Environmental sustainability events
Our Every Action Counts campaign is a continuing initiative that encourages our University community to make small, everyday changes that collectively reduce our environmental impact. Originally developed during the 2023/24 academic year, the campaign continues to grow, building on past successes and engaging more staff and students each year.
As part of this ongoing effort, we also raise awareness about opportunities to reduce energy use across our campuses and student accommodation.
Each academic year, our campaign is supported by a range of events and initiatives. These often include participation in Scotland’s Climate Week in the autumn and our own Sustainability Week in the spring, alongside other awareness campaigns and collaborative activities designed to inspire sustainable action
You can keep up to date with what’s coming up by following us on X (Twitter) or Facebook, or if you’ve got ideas and would like to get involved yourself, please contact us.
Teaching and researching for a just transition: Preparing for a more sustainable future (May 2025)
In May 2025, Edinburgh Napier joined five other institutions based in the UK and Europ
e as the Scottish 'hub' for a sharing of practice in sustainability in teaching and research.
Our contributions included a lightning talk with colleagues at four of our schools on the work undertaken in their specialisms, from nursing to business and literature.
The conference was well received, with over 200 delegates online and attendance in person at our Craiglockhart campus by students and staff representing three Scottish institutions, including representation from our students’ sustainability society.
Read more about the conference on LinkedIn.
Additional examples of our academic and research work is included within our Academic and research commitments pages.
Scotland’s Climate Week (September/October)
We usually mark the start of the academic year by participating in Scotland’s Climate Week. This is a key moment for us to relaunch our Every Action Counts campaign, encouraging small, meaningful changes that collectively make a big impact. We often invite charities and sustainability-focused organisations to campus to engage with students and staff on topics like energy conservation, transport, and waste reduction.
On 29 September 2025, Professor Gary Hutchison, Assistant Principal - External Engagement and Chair of Environmental Sustainability Board of Governance (ESSBG), wrote to colleagues to mark the start of Scotland's Climate Week and relaunch our Every Action Counts campaign for the new academic year.
The update covered:
- ways to get involved in Every Action Counts, including a Changeworks workshop, ENSA's beach clean, and everyday energy-saving tips
- how our actions as a University community are making a difference, including a 2.5% reduction in electricity consumption and an 18.5 reduction in gas consumption in 2024/25 compared to the previous year
- key initiatives driving positive change, from our catering team's first Food Made Good star rating to new Gold and Silver LEAF status for our biomedical and microbiology labs
- our ongoing commitment to becoming a Net Zero Carbon university
Read the full email update online.
Sustainability Week (March)
Our biggest sustainability event of the year, usually taking place in March, is Sustainability Week. This typically features a range of engaging events spread across campuses - activities like bike-powered smoothie makers or Scalextric, tree and plant giveaways, and practical workshops. We also collaborate with external organisations to provide information, resources, and advice on sustainable living, active travel, and energy efficiency.
On 20 March 2026, as part of Sustainability Week, we shared a 'Celebrating sustainability successes' update with colleagues through The Bones, our internal staff newsletter, highlighting progress across the University.
Highlights included:
- Edinburgh Napier University now ranked 2nd in Scotland and 55th in the UK in the 2025/26 People & Planet University League, with a gross operational carbon emissions down 35.2% since our 2028/19 baseline
- One Star accreditation for our catering team through the Sustainable Restaurant Association's Food Made Good assessment
- continued progress through the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) in the School of Applied Sciences
- 6.3 tonnes of unwanted items donated to the British Heart Foundation by students in our accommodation during 2025, raising £11,790
- ENSA's Project Management Challenge Awards, led by Chika Marvis, ENSA Co-President Education & Employability, supported student teams to create projects addressing a wide range of environmental sustainability issues
- native tree planting at Craiglockhart, supported by a £1,224 donation from the Edinburgh Napier University Former Staff Association (ENUFSA)
- the launch of the 2026 Scotland Beyond Net Zero Seed Fund and a research webinar hosted by RIE's Dr Gráinne Barkess
Awareness days and campaigns
We try to tie in with national and international awareness days, such as Earth Day, through themed promotions, social media campaigns, and occasional webinars. These provide opportunities to raise awareness and share practical tips on sustainable living with our university community.