Scotland's Climate Week is an annual event that encourages individuals, communities and businesses to come together to show support for tackling the climate emergency. Running this year from 25 September until 1 October, it's also a great opportunity to share success stories which can inspire others to take action.
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) is supporting Scotland's Climate Week by launching a new university-wide campaign, 'Every Action Counts'. Throughout the year, we're asking colleagues and students to help us reduce not only the Universities energy consumption and environmental pollution but their own, by making some small changes that lead to a big impact.
For example, emissions from car use and heating are two of the biggest contributors to climate change in Scotland from individuals. But by choosing more climate-friendly ways to travel, for work and leisure, and by improving our home heating or dressing for the temperature and environment, we can do good for the planet and it feels good for us too.
ENU has a strong history of enhancing environmental sustainability within and beyond Edinburgh Napier. To maintain our achievements and develop our work further we have set significant commitments within our University Strategy. We will grow and diversify our income and take progressive action to achieve net zero carbon in our operations by 2030. We will also seek to minimise both our wider and legacy carbon footprint and influence sustainable practices within and beyond our campuses.
From initiatives around biodiversity, reducing energy and water use, food and fairtrade, finance and procurement, sustainability in our curriculum and reducing waste, our achievements are due to partnership and collaborative working. So, please get involved in the 'Every Action Counts' campaign and do your bit to help tackle the climate emergency as we strive to achieve net zero by 2023!
Your first action could be to reduce your energy at home and on campus. Click here to find our what small steps you can take to cut utility costs and help combat climate change by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving our planet's natural resources.
You can also make a big impact by leaving the car at home this World Car Free Day on 22 September.
You can also join us for an interview & Q&A with Eric McAfee, Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and venture capitalist at ENU on Friday 22 September. Hosted by the Scottish Business Network in partnership with Bright Red Triangle, don't miss this exclusive opportunity to engage with Eric McAfee, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and venture capitalist, who's made waves in agriculture and renewable energy. Find out more and reserve a spot here.
If you'd like to learn more about what we're doing to improve sustainability at Edinburgh Napier? Join the Environmental Sustainability Strategy Group (ESSG) on Wednesday 27 September for a conversation on the University's recent successes as well as discussing what we still need to work on to achieve our target of Net Zero Carbon by 2030.
During the session, members of the ESSG will provide updates on recent projects from across the University and will host a 20-minute Q&A where you can ask questions and make suggestions about the kind of changes you'd like to see at Edinburgh Napier.
In recognition of the week, ENSA has put together a schedule of events for colleagues and students to get involved with, including:
- Tuesday 26 October (3-4pm): Lions' Gate walk and plant, Merchiston Campus
- Wednesday 27 September (4:30-6:00pm): Screening of "Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet" at B2 Merchiston Campus
- Thursday 28 September (12-4pm): Free Clothing Stall with SHRUB at Sighthill Campus. Come along and pick up some free second hand clothes.
- Friday 29 September (12:30pm and 4pm): Nature Walk at Craiglockhart Hill (meet at Craiglockhart Campus main entrance reception area)