Sustainability Plan launched

The University of the Highlands and Islands has published its first ever regional carbon management and sustainability plan.

The plan, which covers the period from 2020 to 2023, sets out the university's commitments towards the environment.

The document details actions to reduce the use of plastic and paper, improve recycling and reduce the amount of carbon released across its partnership of thirteen colleges and research institutes. The university will work with local staff and liaise with public, private and third sector organisations to deliver the plan.

Professor Crichton Lang, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, said: "Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face and it is vital we do all we can to protect our environment. The University of the Highlands and Islands partnership covers the largest geographical area of any campus-based university or college in the UK and has the largest student population in Scotland, with nearly 37,000 students studying with us each year. By working together to reduce our carbon footprint and promote behaviours which benefit our planet, we can make a significant contribution to environmental sustainability."

Dr Margaret Cook, Perth College UHI Principal, said: "We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint at Perth College UHI and the implementation of this Carbon Management Plan will help us to reach targets set out by the Scottish Government.

"Working in a more sustainable way can be achieved with the support of all our staff and students, for example, encouraging the use of low and no-carbon transport wherever possible and monitoring and reducing our energy consumption. Our course provision also supports a greener world, with a number of our programmes designed to help prepare tomorrow's employees to care for our environment.

"By reducing our carbon footprint, we will play an important part in helping fight climate change."

Professor Edward Abbott-Halpin, Principal Orkney College UHI, added: "As part of Orkney Islands Council, Orkney College UHI is fully supportive of this response to climate change and participates in the reduction in carbon footprint policy and activity of the council."

To view a copy of the plan, visit www.uhi.ac.uk/climate-commitment