Our green credentials

GCU is committed to becoming carbon neutral across all campuses by 2040.

• We are the only university in Scotland to have our Environmental Management System (EMS) certified with an EcoCampus Platinum award. The EMS, which helps us to identify and manage risks and opportunities, is also International Standard ISO 14001 certified.
• In 2019, GCU was rated first in Scotland in the People & Planet University League for its environmental and ethical performance.
• We were Scotland’s first Cycle Friendly Campus and have invested in state-of-the-art recycling facilities.
• We use a combined heat and power system to help reduce the University’s carbon footprint in Glasgow and we continue to send no waste to landfill.
• We use the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standards to accurately report our carbon footprint annually, including staff and student travel, procurement and energy use. In 2018-19, our emissions were 31.5% lower than in 2014-15 (the University’s baseline) and we have a clear Carbon Neutrality Plan to guide and shape our transition.
• Our drive to reduce our carbon footprint has included substantial investment, including recladding our Annie Lennox building which sought to deliver a 66% reduction in gas use. More is needed.
• In the months and years ahead, we are looking to have a car-free campus, zero-emissions transport fleet, promote more remote working and teaching, build carbon negative buildings, restrict flying and encourage more travel by train, and increase transnational education programmes.

Find out more about sustainability at GCU.

Check out some top tips on how you can do your bit to help the planet.