Responsible Investment Policy outlines new commitments and ethical advisory group

The University has published its Responsible Investment Policy Statement (2025), which includes new commitments to socially positive investment and decarbonising portfolios in alignment with a 1.5°C emissions pathway.

The University will always seek to align its investment approach with its mission and values, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made since 2016.

Ensuring that our investments reflect our values in a volatile world will be an ongoing process, involving close communication with our communities and staying attentive to changing global contexts.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson Principal and Vice-Chancellor, The University of Edinburgh

Reflecting progress and raising ambition 

The updated policy recognises the significant progress made since the publication of the previous policy in 2016, and incorporates several new commitments informed by a University-wide consultation which took place in 2024.

Key changes to the policy include: 

  • A commitment to social investment, recognising the University’s £8 million Social Investment Fund 
  • Decarbonising investment portfolios to meet the University’s net zero by 2040 targeting, following a 1.5°C pathway against a 2018 baseline 
  • A commitment to embed nature-positive investment strategies 
  • Improving transparency and reporting processes 

The policy also commits to further address specific issues following guidance from the newly created Responsible Investment Advisory Group. The Group will work to establish: 

  • A review on the role of human rights in the context of the University’s investments 
  • A representations process for students and staff to express views on investment issues 
  • Any potential changes to the definition of controversial weapons 
  • Exploring a more strategic approach to how we engage with the companies we invest in

Responsible Investment Advisory Group

Incorporating the views of our community 

Over 1,900 of the University’s students, and staff and members of the General Council responded to a consultation survey which set out proposed changes to the policy. Overall, the responses expressed strong support for the proposed changes and highlighted the need to improve transparency and address human rights issues through investment. The University has incorporated this feedback into its revised policy and will continue to explore the issues raised. 

In 2024, two short-life working groups commissioned by the University Executive, informed the policy review, investigating the policy’s definition of controversial weapons and human rights in international contexts. Both groups called for further work to shape the University's future investment approach with respect to these issues.

Reviewing our Responsible Investment Policy: FAQs

Leadership through investment 

Since it became the first university to sign up to the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment in 2013, the University of Edinburgh has been regarded as a sector leader in Responsible Investment. 

Since the publication of the previous policy in 2016 the University has divested from fossil fuels, decreased the carbon footprint of its listed equity portfolio by 70% and channelled investment toward renewable energy and climate positive technologies. This progress was recognised by the Green Gown Awards, where the University won the Money for Good category in 2019 and a high commendation in 2022.

Awards and recognitions 

Through its Social Investment Fund, launched in 2017, the University has invested £8 million in funds that address issues including homelessness, youth unemployment, diversity and inclusion and environmental challenges. 

Social Investment Fund 

Next steps 

The policy will be further updated following the establishment and operation of the new Responsible Investment Advisory Group. The group will meet at the beginning of the next academic year (2025/26).

Reporting on the climate impact of the University's Endowment Fund will commence from 2026. 

The first social impact report from the Social Investment Fund will be published in November this year. 

All investment reporting, news and further information including FAQs, can be accessed on the Responsible Investment webpage. 

Publication date