The University of Edinburgh announces change in fossil fuel investment policy

14th May 2015

After an extensive consultation process The University of Edinburgh has committed to a change in its policy on fossil fuel investment.

It will use its research activities and its commitment to responsible investment to work with companies, focusing specifically on the highest carbon fossil fuel emitters in order to reduce their emissions.

Companies will be expected to report on their emissions and alternative low or zero-carbon investments will be identified as replacements where possible.

The University was the first university in Europe to commit to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment, which the EAUC are also a Network Supporter. It has since formed a fossil fuels review group to discuss the recommendations for the case of divestment.

This change in policy has been reflected across a number of other high profile institutions. University of Glasgow, University of Bedfordshire and in recent weeks SOAS, University of London have committed to pursue fossil fuel investment. In addition The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has recently made the decision to divest from coal companies.

You can read more on the decision here.