Scotland’s Colleges Come Together to Tackle the Climate Emergency

Edinburgh College has joined Scotland’s colleges in supporting a new, ground-breaking statement of commitment on the Climate Emergency, which will be launched today, Monday 17 May 2021.

The Scottish Colleges’ Statement of Commitment on the Climate Emergency highlights how college staff and students are working together to achieve a more sustainable future for Scotland.

It includes ten key actions, which have been developed to support Scotland’s efforts to achieve net-zero climate emissions by 2045, and Scotland’s colleges are aiming to achieve net-zero by 2040, or earlier. 

Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “We are delighted to work together with our friends across all of Scotland’s colleges to take serious action to tackle the climate emergency.

“The climate emergency is something that everyone has a responsibility to take meaningful action on to protect our planet, and colleges as educational institutions and employers have a huge role to play. This statement demonstrates our commitment to doing everything we can to ensure a sustainable future for Scotland.”

Sustainability Officer Martin Webb said: “Its fantastic to be working alongside the College Development Network (CDN) and our fellow colleges to ensure the sector is at the heart of climate action.

“As a college, we are proud to have managed a 50% reduction since 2013/14, however, there is lots of work still to be done if we are to meet our carbon-neutral targets, and collaboration across the sector will be key to that success.”

Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA) Sustainability Officer Claire Furniss said: “It’s great to see Scotland’s colleges coming together to take climate action. We look forward to continuing working with students and staff to deliver effective projects to reduce emissions, encourage positive behaviours and to share best practice across the college.”

Read the Scottish Colleges’ Statement of Commitment on the Climate Emergency.