Our living legacy
From embedding sustainability approaches into our thinking, leadership boards, training and awards, to diversifying our investment funds away from fossil fuels, we have made great strides toward our sustainability goals. We have a long way to go, but so far we have managed to significantly change the culture around environmentalism at our institution. We want to highlight our legacy of environmental work as we head into 2025 with ambitious goals and projects underway. In case you didn’t know:
The University has five strategic pillars- world leading, diverse, entrepreneurial, digital and sustainability. Within the sustainability pillar the University has 3 key aims:
- To become net zero for all greenhouse gas emissions by 2035
- To become sustainability positive (our response to the nature emergency) by 2035. This aim also features targets for sustainability engagement, teaching and research
- To adapt to the changes that climate change will bring to the University Estate.
Our position at the forefront of the sector is based upon a longstanding commitment to addressing climate change. Looking back, our sustainable legacy addresses biodiversity, energy use, community engagement, and more.
- In 1998, we launched the St Andrews Prize for the Environment.
- In 2005, the Environment Team was formed as a specialised unit under the Estates department to drive environmental change.
- In 2005, we were one of the first Universities to launch a truly interdisciplinary Sustainable Development programme.
- In 2017, we opened our own biomass plant to source our energy responsibly.
- In 2019, we started the NDEE project, a £5m energy efficiency project across 60 buildings.
- In 2019, we put a socially responsible investment policy in place for all University funds.
- In 2019, students led a Line in the Sand protest, raising awareness about climate change.
- In 2020, we launched an education in practical sustainability for all students entering the University.
- In 2021, we published our Environmental Sustainability Strategy and net zero target.
- In 2022, we won a Green Gown Award for sustainability institution of the year.
- In 2022, we launched the St Andrews Forest to offset our student flight emissions through nature-based solutions.
- In 2022, we introduced a bus subsidy scheme (£1.7m pa).
- In 2022, we installed a solar farm (1MW array) and battery storage at Eden Campus.
- In 2023, we opened a new global research centre for blue carbon at our Scottish Oceans Institute.
- In 2023, we signed the Wellcome Concordat for Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice to underscore our commitment to delivering cutting-edge research in a more environmentally sustainable way.
- In 2024, we signed a 100-year partnership with Corrour Estate to deliver peatland and native woodland restoration, and create a research centre focussed on nature-based solutions.
- In 2025, we plan to install solar panels on 38 buildings, develop off-site solar opportunities, and complete climate adaptation surveys.
We are proud of what we have accomplished, but we know that we have much more to do to help mitigate climate change. To follow along on our journey towards net zero, follow us on Instagram @ustasustainable and check out our Environmental Sustainability Strategy (PDF).