University of Edinburgh’s Regenerative Strategy launch

On 24 March 2026, ECCI took part in the launch of the University of Edinburgh’s new Regenerative Sustainability Strategy at McEwan Hall.

The strategy, Regenerative sustainability: our pathway beyond net zero, marks a significant shift in how the University is approaching the climate and environmental crisis. Rather than focusing only on reducing harm, it sets out an ambition to actively restore natural systems, support biodiversity and deliver positive environmental and social outcomes.

At its heart is the recognition that we are facing an environmental polycrisis, where climate change, biodiversity loss, water impacts and pollution are deeply interconnected. In response, the University is taking a whole-institution approach, embedding sustainability across research, teaching, operations and investment.

Over the next 15 years, the strategy sets out a series of ambitious commitments. These include integrating climate and nature across the curriculum so that all students can engage with these challenges, strengthening interdisciplinary research, and aligning operational activity with science-based targets. Alongside a net zero target, there is a clear focus on biodiversity recovery and ecological restoration at scale, including work beyond the University’s estate.

The launch event brought together researchers, students, professional staff and external partners to reflect on this direction and what it will take to deliver it in practice.

ECCI colleagues from across the organisation came together to showcase our work, connect with colleagues and contribute to discussions on how the University’s ambitions can be delivered in practice.

The event closed with an exclusive 30‑minute showing of Enlightenment: an immersive sound and light show based on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Pictured at the top of the page.

Collaborative climate action

Find out more about the transdisciplinary, action-focused work happening at ECCI. From the largest carbon capture and storage research group in the UK, Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage, and Climate Springboard's programme helping Scottish businesses prepare for net zero, to The Scottish Climate Intelligence Service (SCIS) which works with Local Authorities to build capacity to take effective, just and equitable climate action and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, which nurtures a community of skilled, entrepreneurial, and justice-oriented climate leaders from across Africa.