The University has announced the Edinburgh Pathway, which sets out clear, time-bound actions for staff who purchase on behalf of the University, and its suppliers, to meaningfully reduce their climate impact and create a more sustainable supply chain. The Pathway provides buyers and suppliers with clear steps to meaningfully reduce the environmental impact from the products purchased on behalf of the University. It aims to: reduce the resource implications for the University and its suppliers by standardising supply chain requirements promote best practice by sharing knowledge, tools or resources. This could include research, learning and teaching opportunities support local and national climate targets These steps will complement other Responsible Procurement practices include reducing spending on purchases, fostering closer relationships and knowledge-sharing with suppliers, and waste reduction.The Edinburgh PathwayWhat does the Pathway mean for University staff?If you are a budget holder, requisitioner or decision maker at the University, or work closely with our suppliers, you will see references to environmental sustainability within larger procurement projects, and within procurement documentation and strategies. Buyers will also be signposted to new resources and training to build knowledge on circular economy, modern slavery and wider responsible procurement topics. Sign up to join the information sessions for the University’s buying community. The Edinburgh Pathway: Introduction for the University buying community (Online) You can also access guidance on the Edinburgh Pathway on the Responsible Procurement Hub (SharePoint). Responsible Procurement: The Edinburgh Pathway (SharePoint) We have the opportunity to make significant emissions reductions through our procurement practices and engagement with suppliers. The Edinburgh Pathway is a collaborative effort, which will support a common approach to sustainable procurement and accelerate the decarbonisation of our collective supply chains. Victoria Kulczycki Director of Procurement, The University of Edinburgh Case study: Increasing data accuracy from our coach suppliers We have been collating data from our travel companies to accurately report on carbon emissions from our business travel since 2016. These include coach companies that provide mileage for booked routes. As the previous contract didn’t stipulate the data requirements from these suppliers, we often did not receive reports and, when we did, the quality of the reports we received were quite varied.As part of the new contract, we wanted to standardise the reporting requirements from coach companies. This makes it easier for suppliers to provide the information we need in the right format, at the right frequency, and makes it easier for us to collate and then report against these. Increasing data accuracy from our coach suppliers Case study: Sustainability in the printer procurement journey Hundreds of printers, scanners and similar devices are used every day by staff and students across the University. These are known as multi-function devices, and most are covered by one contract.The moment a contract is renewed is an important time to reconsider which is the most sustainable and efficient option.In this case, market research showed a big opportunity to change from leased machines to something better. Our printers: sustainability in the procurement journey A key part of Zero by 2040 The University of Edinburgh has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. This means reducing the carbon emissions from the University’s operations, from the way the buildings are powered and heated, to the indirect (Scope 3) emissions that come from the products the University purchases, and the footprint from staff and student travel. A significant proportion of the University’s carbon emissions come from its supply chain. Everything from lab equipment to building materials, to the food served in University cafes carries a carbon footprint, alongside other economic, social and environmental impacts. The Pathway is intended as one of several levers to support the University's carbon emission reduction targets. Further information and reporting on the University’s carbon emissions and reduction measures can be found on the sustainability webpages. Sustainability targets and performance Creating the Edinburgh Pathway The Pathway has been developed by the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability and the Procurement Department, and builds on a roadmap published by NHS England in 2022 to support sustainability across supply chains. The Pathway incorporates feedback from buyers, procurement colleagues, suppliers, as well as other responsible procurement experts within the sector and externally. Related links The Edinburgh Pathway Responsible Procurement Procurement Strategy Procurement Hub Publication date 08 Dec, 2025
