Sustainable

In this section

Aberdeen 2040

Sustainable

Our Aberdeen 2040 strategy identified Sustainable as one of four core themes alongside Inclusive, Interdisciplinary and International.

Our latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) report

Whether you're interested in medical advances, improvements in emissions reporting, action to address inequality, or research into the impacts of climate change, learn more about how our interdisciplinary approach is breaking boundaries in our latest SDG Report.

Sustainable

At Aberdeen we work across borders and disciplines to protect the future of our planet. We strive to set an example to our sector and to society. In an era of significant global challenges, we are committed to exploring more sustainable solutions and breaking with convention in order to work towards Net Zero before 2040. The University is committed to not only achieving Net Zero, but also to considering the sustainability of our decision making, the quality and global relevance of our research, and our role in developing active and engaged graduates whose global mindset and cross-disciplinary approach enable them to go beyond boundaries to tackle the  complex challenges facing our society.

Commitments

Sustainability

Encourage everyone within our community to work and live sustainably, recognising the importance of our time, energy and resilience

Environment

Educate all our students and staff to be leaders in protecting the environment

Research

Excel in research that addresses the climate emergency, enables energy transition and the preservation of biodiversity

Net zero

Achieve net zero carbon emissions before 2040

Investment

Generate resources for investment in education and research year on year, so that we can continue to develop the people, ideas and actions that help us to fulfil our purpose

Our Global Sustainability Impact Rankings

48th
in the world for the UN SDGs

THE Impact Rankings 2024

83rd
in the world for sustainability

QS Sustainability Rankings 2025

36th
in the world for Environmental Education

QS Sustainability Rankings 2025

17th
in the world for SDG 10 'Reduced Inequalities'

THE Impact Rankings 2024

Impact through research

Our interdisciplinary research is challenge-led, impactful and built on sustainable partnerships that ensure we can tackle major societal challenges and support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Our Environmental Research Impact

1st
In Scotland for environmental research impact

QS World Rankings 2023

1st
In Scotland for globally collaborative environmental research

QS World Rankings 2023

Creating a Sustainable Legacy

The University's sustainability legacy is the impact of our teaching and research and the contribution of our graduates as active, global citizens.

On Campus