ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ

students walking outside the sir ian wood building and ishbel gordon building

Sustainability

Sustainability at ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ

Sustainability at ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ is not just about cutting carbon emissions; it is about ensuring the University actively showcases what it is doing to help future generations thrive.

Sustainability at ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ is a shared responsibility. We aim to create a university community where staff and students are empowered to shape a more sustainable future together, whether through teaching, learning, research, volunteering, innovation, biodiversity enhancement, active travel, waste reduction, or climate action.

Our plan for engagement centres around the following principles:

  • Building awareness and understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions.
  • Creating opportunities for involvement through events, volunteering, competitions and campaigns.
  • Supporting sustainability skills development to prepare students and staff for a rapidly changing world.
  • Listening to and acting on ideas from our community through collaborative projects and engagement activities.
  • Recognising and celebrating contributions that help make ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ a more sustainable and inclusive institution.

Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in sustainability at ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ, whether you are a student, staff or community member:

  • Attend sustainability events and awareness campaigns.
  • Volunteer in campus and community-focused projects, e.g. biodiversity or waste reduction
  • Contribute ideas to improve campus sustainability through the University’s Staff Sustainability Working Groups or the students’ sustainability society, Go Green.
  • Participate in challenges, competitions and surveys, such as the Biodiversity Photo Competition
  • Share your research, teaching innovations and success stories.

Together, we can create a campus that not only reduces its environmental impact but also inspires positive action across our wider community.

We regularly review engagement through event participation, volunteering activity, feedback surveys and collaborative projects to ensure our sustainability programme continues to meet the needs of our community.

Stand out events so far in 2025/26 include:

  • Hosting community events such as community updates on the Waterside Farm project and our annual Our Campus, Our World event showcasing the ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ community’s efforts to achieve a more sustainable future for all, including student research projects, film presentations, talks, and interactive stations for staff innovations.
  • Cycling Week offering Cycling Confidence sessions, bike repair stalls and a second-hand bike sale for local charity, Stella’s Voice.
  • Expanding our biodiversity volunteering to the North of the River Dee in addition to weekly sessions at Waterside Farm
  • Including sustainability in the online accommodation induction
  • Participation in awareness campaigns including the Big Plastic Count, and hosting the After Count report launch.
  • Supporting student sustainability projects with university funds, such as the rehoming of some of Cloisterseat Orchard to campus following its closure, and the .
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two people holding bikes by the handles and chatting
woman smiling holding a plant
Becca Petrie holding a certificate next to her photograph
people outside Gray's School of Art with rakes
an audience watching a presentation the atrium at ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ
person in the grass holding a plant
people walking around at an event in the Sir Ian Wood Building
a group of people sitting holding signs
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Aberdeen city at night

We are committed to playing our role in a more sustainable future by building economic growth, addressing environmental challenges, and promoting an inclusive society that improves quality of life and creates equal opportunities for all. The University’s Strategy drives our activity to create a more sustainable future both for our own community and wider society.

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Garthdee House on Campus

The staff and student body overseeing the University’s commitment to deliver sustainability.

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Gray's School of Art Building

ÐßÐßÊÓÆµ is recognised annually for its drive towards a more sustainable future after making its debut in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact rankings.

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