As part of our Aberdeen 2040 strategy the University has made a clear commitment to show leadership in working for the sustainable future of our planet by, for example, committing to net zero carbon emissions before 2040. In addition, the University is committed to generating resources for investment in education and research year on year through a responsible and sustainable investment policy, whereby investments achieve the best return possible.
Our community has worked in partnership as part of this shared aim, including constructive discussions with the University of Aberdeen Fossil Free Campaign, AUSA and the wider student community about various related issues including financial divestment from fossil fuels. The Sustainable Investment Policy is available in the University's Policy Zone.
As a result, the University is committed to using our unique position and influence to encourage and support the transition to the low carbon economy. By 2025 we aim to have completed a process of ensuring that any investment in the energy sector actively reflects our own aspiration to support energy transition, through our research, teaching and other institutional activities.
For decades, the University has worked in partnership with the energy industry for the benefit of our region, the University and our students. It has provided financial support for our world leading research, and through philanthropic support it has created scholarships to enable student access to our education. Further, it has funded initiatives which support the wellbeing of our student community, including the provision of valuable work placements. We will continue to work with the energy sector in this way, as part of a just transition to a greener, more sustainable future. We continue to value our industrial partnerships, and the benefits they bring to our students and research activities.
As we commit to divest from fossil fuels, we remain committed to working with and supporting the energy industry through our education and research, helping to meet wider industry and societal ambitions around Net Zero via a range of initiatives including our Centre for Energy Transition.
FAQs
- 1. What is fossil fuel divestment?
- 2. Why are you doing this?
- 3. How will the University reprofile its investment portfolio to support divestment in fossil fuels?
- 4. Does the University directly invest in fossil fuel extraction?
- 5. What will be the impact of reprofiling the investment portfolio away from fossil fuels?
- 6. Will you still continue to work with industry, including oil and gas companies?
- 7. Will you still accept applications and associated funding for students sponsored by oil and gas companies?
- 8. Why have you not taken the decision to divest from fossil fuels before now?
- 9. What else does the University not invest in?
- 10. What contribution is the University making to address the climate crisis?
- 11. Progress to date