About the Centre for Sustainable Solutions
The climate emergency is the most urgent, complex, and life-threatening issue of our time.
The University of Glasgow has a Climate Change Strategy: Glasgow Green, setting a target of 2030 for carbon neutrality.
The Centre for Sustainable Solutions launched in April 2020. We enable individuals, communities and organisations to act towards a sustainable future through education, research and partnership. We support interdisciplinary, cross-campus and cross-sectoral solutions to climate change.
Monthly Sustainability Spotlight: Every month we're shining a Sustainability Spotlight on significant activities happening here at the university. Get in touch if you would like to be featured or you would like to recommend someone else's work. Keep scrolling down to see this month's Spotlight!
Contact us
- Email: sustainable-solutions@glasgow.ac.uk
- Campus-wide sustainability: Information on sustainability for UofG's activities, campus and community.
- UofG Sustainability on Twitter: Follow @UofGSustain for updates from across the campus and beyond.
- Staff Sustainability Chat: Staff in all job categories can communicate and collaborate via the internal Sustainability Yammer channel.
Sustainability Spotlight, Jan 2021 - UofG e-Bike Fleet
The University of Glasgow has a new Climate Change Strategy setting our goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, supporting a city-wide imperative in line with Glasgow City's ambition. But there are already ways that we are reducing our carbon footprint.
One service that's been on offer for a wee while now is the e-bike fleet, which offers an enjoyable, carbon and emission-free (at source) alternative to using fossil powered vehicles for any business journeys. This could be to meetings in town, site visits or to go to the other campus. UofG's Travel and Transport Co-ordinator Viola Retzlaff says "It's great fun! Perfect for those who want to do build in more exercise into their travel choices during their working day in the new year, and want to start gently". For more info email the Travel Planning Team.
E-bikes are like a regular bicycle, but equipped with an electric battery that assists you when you pedal. This means you can arrive at your destination comfortably, even after cycling up a steep hill. Ideal for those who would normally not consider cycling, whether due to low fitness levels, too long journeys, or the lack of shower / suitable clothing options for a professional appearance. Or, indeed, to support post-Christmas or pandemic fitness goals!
The University e-bike fleet includes eight e-bikes and one e-cargo-bike, which is employed for deliveries of smaller items. They are stored at Main Gate Houses of each campus, with access managed by security staff. They are available for all staff for business trips, and full training is given. They can can replace taxi, bus and fleet vehicle trips, and are very suitable for intercampus travel.
The GUEST team is currently looking at employing e-bikes also for social rides, which will give more people the opportunity to try them out.
For your own e-bike, there is an Energy Saving Trust interest-free loan available. Staff can also look into the University's Cycle Plus scheme; there's a higher spend limit for 2021!
Sustainability in the College of Arts
The College of Arts community is contributing to environmental sustainability in many creative ways! Check out the links below:
- College of Arts Sustainability Highlights
- Student success: French and History graduate Gavin uses his analytical skills for the energy industry
Photograph courtesy of Xabier Cid, under Creative Commons CC BY-SA.
Sustainability in the College of Science & Engineering
The College of Science and Engineering investigates the history, causes and effects of environmental degradation, discovers practical solutions for sustainability, and works with the University to apply solutions across our campus and beyond. Here are a few tasters of what's happening:
UN Sustainable Development Goals at Glasgow
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.
Sustainability in the College of Social Sciences
The contribution that the College of Social Sciences makes toward environmental sustainability and justice covers a fascinating range of research areas, from sustainable consumption, through lifelong learning to empower citizens, to understanding the legal requirements for mitigating climate change, to understanding and using the wealth of complex data available for planning our collective future. Here are some tasters:
Sustainability in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences
The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS) brings a wealth of research expertise to bear on how climate change and environmental degradation affect the human, animal and broader natural world, and how these problems can be solved. Some tasters:
Sustainability in Student Life
Student-led course:
Student groups:
- GUEST: Glasgow University Environmental Sustainability Team
- Green New Deal students
- Glasgow Students Against Climate Change
- Extinction Rebellion Glasgow University
Student successes:
Sustainability on Campus
The University is working hard across all areas of activity to promote our own contribution to environmental sustainability as an organisation, from top-level strategic policy, planning and partnerships, through important day-to-day activities like travel, food, energy supply, student life, and more. See what's happening here.