Scotland's Rural College

SRUC's Climate Change Action Plan

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) as an institution is dedicated to sharing knowledge and promote solutions to some of the world’s complex challenges, of which climate change is a prime example.

SRUC aims to actively strive to reduce the impact of agriculture and related disciplines on the environment and exceed expectations.  It does this by actively engaging with its students, clients, partners, and stakeholders.  As part of this, SRUC has devised a “Climate Change Action Plan”.   This plan does not focus solely only on reductions in carbon emissions but takes a holistic approach to reduce its impact across whole environments.

The Climate Change Action Plan contains 7 “Themes” with 59 objectives for SRUC to achieve Net Zero by 2040. These themes are: Climate Impacts Adaptation; Energy Carbon Management; Circular Economy; Sustainable Procurement; Sustainable Travel; Engagement and Education and Farming and Agriculture.

SRUC is unlike any other college or university in the UK and has 350 estate assets across Scotland and North East England, but the primary focus is on SRUC’s five main campuses, (Barony, Craibstone, Elmwood, Edinburgh, Oatridge), for reducing 80% of its institution’s C02 emissions.

Annual carbon savings achieved with the initiative:

• CO2t 2021/2022: 22,722 CO2t (Actual).
• CO2t savings 2024/2025: 4,544 CO2t (Estimated 20% reduction by 2025).
• CO2t savings over the life cycle of the project: Net Zero by 2040.

Top 3 Learnings

1. District Heat Networks are crucial projects for SRUC’s energy carbon emission reduction objectives.
2. Sustainable Travel pilot scheme analysis will benchmark Scope 3 emissions and determine remaining main campus implementation schemes.
3. Biodiversity Strategy and Baselining are imperative for the recovery and protection of local flora and fauna.