The University of Strathclyde has joined the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) as part of its drive on climate change action.

Founded in 2007, the ISCN is an international network of leading universities in sustainability and climate change.

Members of the Network use their shared experiences, capacity, passion, and intellectual capital to take meaningful action to contribute to sustainable development.

In granting membership to Strathclyde, the ISCN has recognised the University’s work on sustainable development through: its research and teaching; its partnerships with Glasgow City Council, industry, third sector and Government organisations on sustainable development; and, strategic initiatives such as active travel plans and the work of the Sustainable Strathclyde team.

Membership will also help Strathclyde on its journey to Net Zero emissions by 2040 or earlier as set out in its Strategic Plan and support activities of Centre for Sustainable Development (CfSD) and other actions on climate change.

Strategic approach

Launched in October last year, the CfSD connects all of the University’s education, research and knowledge exchange activity on sustainable development within a single strategic approach.

The Centre will prioritise education and awareness-raising of sustainable development, apply and build expertise and research capacity in sustainability, grow international partnership working and contribute to and benefit from knowledge sharing and thought leadership.

Strathclyde also achieved its 2020 Strategic Carbon Target with a 31% reduction of CO2 emissions from the 2009-10 baseline and implemented a responsible investment plan. Last year the University won an International Green Gown Award for its Global Student, Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development.

The ISCN requires members to sign up to and support a set of principles set out in a Charter which commit to follow and support five calls to action based around Institutional Leadership and Collaboration for sustainable development:

  • Embed sustainability in all aspects of the university (governance, operations, learning, research, community);
  • Create an environment that cultivates resilient, empowered, caring and engaged students, staff, and faculty who will contribute to the health of people and places;
  • Engage with external partners, industry, government and civil society to disseminate knowledge, research and best practices to benefit the communities in which we serve;
  • Deepen and broaden the collaboration that happens between members of the network to accelerate collective action;
  • Ensure that the network is significantly inspiring international dialogue and debate to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “Strathclyde’s Strategic Plan, Vision 2025, places education for sustainable development at the heart of our activities, enabling students to contribute to solving global challenges as set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to fully understand how to become climate neutral. 

Membership of the ISCN will enable Strathclyde to engage with, and to share and learn from like-minded institutions across the world regarding sustainability that will be of great help to our University and accelerate the journey towards our strategic goals.” 

A working group has been established to determine key areas where Strathclyde will engage with ISCN and through that with other partners.