Heriot-Watt University has unveiled a highly collaborative and community-led approach to accelerate its progress towards achieving sustainability.
The publication of the Climate Action Framework not only outlines targets for cuts to carbon emissions, but critically, empowers the entire University community across five campuses and those learning online to advocate, support and embed greener ways of living.
With campuses in Scotland (Edinburgh, Orkney, and Scottish Borders), Dubai, and Malaysia, Heriot-Watt’s holistic approach considers the unique challenges and opportunities of each location. Its multifaceted initiatives span all areas of the University with targets covering direct emissions from energy use along with indirect emissions, including from the supply chain.
Our Climate Action Framework underscores our commitment to mobilising collective efforts towards a net-zero future.
Heriot-Watt University has already made significant strides in its sustainability journey, reducing emissions by more than 35% between 2014/15 and 2022/23, meeting the University’s 15% reduction target a year early in 2018/19.
It also reduced energy consumption on its Edinburgh campus, despite significant estate growth through initiatives like new lighting, glazing upgrades, building services efficiency projects, more efficient lab equipment, and improvements to building management systems. The development of a Built Environment Development Framework, due to be published later this year, will formalise net-zero requirements in retrofit and new build projects on the campus.
The new Dubai campus, which opened in 2021, meets the gold standard under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria, reflecting high performance in environmental quality. The building design reduces water consumption by 40% and optimises energy performance through measures like zonal controls for ventilation, air conditioning and efficient lighting.
The Malaysia campus is certified under the country’s Green Building Index scheme for its sustainable features including its living green roof - the first of its kind in Malaysia, along with solar shading, and a rainwater harvesting system. The campus sustainability team spearheads high-impact energy efficiency, renewable energy projects, and broader sustainability initiatives around resource use, recycling, and travel.
By placing community involvement and international co-development at its core, the new framework aligns operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It fosters a cultural shift towards sustainability, encouraging everyone from across the university community and its wider partners to participate and make changes.
Professor Richard A Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University said: “When our University was founded more than two centuries ago, it set out a clear purpose to benefit society by helping our students and academics to have a positive impact on the world. We are now proud to be using our global reach and innovation in teaching, research and enterprise to make a significant impact towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the publication of the Climate Action Framework which presents a carefully considered and long-term approach. We’re building on our progress to date, becoming more climate conscious as an institution but, most importantly, we’re empowering our global community. Through this Framework, we are creating lasting change while investing in the education and ideas of our current and future generations of staff and students.”
Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability, emphasised the importance of community collaboration in delivering Heriot-Watt’s 10 commitments which are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
"Our Climate Action Framework underscores our commitment to mobilising collective efforts towards a net-zero future. By co-creating sustainability initiatives that our global communities can get involved in, we can make Heriot-Watt University a leader in responsible global citizenship.
“We are committed to meeting all environmental regulations and embedding sustainability across everything we do - from teaching and research to running university campuses and facilities. With involvement from across our global community, we can pioneer sustainable change and lead the way in addressing the climate crisis.
“As Heriot-Watt University continues its journey towards a more sustainable future, our Climate Action Framework demonstrates progress to date and our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and global responsibility. As well as making a profound impact on our own operations, we aim to set a bold example for other institutions worldwide as a lighthouse of best practice in global sustainability.”
The Climate Action Framework also emphasises the importance of collaborative initiatives to reduce emissions, maximise sustainability co-benefits, and support a just, inclusive transition. This will include opportunities for community groups to actively engage with the University.
Recent collaborative initiatives include a Student Fund for sustainability projects and the launch of a new Climate Advocacy course which delves into the actions that everyone can undertake to make a change. An important conduit for sharing best practice and addressing issues that students and staff want to better understand, the provision of comprehensive knowledge will help us to create a global network of informed and empowered climate advocates.
The University also recently co-created the Student Sustainability Forum, providing a platform for students to share their interest, enthusiasm, and ideas around sustainability, as well as ensuring that the perspectives of the student community are at the forefront of the sustainability conversation.
Priority areas for action also include renewable energy generation, heat decarbonisation, energy optimisation, and reducing emissions across the value chain. The drive towards net zero emissions will also stimulate more real-world research, innovation and student projects relevant to regional priorities. Looking ahead, Heriot-Watt University is committed to fostering key partnerships and celebrating the successes of sustainability projects with its global community.
For more information on Heriot-Watt University's sustainability initiatives and how to get involved, visit the University's sustainability webpages.