The UK Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice was launched last year and co-developed by more than 25 organisations in the UK research and innovation sector. The University was an early signatory to the Concordat in April 2024, committing to progressively embedding environmental sustainability into all research and innovation activities.University of Edinburgh at forefront of sustainable research initiativeOver the course of the last 12 months, the Sustainable Research Working Group (SRWG) has developed a set of key recommendations covering four priority areas:Communications and trainingLab accreditationResource sharingBehavioural and cultural changeFacilitated by a steering group of staff from the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability and the Edinburgh Research Office, led by Professor Liz Baggs, the SRWG was made up of representatives from all three Colleges, professional services and technical staff. Communications and training Communications have been aimed at raising awareness of the Concordat and increasing sign-ups for our Sustainable Lab Awards.To share best practice on the Sustainability Concordat, the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability has hosted and supported a number of events including:Spotlight Session on Sustainable Research Practice (Institute of Academic Development)Research Support Staff ConferenceGood Research Practice WeekDigital Research ConferenceWe have also been engaging with other universities to share best practice and keep up to date on opportunities for collaboration. Connecting with practitioners We have worked hard to ensure that this work adds value to existing sustainable research initiatives and incorporates the knowledge and expertise of our staff.A Sustainable Research Practice training module, supported by an intranet site, will be launched as a one-stop-shop for resources, training and guidance on Sustainable Research Practice. Lab accreditation Having run the Sustainable Lab Awards since 2013, the University of Edinburgh is well-placed to respond to the requirements of the Concordat.1We have confirmed with our funders that our awards are considered equivalent to other programmes like the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and asked that our Colleges and Schools apply as a whole institution to ensure a more joined-up approach and to make sure the lab practices are properly embedded institutionally.Sustainable Lab Awards Resource sharing Equipment sharing had been identified as an opportunity for the University prior to the Concordat.The Sustainable Research Working Group and/or Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability has started scoping work on what platforms and processes are currently in place.We have also engaged across the sector to find out how other Universities are undertaking a more centralised approach and to understand their challenges and barriers. Behavioural and cultural change To create a culture that supports sustainable research practice, we need to address the challenging aspects of research cultures.To tackle this, we are in close dialogue with our Colleges to identify the biggest barriers to change and how the University can provide support to overcome these. We have also been in contact with our funders to suggest how their grant application questions could better support more sustainable research practice.We are also working to align the University’s Sustainability Framework with the Sustainable Research Practice work to support behaviour and culture change. The Framework tool helps Schools develop their own bespoke sustainability action plan across six different areas.2Sustainability Framework It's been a pleasure to engage with so many different parts of the University over the last year to start building a foundation for sustainable research practice.We have a lot of work left to do to meet the full requirements of the Concordat, but it's been inspiring to meet colleagues so passionate about sustainability in research and I look forward to another year of progress. Susie Cook Sustainability Implementation Manager, The Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability Related Links Sustainability Edinburgh Research Office Publication date 23 May, 2025
