Funding confirmed for the next phase of our work in Scotland

We are pleased to announce that EAUC’s funding bid for the next phase of its work in Scotland has been approved by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). We will continue to deliver the “Supporting a step-change towards environmental sustainability at Scotland's universities and colleges” programme from 1 August 2026 up to 31 July 2027.   
   
On 31 July, we will reach the end of the current SFC-funded programme. This outcome agreement has enabled EAUC Scotland to collaborate with and support the post-16 education sector in its sustainability journey. Since April 2025, we have delivered 27 EAUC Scotland events, training sessions and webinars reaching over 650 people. We have produced vital new resources for the sector, including the digital air travel justification tool, climate risk profiles for Scottish colleges and universities and the climate risk communications pack.  

We are confident that this programme has helped further the understanding of the significant role the sector has in responding to the climate emergency, as well as providing relevant knowledge and tools to support sector staff in improving sustainability within their institutions and communities. Indeed, two EAUC Scotland resources – the commuting survey guide and tool and the climate risk register guide and tool – received Scottish Green Apple Awards for excellence in environmental sustainability in December 2025. 

In light of the updated statutory guidance for public bodies on delivery of the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties, this next SFC-funded programme will focus on supporting Scotland’s colleges and universities to meet key aspects of the guidance, with a focus on embedding sustainability within institutional decision-making, financial planning and reporting, and learning, teaching and research practices. Key projects for the year ahead include: 

• Developing a sustainability strategy and action plan template for the sector 

• Publishing a guidance paper on realigning emission targets

• Facilitating a sustainability in financial planning and reporting masterclass

• Delivering five education for sustainable development (ESD) and teaching-focused events

• Creating an online resource to support educators to integrate sustainability into college curricula

• Publishing a guidance paper on strategic approaches to embedding sustainability in research practice and culture

  
The successful £169,500 bid is a result of work undertaken with the sector and SFC over the past eight months to develop new ideas to deepen the sector’s response to the climate emergency. This process was informed by our Advisory Group, feedback from members through our regional workshops, events and surveys, and engagement with sector partners.  

Matt Woodthorpe, Scotland Director at EAUC, said:  

“It is fantastic to have the Scottish Funding Council’s support once again as we continue to help Scotland’s colleges and universities to meet their Public Bodies Climate Change Duties. Against the backdrop of the new statutory guidance for institutions, as well as a difficult financial environment, collaboration and innovation continue to be the cornerstones of our shared success. The EAUC Scotland team looks forward to working with the sector on the outcome agreement projects over the next 12 months.” 
 

Lynne Raeside, Interim Co-Director and Deputy Director of External Affairs at the Scottish Funding Council, said: 

“We’re committed to supporting Scotland's progress towards a more sustainable future, and EAUC continues to be an effective and valued partner in this important area of our work. 

The Scottish Government’s updated guidance on climate change duties is designed to help public bodies minimise their emissions as well as to become resilient to the impacts of a changing climate. 

It’s important that SFC supports these aims and I’m pleased we have been able to extend our funding for EAUC Scotland into 2027.” 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the new programme, please get in touch by emailing scotland@eauc.org.uk.