Green Initiatives

The University of Dundee is making a determined effort to reduce the University's carbon footprint, and has established an environmental taskforce to tackle the issue. Staff and students are encouraged to think environmentally and to act more responsibly.

"Improving our environmental performance is not an optional extra; it is essential" - Professor Colin Reid, leader of the University's environmental group.

Energy efficient building design

• The £15m Dalhousie Building - heated using waste energy - won the 2008 Green Gown award for energy and water efficiency.
• The Queen Mother Building was highly commended for sustainable construction in the 2007 Green Gown awards.

Fairtrade

• Fairtrade status, granted by the Fairtrade Foundation, was achieved by the University in 2008 and Dundee is Scotland's first Fairtrade city.
• Fairtrade food and drink is served in all campus shops, University restaurants and cafes, and at all meetings hosted by the University.

"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle"

• Challenging targets have been set for energy consumption, waste reduction and the use of environmentally friendly goods and materials.
• Recycling figures continue to rise, with increasing numbers of recycling points being installed throughout the city, campus and student residences.

Green Travel

• A green travel plan is in operation, promoting car sharing as well as encouraging staff and students to take public transport wherever possible .
• Cycling is encouraged; a Bicycle Users' Group has been set up, and free showers and cycle lockers are provided for those who cycle in.

Green Spaces

• Green space has been created right at the heart of the University with the new Campus Green, a major element of the masterplan which envisages a car-free campus.

Academic Opportunities

• Postgraduate research opportunities are offered by the UNESCO centre for Water Law, Policy and Science, which is uniquely qualified to provide advisory services in international and national water law and policy. It aims to contribute to conflict prevention and poverty alleviation at the global, regional and national levels through ensuring equitable and sustainable use of water resources.
• Renewable energy, environmental science and environmental sustainability courses are offered at undergraduate level.
• Environmental studies (built), environmental studies (natural), and renewable energy courses are offered at postgraduate level.
• Individual modules with an environmental element are also available across a variety of departments.

Dundee - "Sun City"

• Dundee has the best solar resource of all Scotland's major cities due to its geographical location on the south facing shore of the Tay Estuary.
• Solar cell research is conducted at the University, and such cells will make a major contribution to international energy needs in the future.
• We also have our own satellite station which collects data from space that is then processed and used in environmental monitoring.