University of Edinburgh Regenerative Sustainability Strategy

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.

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.