QMU announces major progress toward net zero targets
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has marked a major step forward in its climate action journey, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 39% of the 2020/21 baseline. This significant achievement places the University firmly on track to meet its 2030 interim target of a 42% reduction (in Scope 1 and 2 emissions[1]), and reflects QMU’s wider commitment to leading by example - cutting its own emissions, empowering staff and students to drive positive change, and contributing meaningfully to collective climate action.
The results form part of QMU’s 2024/25 Public Bodies Climate Change Duties (PBCCD) report, submitted annually to the Sustainable Scotland Network.
Strong progress on long-term climate commitments
QMU’s commitment to sustainability is longstanding, with the move to its purpose-built campus in 2007 reducing operational emissions by 38%. Since 2014/15, the University has reported its climate performance through the PBCCD framework, ensuring transparency and accountability.
In 2023, the University Court approved QMU’s Net Zero Strategy, setting out a clear ambition to reach net zero by 2044. QMU is a signatory to the UN-backed Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges and is aligning its targets with Science Based Targets, reinforcing its commitment to credible, evidence-based climate action.
Enhanced governance and strategic oversight
Over the past year, QMU has undertaken a full review of its Sustainability Advisory Committee to ensure governance structures remain robust, informed, and aligned with strategic priorities to accelerate progress across the University’s climate agenda.
Collaboration driving impact across Scotland and beyond
QMU has invested in a shared services sustainability partnership with EAUC, Borders College, and Forth Valley College. This shared Sustainability Project Manager role enhances specialist capacity and supports coordinated climate action across the education sector.
The University also works closely with external partners to promote sustainable travel and community engagement, including:
- Cycling Scotland, through which QMU has developed its Cycle Connections project and earned both the Cycle Friendly Employer and Cycle Friendly Campus (with Distinction) awards; and
- the East Lothian Community Rail Partnership, supporting improvements to local rail services and encouraging low carbon travel.
- These partnerships demonstrate QMU's commitment to influencing positive change beyond its campus.
These partnerships demonstrate QMU's commitment to influencing positive change beyond its campus.
Research and teaching supporting climate resilience
Sustainability is embedded not only in QMU’s operations but also in its teaching and research. The University’s person-centred academic mission and strong ethos of partnership underpin its efforts to influence behaviour change and equip students with the skills needed to address global challenges.
QMU is home to the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD), whose work includes research on health system resilience and global development challenges linked to climate change. Academic staff across the University are also leading climate related research in the creative and cultural sectors, further strengthening QMU’s contribution to climate understanding and action.
Our journey toward net zero is both ambitious and essential. It requires rigour, creativity, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. I am proud of the progress we have made and deeply grateful to the staff, students, and partners who continue to drive this work forward.
With emissions already reduced by 39% of our 2020/21 baseline, QMU is well positioned to meet its 2030 interim target. The University will continue to advance its Climate Emergency agenda across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, ensuring that sustainability remains central to its mission of shaping a better world through education, research, and innovation.
Find out more about QMU’s climate change progress in the summary report Public Bodies Climate Change Duties 2024/25 Summary Report | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
· [1] Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the institution, including through burning fuel. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy, including grid electricity.
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
