solar and wind as well as evaluating the partnerships and collective infrastructure energy and communication following objectives to mitigate risk and stakeholders and future business students, and we can consider these future fuel supply of our existing CHP for renewables and energy. The review networks in Scotland and around increase opportunities and well-being: every three years, collating data findings in future discussions. energy centres and rapid developments group will report findings to University the world, impacting markets and and information for the new Scottish in demand management and energy • Deliver globally by supporting/ The University will harness our academic management on recommended options affecting supply chains – lack of Government mandatory climate storage. encouraging research, learning expertise, working with support group with the aim to gain momentum for resilience in this area could mean change reporting requirements for and teaching in adaptation, in colleagues, to conduct a fundamental The Group will examine emerging a future commitment to renewables that the University feels the effects of adaptation keeping with the Strategy’s whole review of renewables options. low carbon and storage technologies investment and to identify the right mix of a potential decrease in international institution approach suitable for our estate. Land-based renewables investments for the University. student enrolment A renewable energy and carbon carbon offsetting will be assessed as it

Wind generated power Need for adaptation The Whole Institution Approach

Risk of drought Carbon offsetting (peatland/forest)

Risk of flood Governance

Solar energy

Disruption of transport and communications Disruption of energy

Figure 12 A selection of review group considerations Energy storage Figure 13 Possible effects of climate change Next steps

18 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 19 The Whole Institution Approach Governance, review, and reporting

Progress through partnerships Progress to meet climate change goals requires strong leadership and commitment from the entire

University of Edinburgh community, with appropriate plans for review and an understanding of Summary The University aims to progress climate change ambitions through engagement in our city and obligations for reporting. Scottish, UK and international partnerships.

At local level, our active memberships in the City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh Adapts Steering Group and Edinburgh Living Landscape (ELL) Partnership Table 3 The University adheres to the following annual reporting schedule address both adaptation and biodiversity Introduction issues that do not remain confined within the borders of our campuses. We also CRC* Energy Efficiency Scheme Only emissions from Energy in CO2e participate in the Edinburgh Sustainable EU Emissions Trading System CO2 only from energy generation Development Partnership (ESDP), UoE Sustainability Report Full carbon footprint which has a broad remit to collaborate to promote Edinburgh’s sustainability Scottish Government Full carbon footprint strategy, strengthen partnership working Higher Education Funding Council Full carbon footprint across stakeholders, share best practice Our targets The Informatics Forum: one of and identify areas of city life in need of EAUC Scotland Conference UoE Financial Report Full carbon footprint the University’s roof gardens improvement. November 2015 *Carbon Reduction Commitment The University partners on reuse, for example, as a member of the Community Resources Network Scotland (CRNS), Scotland’s national community repair, Since 2009/10 we have reported our important to our stakeholders as well as Strategy objectives and assert any new reuse and recycle charity. We utilise achievements through an annual the long term success of the University. measures needed to meet proposed ‘Highlights’ report, and we have more targets. Reviews will lead to continual the network of over 100 members to The Social Responsibility and recently reported progress on social improvement of both our targets and find homes for items what would have Sustainability Committee (SRSC) responsibility and sustainability issues means to achieve these targets. otherwise become waste. provides climate change governance for alongside the University’s Annual Report the University and will review and monitor The Sustainable Operations Advisory The University works closely with the and Accounts. Scottish partners Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the Climate Change Strategy on behalf of Group (SOAG), a sub-committee of our other peers to contribute to climate In 2014/15 we continued to improve our the Central Management Group (CMG). SRS Committee, will ensure oversight on approach to reporting through alignment sustainable operations issues such as change policy for the sector and we We will conduct a midterm review in with good practice that would guide us climate change and energy efficiency. have worked jointly with SFC to develop 2021 to gauge progress against the reviews of renewables technology, best to report on those issues that are most climate strategy practice and a carbon forecasting tool. We are a member of the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), which advances The Whole Institution Approach sustainability measures and information sharing across the sector while also providing key support to higher education EAUC Scotland Conference institutions in development of climate November 2015 action plans. At an international level, we are forging links as a member of the International Sustainable Campus Network. The University is exploring partnerships with leading US and other global universities to share best practice and explore common objectives. Governance The partnerships introduced by no means represent all University partnership working relevant to climate change mitigation and adaptation. They Innovative Learning Week: illustrate central areas of activity. We aim Japanese Tea Ceremony at the to continue to strengthen and widen

National Museum of Scotland. Next steps collaborative efforts such as these.

20 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 21 Summary Introduction

Implementation and next steps Our targets Communications and engagement Reducing operational emissions

• The devolved nature of the the multiple and diverse range of • We are committed to an energy and refurbishments, including University means that a stakeholders concerned with the reduction programme that will laboratories, identifying best practice communications strategy will be Climate Strategy. deliver energy and cost savings. and developing a leading edge and essential to ensuring that the whole This programme includes the new innovative approach. institution approach is successful. • We embed public and community Sustainable Campus Fund, the • The University will continue to All objectives rely upon positive engagement, as well as student expansion of renewables across ensure organisational alignment engagement with our community, experience, into our implementation campuses and the Switch Energy and Climate Change Strategy input and many will require action to plans. This means that all significant Awareness campaign. across IT, recycling and waste be taken by staff and students activities will be explained and • We will support and encourage management, travel, procurement themselves. promoted to our community so that they can understand what the positive behaviours through and food policies and strategies, so • As such, the communications University is doing and why. targeted programmes such as the that we are all speaking the same plan will require both an internal Sustainability Awards as well as language of sustainability in order to and external focus, reflecting through comprehensive guidance for meet our targets. In 2017 the University will sustainable labs and business travel. • Finally, we will develop our carbon The Whole Institution Approach finalise a three year • We will ensure that mitigation and reporting and accounting capabilities Implementation Plan, 2017-20, Research, learning and teaching adaptation planning are integral to in order to deliver refined data and a design programmes for new builds sound evidence base for action. to set out the critical steps and • The University will reflect climate • We will work to engage the wider time frame for programmes change thinking in research, public – both at the University and integral to achieving Climate learning and teaching through beyond – in understanding the Growing partnerships Change Strategy targets. support for expansion of student research conducted on climate course offerings in climate change change, what this means to • We will also grow partnerships and continually search for new partnership We are committed to delivering the and development of the living lab Scotland and the world, and how the possibilities to progress our own climate change goals while contributing to the Strategy through a whole institution concept. University will help to tackle these wider community. approach that relies on a wide range of challenges. effective measures, as set out in previous Governance sections. Investment in renewables Planning will span communications and An adaptation plan engagement, research, learning and • We will harness academic and support group expertise to explore renewables teaching, ways to reduce our operational • Further work will be undertaken to develop an adaptation plan, through an and new technology options for the University, with the aim to gain momentum emissions, further development of an assessment of threats and opportunities, and implementation of relevant actions for a future commitment to renewables investment and to identify the right mix of adaptation strategy, growing partnerships in partnership. renewables investments for the University. and exploring investment in renewables. Next steps

22 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 23 Notes and references

1. Principles for responsible investment 20. See Archer website at 39. ECCI venue details available at http://edin.ac/2ekoSUd http://edin.ac/1xeH2br http://edin.ac/2dSaF0q 2. Brief history of international efforts 21. MSc Carbon Management course 40. University of Edinburgh Sustainable on climate change, UN Foundation page http://edin.ac/2dS8qKA Labs http://edin.ac/2cZHD8I http://edin.ac/2cZyXiN 22. MSc Carbon Finance programme 41. Circular Economy Report available at 3. See the IPCC Synthesis Report at page http://edin.ac/2cZBKsd http://edin.ac/2dSbJRN http://edin.ac/2dS4NnR 23. LLM in Global Environment and 42. University of Edinburgh Sustainable 4. Paris Agreement Climate Change Law: Procurement Reports http://edin.ac/2cZycX6 http://edin.ac/1Sy6cu7 http://edin.ac/2cZDfa4 5. Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions 24. PGCert Climate Change 43. University of Edinburgh Sustainable Scottish Government press release Management course page: http:// Procurement progress and awards June 2016 http://edin.ac/2cZzRvE edin.ac/2dS8Ss1 http://edin.ac/2dSbaaG 6. Scottish Emissions Targets 2028- 25. University of Edinburgh Action for the 44. For example, in the Procurement 2032, Committee on Climate Climate http://edin.ac/2cZClu5 Reform (Scotland) Act. Change Report March 2016 26. Please see the University of 45. The SRS staff and student surveys http://edin.ac/2dS6L7K Edinburgh Action for the Climate found that a large majority of staff 7. Public Sector Climate Change video wall at and students expect University food Reporting, Scottish Government http://edin.ac/2dS9zSi provision to be sustainable across a http://edin.ac/2cZA16h range of issues. 27. ClimateXChange at 8. Climate Change (Scotland) Act, http://edin.ac/2cZCGgw 46. University of Edinburgh SRS Scottish Government Themes, Responsible Investment 28. University of Edinburgh news on http://edin.ac/2dS6X6W http://edin.ac/2cZDCBf Easter Bush CHP at 9. See Business Green on the state of http://edin.ac/1MPsX84 47. University of Edinburgh SRS subsidy-free solar in the UK at Responsible Investment 29. Billion Dollar Green Challenges, http://edin.ac/2cZAHIS http://edin.ac/2cZDfa4 Resources, http://edin.ac/2dS8Dxh Big image 10. International Energy Agency’s 48. Carbon Masters - University of 30. HEFCE Revolving Green Fund Medium-Term Renewable Energy Edinburgh Boundaries & Reporting http://edin.ac/2cZCUEi Market Report 2015 at http://edin.ac/2exvnTE 31. University of Edinburgh Be 11. University of Edinburgh, Research 49. Climate Ready Scotland, p. 5 at Sustainable Training Impact pages at http://edin.ac/2dSbqqd http://edin.ac/1iutPpA http://edin.ac/29z0wAH 50. Ibid, p. 13 32. University of Edinburgh Energy 12. EAUC web page for UCCCfS Reduction Campaign at 51. Ibid, p. 13 http://edin.ac/2dS7q8Z http://edin.ac/1VEBGCy 13. Strategic Plan 2016 at 33. University of Edinburgh WARPit at http://edin.ac/2dCv6bS http://edin.ac/1RCim5E 14. University of Edinburgh news on 34. SHRUB Co-op: Easter Bush CHP at http://edin.ac/2dSb8iX http://edin.ac/1MPsX84 35. University of Edinburgh Circular 15. University of Edinburgh Global Economy at Environment and Society Academy http://edin.ac/2cZCdeb (GESA) http://edin.ac/2dS8bz7 36. University of Edinburgh SRS 16. UBC News http://edin.ac/2cZCf5B Sustainability Awards at 17. AECOM - Review of Best Practice in http://edin.ac/1KZNEgL Carbon Management at 37. University of Edinburgh Be http://edin.ac/2dCvE1j Sustainable Guide at 18. Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate http://edin.ac/1iutPpA Standard http://edin.ac/2dS8zxG 38. “Sustainability in Building Design and 19. Business Green, “Can Rapidly Construction”, Designing Buildings: Declining Energy Costs Continue the construction industry knowledge after 2025?” at base (2016). http://edin.ac/2cZC8XL http://edin.ac/2cZDPEO

24 The University of Edinburgh Climate Strategy 2016-26 www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability Our vision You can read more online at www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability/zero-2040 We will be carbon neutral by 2040. This Strategy can be made available As part of a global community working in alternative formats on request. to address climate challenges, we will demonstrate our commitment through We will reduce our emissions of  Department for Social Responsibility our research, our teaching, and the carbon / £ million turnover by 50% & Sustainability, 9 Hope Park Square, management of our operations and from a 2007/8 baseline year by 2025 Edinburgh, EH8 9NP. investments. [email protected] We will reduce our energy consumption, enhance our use of renewable energy, +44 (0)131 651 5588 and explore new ways to cut our direct  www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability and indirect emissions, which will fall in line with the efforts required to avoid Printed by alocalprinter.co.uk dangerous climate change. We will return our carbon emissions Photography We believe in demonstrating the value of to 2007/08 baseline year levels by Bees: Sunnah Khan climate solutions through our reporting 2025 Workshop: Gareth Easton and we will implement processes to Solar panel: Project Elpis understand the carbon impacts of our Edinburgh: Tricia Malley & Ross Gillespie ARCHER: Angus Blackburn business decisions. Flowave: Jane Barlow Following an extensive review of the ECCI: Dave Morris Roof garden: Paul Dodds University’s emissions, this Strategy Conference: EAUC identifies key drivers as electricity, gas Tea ceremony: Paul Dodds and business travel. We are therefore We will become a net Chairs: Gareth Easton Landscape: University of Edinburgh developing targeted programmes to zero carbon reduce emissions in these areas. Sea: University of Edinburgh university by 2040 Workshop: Gareth Easton

Graphics and illustrations Alexandra Kuklinski Our pathway to 2025 100% recycled paper, printed using vegetable inks

© The University of Edinburgh 2016

Energy reduction 10% cut in Move to electric Other policy Land based All photos and images used in this campaign expected flight vehicle fleet and behavioural carbon offsetting publication are protected by copyright growth change and may not be reproduced without -8,363 tCO2e -760 tCO2e -10,000 tCO2e permission. -2,375 tCO2e -5,340 tCO2e The University of Edinburgh is a chari- table body registered in Scotland, with Total emissions reductions 2025 net carbon emissions registration number SC005336.

-26,838 tCO2e 79,964 tCO2e