Shaping the future of Sustainability
A pioneering, sector-leading approach to global sustainability
As a leading global university, we have a responsibility to drive impactful change for sustainability.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2035. To support this objective, we have established ten institutional commitments that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These commitments focus on three key areas: ‘Leadership through Action’, ‘Thought Leadership and Foresighting’ and ‘World-leading Research, Teaching and Enterprise’.
Through individual and collective efforts, Heriot-Watt aims to redefine what it means to thrive in a sustainable world. The foundation of the Heriot-Watt approach lies in our Global Environmental Sustainability, a key part of our current strategy, that is underpinned by ten specific commitments we have made to frame our actions.
At Heriot-Watt University, we recognise that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility that influences every aspect of how we live, study, and work. Our Climate Action Framework was co-created with our dedicated students, staff, alumni, and external community groups. This initiative outlines our University-wide approach to reducing our environmental footprint and fosters a culture of action that empowers everyone to take meaningful steps towards a sustainable future.
Our approach
We are using our global reach and innovation in teaching, research and enterprise to make a significant impact towards the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while making commitments to become more sustainable as an institution and global community. Learn more about our approach to sustainability.
Our progress
We are committed to continuing our progress to make our activities more sustainable in support of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Read more about what we're currently doing and how you can get involved.
Sustainability progressOur commitments
As part of Strategy, Heriot-Watt University adopted ten institutional commitments that form the basis for demonstrating our global leadership to our community and international stakeholders.
Read about our commitmentsOur governance and strategy
We are embedding sustainability in the development of our policy and strategy as we strengthen and expand our sustainability commitments.
Learn more
The Future Starts with Heriot-Watt University
Latest news
Read about our progress in addressing global challenges.
Heriot-Watt economists contribute to landmark energy industry publication
Heriot-Watt economists have been compiling data since 2007 for landmark energy industry publication, the Statistical Review of World Energy, which launches its 2025 issue today.
The quiet revolution that began in an Oxford home
A modest home was about to become the first in the country to be built with a solar roof, making history in its own right.
Overconfidence in finance bosses leads to environmental rule-breaking
Over confidence in finance bosses leads to environmental rule-breaking, new research from institutions including Heriot-Watt University has found.