Green Gown Awards 2019 - The University of Edinburgh - Winner

The University of Edinburgh is committed to socially responsible and sustainable food practices and takes a whole institution approach to food and its connection to health and sustainability. We aim to contribute to sustainable food systems that enrich society and our natural environment.  In August 2016, we approved our first Good Food Policy to drive progress in five key areas: sourcing, provision, practice, research learning & teaching and leadership & culture. 

The policy highlights our commitment to providing healthy, sustainable and affordable food to the University community. We aim to support staff and student-led projects and research to enhance food social responsibility and sustainability in Edinburgh. 

Since 2016, we have made significant progress in improving access to drinking water on campus, establishing a charge on single use coffee cups, assessed sustainability risks in supply chains, provided cookery classes to students and ensured more vegetarian and vegan catering options on campus. 

Top 3 learnings 

• We must go above and beyond to implement change. 
• Sustainable Public Procurement Tool (SPPT) – sustainability risks are complex. 
• We need to reflect what our staff and students want. 

Videos

• Good food: Promoting healthy, sustainable and affordable food (click to hide)