To achieve our net zero carbon target, our academic priorities and our commitment to sustainable goals, we have embedded an Environmental Sustainability Strategy Group (ESSG) within the University.
The Environmental Sustainability Strategy Group (ESSG), representing our student and staff community, will lead and support our sustainability work. The group is chaired by Professor Gary Hutchison of the University's Senior Leadership Team and sponsored by Andy McGoff, who sits on the University Leadership Team. Geou Akshil SK, President for Societies and Community for the Edinburgh Napier Students' Association (2023/24), also sits on the group.
To formalise, share and promote our plans, we have developed an Environmental Sustainability Strategy. The Strategy highlights agreed commitments between 2021/22 and 2023/24. Progress towards all commitments made is discussed at quarterly ESSG meetings. Minutes from the meetings are shared with the University Leadership Team. Annual updates are provided to the University Court and groups such as the Finance & Property Committee. A copy of our most recently approved minutes is shared below.
If you have any ideas you would like to contribute, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing environment@napier.ac.uk.
Sustainable Development Goals
We have made a commitment within the University Strategy to demonstrate delivery against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Scotland’s National Performance Framework. We are using both frameworks as best practice guides as we embed UN Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDG) principles and practice within the University.
To develop awareness of existing UNSDG impact and embedment, colleagues within our Business School are currently reviewing all published academic and research activity. To collate relevant information they are working collaboratively and using the ‘SDG Dashboard’ developed by Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University.
The Business School also published their inaugural Principles for Resource Management Education (PRME) ‘Sharing Information on Progress Report’ in January 2023. The report provides a fascinating insight into business leadership and environmental sustainability. The report is publicly available with the PRME website.
The University has also completed the Sustainability Leadership Scorecard (SLS) developed by the Association for University Directors of Estates (AUDE) and the EAUC. The SLS provides a purposeful structure to measure progress against the 17 UNSDGs. For more information visit the EAUC website.
Looking ahead towards the 2023/24 academic year, work is underway to investigate opportunities to audit and embed the UNSDGs within the ENhance Curriculum Framework and through Worktribe, the research management system used by the University.