What the study found
The paper describes the logic and principles behind a university-owned carbon sequestration programme at the University of Edinburgh. It says the programme was created to manage unavoidable emissions from aviation linked to university business travel and wider student travel, and to support broader community commitment.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors place the work in the context of the climate change and biodiversity loss crises, which they describe as among the most pressing issues facing humanity in the twenty-first century. They also say the programme was designed to secure learning and teaching strategies and long-term research benefits.
What the researchers tested
The paper examines the University of Edinburgh’s approach five years after it was adopted. It reviews the underlying logic and principles of the programme and considers common criticisms in the academic literature about carbon sequestration programmes, offsets, and insets, along with the authors’ and institution’s responses.
What worked and what didn't
The abstract states that the programme was set up to address unavoidable travel emissions through carbon sequestration. It also states that the approach was intended to support wider community commitment, learning and teaching, and long-term research benefits, but it does not provide outcome data showing which parts worked better or worse.
What to keep in mind
The available summary does not report numerical results or detailed evaluation findings. It also does not describe specific limitations beyond noting that the paper discusses criticisms from the academic literature and the responses to them.
Key points
- The University of Edinburgh adopted a “Net Zero by 2040” target in 2016.
- A university-owned carbon sequestration programme began in 2021.
- The programme was designed to manage unavoidable emissions from aviation linked to university and student travel.
- The authors say the approach was also intended to support learning and teaching strategies and long-term research benefits.
- The paper discusses criticisms of carbon sequestration programmes, offsets, and insets.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Edinburgh’s insetting programme addresses unavoidable travel emissions
- Authors:
- Yvonne Edwards, Dave Gorman, Peter Higgins, Dave Reay
- Institutions:
- Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-26
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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