Sustainable StrathclydeAdaptation

The impacts of climate change are felt on every level of society. Therefore, as one of Scotland’s largest academic institutions, Strathclyde has a responsibility to its staff, students, local community and environment to safeguard people and wildlife from the coming severe impacts of climate change.

Even over the last 45 years, significant trends have been identified in Scotland:

  • average rainfall has increased by 21%
  • maximum temperatures have increased on average by 1.2oC
  • the number of average annual heatwave days has risen by six
  • snow days have also increased by 32%

This poses risks on several levels. Public health could be impacted through events such as floods and extended periods of hot weather. Infrastructure could be damaged and disrupted. Existing economic and social issues could be made worse.

At Strathclyde, we are adapting to this in several ways. 

Wildflowers

Soft landscaping

The University is seeking to maintain as much ‘soft’ landscaping as possible. This reduces the need for purpose-built attenuation systems. We have implemented wildflower gardens outside the Library and Strathclyde Sport.

Learning and Teaching Building

Design of capital projects

Where appropriate, we include elements of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, and building services such as temperature control, into plans from an early stage of design. An example of this is the green roof on the new Learning and Teaching building.

Barony Hall

Retrofitting

For existing buildings and infrastructure, we will retrofit elements of green infrastructure. An example of this is mini rain gardens. This will be done by proactively seeking out appropriate opportunities within our estate.