Net Zero Community Hub

Sustainability in Action

Climate Action Framework

Our Climate Action Framework formalises the actions we are taking to address our own carbon footprint as an institution. Heriot-Watt is committed to leading global environmental sustainability by positioning ourselves as a leader in addressing the climate crisis through sustainability initiatives that reflect our core values and ethos. The Climate Action Framework outlines a highly collaborative and community-led approach to accelerate our progress towards achieving sustainability. Our 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. We aim to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2035. Each of our five global campuses have unique carbon footprints; the most recently built campus buildings in Dubai and Malaysia are considered the University's flagship due to their sustainable design.

The publication of the Climate Action Framework is just one of the many ways we are aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by delivering on our University’s ‘Ten Commitments to Sustainability’. It 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.

Our commitments include a new Climate Advocacy Course, providing participants with an understanding of the causes and impacts of everyday activities on greenhouse gas emissions, and what this means for global climate change. By engaging with our students, staff and wider communities in the drive for a more sustainable future we acknowledge and respond to a need for embedding a culture of sustainability.

Net Zero Community Hub

To inspire and support our local and global communities, we're creating a focal point for sustainability, a one-stop source of inspiration, information and advice:

• providing a platform for continued collaboration
• evidencing the progress of our sustainability commitments
• engaging on the personal sustainability commitments we make as individuals
• showcasing our research, innovation and partnerships
• highlighting our sustainable construction technologies and innovations like the K-Briq.

By encouraging even small changes across our community, we can make a big difference.

Enterprising Research

As a research-intensive university, renowned for our expertise in engineering, decarbonisation and energy transition, we are uniquely placed to help accelerate solutions. We're collaborating in hundreds of projects including:

• Leading the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), that is the focal point of the green transformation in the UK's industrial heartlands. Powered by research and innovation and funded by UKRI, IDRIC develops innovative decarbonisation solutions at pace and scale in the places where it matters most. Learn more about IDRIC
• Our expertise in decarbonisation, energy and the circular economy is already accelerating the race to net zero. Now we direct our world-leading research though the prism of our new global research institute, focused on achieving net zero and beyond. Learn more about iNetZ+
• The Islands Centre for Net Zero aims to put the Orkney Islands at the forefront of the transition to net zero and support thriving sustainable communities through the development and implementation of Orkney as a living lab. Learn more about the Islands Centre for Net Zero.

How to get involved

If you represent a local community, industry or have any involvement in sustainability activities, and would like to make suggestions for the Net Zero Community Hub, please contact us on the email below.