Sustainable Development Strategy

Executive summary

Abertay University's Sustainable Development Strategy (2025–2030) outlines a bold and integrated approach to addressing the climate emergency and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rooted in the institution's civic mission and aligned with national and international frameworks, the strategy commits the University to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2038 and embedding sustainability across all aspects of university life.

The strategy is structured around four key pillars:

Learning, teaching and students

Abertay will embed sustainability principles into curricula, empower students to be sustainability leaders, and promote inclusive, flexible and digitally supported learning. The University will also partner with professional bodies and sectors to support upskilling and just transition.

Through its responsible campus operations, and otherwise, the University will seek to enhance sustainability in the delivery of its learning and teaching.

Research and knowledge exchange

The University will drive interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world sustainability challenges. Through civic engagement, collaboration and responsible research practices, Abertay aims to contribute impactful solutions aligned with the SDGs.

The University will seek to enhance sustainability in the delivery of its learning and teaching through its own approach to responsible campus operations and by aligning the University's research practices with UKRI Environmental Sustainability policy, the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, and relevant REF People, Culture and Environment data collection and reporting.

Responsible campus operations

Abertay commits to transforming its estate and operations to meet sustainability targets, including eliminating fossil fuels for heating, reducing travel emissions, embedding ethical procurement, and enhancing digital efficiency. Annual reporting and transparent monitoring will ensure accountability.

Community engagement

As an anchor institution, Abertay will lead and collaborate on place-based sustainability initiatives, support local organisations, and promote social value through outreach, partnerships and access to university resources.

Governance of the strategy is overseen by a Sustainable Development Steering Group (SDSG), supported by short-life 'task and finish' working groups and a live Actions & Projects Register. Progress is monitored through KPIs and reported to senior governance bodies.

This strategy reflects Abertay's commitment to being a responsible, forward-thinking institution that empowers its community to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and just future.

Strategy

Abertay University's approach to sustainability is collaborative and embedded across all aspects of university life. We aim to make a positive impact by integrating sustainability into teaching, research, operations and community engagement. Our strategy supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligns with national and local climate targets, and reflects our civic mission.

We empower students and staff to understand the broader implications of their actions and to lead change in their sectors and communities. Our contributions are delivered through four strategic pillars:

Learning, teaching and students

We recognise our responsibility to prepare students for sustainable futures. Sustainability principles will be embedded across curricula and quality enhancement processes, ensuring all students engage with the SDGs both broadly and within their disciplines.

We will:

• Promote creative and forward-thinking approaches to sustainability.

• Equip staff and collaborators with the skills to lead sustainable development.

• Support the Students' Association in co-creation and sustainability initiatives.

• Deliver flexible, digitally supported learning experiences.

• Engage external partners and professional bodies to position the University as a "living laboratory" for sustainability.

• Develop partnerships for upskilling and reskilling the workforce.

• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Lead accessible education through social inclusion and stakeholder engagement.

Research and knowledge exchange

Addressing sustainability challenges requires high-quality, interdisciplinary research. Abertay promotes collaborative innovation through its Challenge Spaces:

• Sustainable Development & Inclusive Living

• Security, Equality & Social Justice

• Health & Care Across the Lifespan

• Creative Industries & Cultural Vitality

We will:

• Strengthen research through national and international partnerships.

• Engage in civic and social enterprise activities to address sustainability.

• Showcase contributions to the UN SDGs.

• Support sustainable research practices, including digital footprint and travel.

• Develop adaptable researchers through training and mentoring.

• Incentivise interdisciplinary work via Abertay R-LINCS funding.

• Align with the UKRI Sustainability Concordat, in development.

Responsible campus operations

Our operations and estate development will reflect our commitment to climate action and resource management. We aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2038 and will embed sustainability into all aspects of campus life.

Key actions include:

• Reviewing and adapting policies to meet sustainability targets.

• Reducing non-essential travel and promoting sustainable alternatives.

• Embedding sustainability into procurement, design and renovation projects.

• Providing healthy, ethical and sustainable food and drink.

• Creating biodiversity habitats and deploying sustainable energy solutions.

• Aligning investment decisions with ethical and environmental principles.

• Promoting digital solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce impact, while being conscious of the carbon emissions related to advancing technologies.

• Implementing carbon, resource and waste management strategies.

• Eradicating fossil fuels from campus heating and increasing renewable energy use.

• Aligning with the Scottish Government's Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan.

• Setting energy demand reduction targets and reporting annually on emissions across all scopes.

• Supporting staff development in sustainable operations through training.

• Managing environmental impact via our Environmental Management System.

• Engaging stakeholders in planning and decision-making.

As outlined in the University's Estates Strategy, we will also be cognisant of climate adaptation, to seek to improve the resilience of our campus in relation to the impacts of climate change.

Community engagement

As an anchor institution, Abertay plays a vital role in advancing sustainable development locally and beyond. We will build partnerships to co-create solutions and promote inclusive transformation.

We will:

• Lead responses to the SDGs through cross-sectoral partnerships.

• Drive civic engagement and support local organisations and schools.

• Provide access to university facilities, expertise and employment opportunities.

• Promote sustainability literacy and individual responsibility.

• Collaborate with colleges, councils, businesses and the third sector.

• Advocate for SDG adoption through ethical operations and reporting.

• Demonstrate impact as a "living laboratory" for responsible education, research and campus management.

Governance and implementation

This University Sustainable Development Strategy (2025–2030) has been developed in consultation with students and staff and is delivered through a whole-University approach. It is underpinned by a live Actions & Projects Register and a suite of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which enable agile planning, tracking and continuous improvement of sustainability initiatives.

Where required, short-life 'task and finish' working groups are convened for each of the four strategic focus areas — Teaching & Learning, Research & Knowledge Exchange, Campus Operations and Community Engagement. These groups, led by staff and/or students with relevant expertise, identify priorities and actions, conduct gap analysis, and embed sustainability into policy and practice. Their roadmaps are reviewed regularly and shaped through ongoing consultation with the University community.

Strategic oversight is provided by the Sustainable Development Steering Group (SDSG), comprising expert and representative members from across the University. The SDSG sets direction, ensures alignment with institutional priorities, and monitors progress against targets.

Progress is reported through KPIs and annual reviews, with outcomes shared with the University Senior Management Team, University Senate and University Court. The University will report its performance against net-zero targets using metrics required by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Strategic objectives

Abertay's strategic approach to sustainability is built on embedding the principles of the SDGs into governance, operations and culture. The strategy prioritises:

• Net-zero carbon emissions by 2038.

• Integration of sustainability across teaching, research and campus operations.

• Community engagement and civic responsibility.

• Sustainable procurement and travel policies.

• Alignment with local and national climate action plans.

Alignment with University Strategy

Strategy 2025–2030

Values

This supporting strategy expresses our values in the following ways:

• Inclusive: Ensuring sustainability activities are co-created with students and staff, accessible to all, and aligned with EDI principles.

• Caring: Fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility by prioritising the wellbeing of students and staff, supporting a respectful, healthy and empowering environment where everyone can contribute to a sustainable future.

• Innovative: Promoting impactful research and curriculum development addressing climate and sustainability challenges.

• Collaborative: Engaging with local and global partners to extend the reach of sustainability efforts.

Milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs)

Please note: A broader set of KPIs underpins this strategy. These indicators are reviewed through internal governance processes and are therefore not included here.

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