Two people standing on rocks overlooking the sea

Sustainability report

Net zero by 2035

Introduction by the Principal

"Safeguarding our planet’s future requires urgent action. With rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, it is imperative that we reduce emissions, conserve resources, and build resilience. This is necessary to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure the long-term viability of our planet. As a world-leading University, we believe it is our duty to place sustainability at the heart of all we do, playing a pivotal role in addressing the most pressing global challenges.

In 2021, the University unveiled its updated Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which outlines three key goals to be reached by 2035: achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, fostering sustainability positivity to address the environmental crisis, and adapting to the impacts of climate change on our campus. Our Sustainability Report showcases the impressive work being undertaken across the University, embedding sustainability in every aspect of our activity, from teaching and research to our operational practices. We have selected examples of work that demonstrate the breadth and scope of our commitment and have elected to align this work with the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The UN SDGs offer an inclusive roadmap for sustainability, addressing a wide range of interconnected challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate change and environmental degradation. This collaborative approach fosters inclusive decision-making, promotes knowledge sharing, and leverages diverse perspectives and expertise to drive meaningful change. We are expanding opportunities for students to engage deeply with sustainability issues through enriched programme content and flexible digital learning options. By embedding sustainability into our curriculum and research, we are nurturing future leaders equipped to tackle global challenges head-on.

We are actively advocating for the transition to a net-zero emissions society, through impactful research and advocacy efforts, such as those exemplified by the Centre for Energy Ethics. We are reshaping societal norms and behaviors to reduce our collective environmental footprint and are fostering a culture of sustainability by promoting informed decision-making and transparent reporting of emissions. Our efforts include transforming our campus into a vibrant living laboratory for sustainability, exemplified by the Eden Campus, and spearheading initiatives like the Coastal Restoration Project to sequester carbon and create new habitats for wildlife.

We celebrate achievements in sustainability through initiatives such as the St Andrews Prize for the Environment and the Golden Dandelion Awards, which recognize excellence in education for sustainable development. This report highlights our drive to achieve sustainability across all University activities, based on science-driven goals, and presents areas for improvement. While we acknowledge that we may not always have the right answers, we hope this report demonstrates our genuine commitment to a sustainable future for all."

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE
Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Embark on a journey with Leila to explore how our campus champions sustainability through diverse initiatives and how you can get involved in making a greener future.

Video transcript

[Music]

Hi, I'm Leila.

I study sustainable development.

Join me on a bike tour of some of the sustainability initiatives you can get involved with.

We're a cycle-friendly campus with distinction and we host weekly bike-to-work breakfasts at Walter Bower House.

Eden Campus is also home to our biomass fuel plant that supplies heat to 44 university buildings.

If you don't bike, you can make use of the University's local bus partnership.

Tickets are 75% off helping us save money and reduce our carbon footprint.

Out on the Eden Estuary, our Green Shores project is restoring the salt marshes.

If you have a spare hour or so, they're always looking for volunteers.

Marine Soc meets weekly for beach cleanups, another great volunteer opportunity.

Last year, students successfully campaigned to introduce fair trade products at the University shop.

We run the Tree, an ethical food cooperative, sourcing local produce which you can buy online and pick up here at the Student Union.

We also have 12 edible campus locations which you can help maintain or just enjoy eating the free-to-harvest food.

Oh, there's the electric food delivery van.

Hiya!

At the University Hall, swing by the StAndReuse store to pick up or drop off clothing and household goods.

Cargo bikes are available to borrow if you need some extra room.

Community Skillshare sessions take place all over town.

You can follow Skillshare on Facebook for updates.

If practical conservation activities are more your thing, there are opportunities for maintaining the meadows and planting trees in the St Andrews Forest.

Need a bike?

Transition St Andrews refurbished 30 abandoned bikes
for community use.

Borrow one and explore St Andrews's cycle paths, including the scenic route from Guardbridge to the coast and beyond.

To find out more and get involved, please visit transitionsta.org/get-involved.

[Music]

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Established in 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitute a comprehensive and ambitious framework designed to tackle global challenges and promote sustainable development. Comprising 17 interconnected goals with 169 targets, they address pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

Building upon the earlier Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the SDGs embrace a more holistic and inclusive approach, spanning economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Guided by the principles of universality, leaving no one behind, and partnership, they underscore the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, the private sector, civil society, and the international community.

The successful implementation of the SDGs demands collective commitment, transformative action, and a dedication to leaving a positive legacy for future generations. By aligning the University Annual Sustainability Report with the SDGs, the University aims to exemplify its commitment to addressing global challenges by contributing to the well-being of local and global communities through strategic operations and research outputs.

As the international community approaches the end of the initial 15-year SDG timeframe, the renewal process offers an opportunity for reflection, assessment, and recalibration of strategies. The renewal is expected to involve a comprehensive review of progress made towards achieving the 17 interconnected goals and 169 targets, identifying areas of success and acknowledging persistent challenges. A renewed commitment to the principles of the 2030 Agenda holds the promise of fostering a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient world.

Students in graduation gowns walking along the beach

Carbon reporting

The University remains responsive to increased external carbon reporting requirements, fulfilling obligations to the Public Bodies Climate Change Duty Report and Higher Education Statistics Agency, amongst other statutory bodies. Our reporting has consistently covered Scopes 1, 2 and 3, as detailed below, providing a more holistic evaluation of our environmental impact.

Scope 1 emissions include direct greenhouse gases (GHG) from sources owned or controlled by the University, such as on-site fossil fuel burning.
Scope 2 involves indirect GHG emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam.
Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect GHG emissions throughout the value chain, both upstream and downstream. Examples include employee commuting, transportation of goods, and product lifecycle activities.

As reporting requirements have expanded, so too have the methodology and measurement tools, affording us the opportunity to scrutinise our emissions more thoroughly.

The Scope 1 figure of 6,680 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (tCO2e) shows a decline from the previous year reflecting a decline in gas usage, while the Scope 2 figure of 6,058 tCO2e indicates a rise in electricity consumption in residences post-Covid. This increase is influenced by both a higher emissions factor for electricity due to more fossil fuels coming online on the grid and an uptick in biomass usage.

Scope 3 figures for 2022/23 demonstrate the impact of the return to full in-person instruction as Covid restrictions fell away and an increase in student travel. We have also introduced carbon accounting of credit card expenses, including travel expenses.

Although these figures signify a more accurate representation of our carbon accounting, they concurrently present an opportunity for us to pinpoint areas for operational improvements. In 2023 we hired a procurement officer and communications manager with specific remits for sustainability.

This analysis serves as a foundation for reaffirming our dedication to achieving Net Zero by 2035 by making data-informed changes to our operations and uphold our commitment to environmental responsibility

Bar chart showing the amount of tCO2e covered by each scope — Measured carbon performance at St Andrews

Sustainable development goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a comprehensive framework aiming to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.

With 17 goals and 169 targets, they tackle issues like poverty, inequality, climate change, and peace. Implementing the SDGs requires collective commitment and transformative action.

Aligning with these goals, the University aims to demonstrate its dedication to global challenges and contribute to community well-being through strategic operations and research outputs in its Annual Sustainability Report.