The University of Edinburgh Sustainability Framework

The Sustainability Framework supports University Schools and Departments to take practical action to embed social and environmental sustainability across their day-to-day activities.

Why do we need a Sustainability Framework?

The University has made ambitious sustainability commitments within our Regenerative Sustainability Strategy, Strategy 2030 and the Social and Civic Responsibility plan.  We created the Sustainability Framework to operationalise these commitments by supporting schools and departments to embed sustainability across their business-as-usual activities. 

Strategy 2030

Social and Civic Responsibility Plan

Drive and monitor change

The Sustainability Framework is divided into six key areas:

  • Leadership and governance
  • Student curriculum and experience
  • Student and staff engagement
  • Research and partnerships
  • Operations
  • Community engagement

Schools and departments can use the Framework to:

  • Identify where their School/Department can deliver the greatest impact;
  • Create a bespoke sustainability action plan;
  • Guide the implementation and delivery of their plan; and
  • Report on progress. 

How can I get involved?

The following schools and departments have adopted the Framework and created sustainability action plans:  

College of Art, Humanities and Social Sciences:

  • Business School
  • School of Divinity
  • Edinburgh College of Art

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

  • Institute for Regeneration and Repair
  • Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research
  • Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
  • School of Population Health Sciences
  • School of Genetics and Cancer 

College of Science and Engineering

  • School of Chemistry
  • School of Mathematics
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Biological Sciences 

Information Services Group

  • Heritage Collections
  • Library and Collections 

Finance Group

  • Procurement

University Secretaries Group

  • Communications and Marketing
  • Edinburgh Global: Student and Work Away Service
  • Governance and Strategic Planning
  • Pre-Arrival and Induction Team

Corporate Services Group

  • Social Responsibility and Sustainability 

Visit our SharePoint site to find out how to create a sustainability action plan for your school or department.  Sustainability Framework - Home 

Frequently Asked Questions

My School or Department already has a sustainability plan, do we need to use the Framework too? 

Yes. Using the Sustainability Framework will help to ensure that your actions and progress on sustainability are recognised by the University. It may help you to consider a wider range of sustainability activities or solutions already in place, and it will signpost you to the most up-to-date resources and initiatives. 

Who is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the Framework in my School or Department? 

We recommend that each school/department nominate a senior sponsor and an action plan coordinator. Your school or department will have access to support from the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability (SRS) in the delivery of its sustainability action plan.

Is the Sustainability Framework compulsory? 

No, but we strongly encourage all Schools and Departments to adopt the Sustainability Framework, which is designed to help you report progress consistently and effectively.

Find out more 

Visit our SharePoint site

Sustainability Framework - Home [EASE required] 

Read Jill Burnett's blog about the Sustainability Framework

Blog: From commitments to sustainability action plans [EASE required] 

If you would like to find out more please contact the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability.

General enquiries

Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Contact details

Address

Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability
The Boilerhouse
High School Yards
Edinburgh
EH1 1LT

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