Consider the environmental impacts of your travel and activities abroad.
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 many things you can do to manage your carbon footprint, create less waste, and get involved in sustainability projects during your studies in Edinburgh and abroad.
Our Sustainable Living in Edinburgh site has lots of ideas to help you make sustainable choices in Edinburgh.
Here are our top tips to help reduce the environmental impact of your study or work placement.
Transport is often the biggest part of your carbon footprint and short and long haul flights are major contributors to global carbon emissions. To reduce your emissions:
While avoiding plane travel may not always be 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.
Before travel, you can use the ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator to calculate the carbon emissions for air travel to various destinations.
Calculate your emissions using the ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator
Students at UK and EU institutions are permitted to 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.
Full information about costs, eligibility, reservations and more can be found via the website:
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?
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.
The Una Europa network offers an online Sustainability course which is open to all students enrolled at a Una Europa partner institution (including the University of Edinburgh).
Una Europa Sustainability course
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.
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.
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!
Contact the European or International Programmes team to share your experience and the chance to be featured on our blog, social media channels or website.
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.
Study and Work Away students are taking climate-positive action at home and abroad.
Read about the climate-positive actions our students are taking
Staff within the Study and Work Away Service are 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.
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.
Want to know more about the University’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility?
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