Sustainability and climate conscious travel

Consider the environmental impacts of your travel and activities abroad.

Travelling abroad has an inevitable environmental impact. As part of the University’s goal to be carbon zero by 2040, it’s important to reflect on the sustainability of long distance travel. There are lots of things you can do to manage your carbon footprint, create less waste, and get involved in sustainability projects during your study or work abroad activity.

Calculate your carbon emissions

You can use the ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator to calculate the carbon emissions for air travel to various destinations.

Use the ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator

Interrail Pass for Erasmus+

Students at UK institutions can now travel within Europe using the Interrail Pass for Erasmus+. You can choose between two versions of the Pass: 4 or 6 travel days to use over six months. Please note that seat reservations are not included and may cost extra. Details, including pricing, eligibility, reservations, etc can be found via the website.

Interrail Pass for Erasmus+

Butex Sustainability Abroad Scholarship

Each year Butex awards a number of scholarships to undergraduate students studying abroad for a semester or a whole academic year, and students undertaking a summer school programme, overseas work/internship/traineeship placement of varying lengths of time. This £500 scholarship supports students who plan to study abroad with a focus on sustainability.

Butex Sustainability Abroad Scholarship

Take climate-positive action

The University's Department of Social Responsibility and Sustainability (SRS) has lots of information about ways you can take climate-positive action, with training courses, learning opportunities, paid internships, funding and advice to help you improve your sustainability skillset and empower you to take action.

Find out how you can take climate-positive action

Be Sustainable online course

Sustainability Champions network

Day to Make a Difference

Staff within the Study and Work Away Service are taking action using our 'Day to Make a Difference' to support environmental causes, engage with social and civic responsibility, and make an impact on a local and global level.

Read about our Day to Make a Difference volunteering activities

Our top tips for being sustainable while abroad

Transport is often the biggest part of your carbon footprint and short and long haul flights are major contributors to global carbon emissions.

Consider destinations that are closer to the UK
Travel slow if you can, or take direct flights where possible
Don't take additional flights when abroad

While avoiding plane travel may not be entirely possible, especially for those studying or working further afield, you could consider taking slower, more eco-friendly options to travel to your host destination such as buses, planes and trains. Slow travel also gives you the option to make stops on the way and discover more of the world before reaching your final destination!

Once you arrive, experience your host country like a local would and discover hidden gems whilst managing your carbon footprint: opt to stay local and explore your host country by bus or train instead of country-hopping by plane. Try walking, cycling, or using public transport rather than taking a car or taxi.

Our World in Data: Carbon Footprint of Travel

Sustainable travel options from The Man in Seat 61

View a map of night trains in Europe

Get around town by using active travel where possible. Many universities offer bike schemes, so check to see if your host institution has one! Active travel like walking or cycling promotes good physical and mental health and is great for the environment as well.

If you don't feel confident riding a bike on your own in a new city, look for a local cycling group you can join, and ask if they can recommend any beginner cycling lessons.

In combatting the climate emergency, resource efficiency and waste reduction are more important than ever. Discarding the ‘take-make-dispose’ linear economy is a no brainer –but how do we break the chain?

It's easy to support a circular economy by purchasing home goods from charity shops, and donating them at the end of your exchange. Some institutions may even have schemes for exchange students where you can buy items donated by previous exchange students. For items you’d like to purchase new, consider buying from local sellers instead of a big retailer.
Why not exchange recipes and reduce food waste by batch-cooking with your new flatmates, and consider incorporating a few plant-based meals with locally sourced ingredients?
When you buy something on your exchange, be it clothes, homeware, bedding, think: am I intending to pack this in my suitcase home, or throw it away? Try to reduce collecting items you know will ultimately end up in the bin.
Say no to fast fashion - before purchasing new clothing, check online to learn more about the brand's ethics and sustainability

Good on You - Check to see if your fashion is sustainable

Learn about local recycling guidelines so you know how to recycle your waste in your host country. Don’t forget to pack your reusable items like a water bottle, coffee cup and shopping bag to use around campus – you’ll help reduce plastic wastage and avoid extra charges for disposable ones.

Try to learn more about the steps your host country is taking to reduce non-recyclable waste. It could leave you inspired to spark change on your return home, or to pick up new eco-friendly habits!

Enhance your academic profile and understanding of complex global issues by enrolling in a short-term or elective course that focuses on sustainably or social responsibility.

Check to see if your host institution has a Sustainability Strategy to learn more about the role of higher education in creating a more sustainable and ethical future.

Get to know the local culture by getting involved with the community in a volunteering programme. Many universities have a student volunteering service, so check to see if yours has one.

Think about joining a club or society with a sustainability focus through your host institution's Students' Association. Joining a club or society is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and make the most of your time abroad.

Find out about volunteering, student societies and cooperatives at Edinburgh

Let us know your own top tips for including sustainability and social responsibility in your exchange or placement. Whether you took a low-carbon holiday, recreated a traditional meal with local ingredients, got involved with the local community, or something else – we want to hear about it!

Email the European or International Programmes team to share your experience and the chance to be featured on our blog, social media channels or website.

Get in touch with the University's Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability for more information on how to be sustainable during your exchange:

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Visit the University's Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability website

Sustainable development goals

The University aims, in its operations, research, learning and teaching, to engage with and contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, both locally and globally.

Discover the UN's Sustainable Development Goals