Latest News

Transition: A Staff Introduction, 8 June

written by Caro Overy on May 19, 2010

Introductions from St. Marcus staff
Photo by Spreenkler

Lunchtime Handprint Social Event in George Square.

What is Transition Edinburgh University? Here’s an opportunity to come and find out who we are and what we do, and discuss how we can all work together to make our University fit for the future.

Read more →

Handprint Social: Food for the Future

written by Rosie Sullivan on April 20, 2010

Thursday 29th April:

FOOD of the FUTURE

In a changing climate and with cheap oil running out, why are our diet choices important? Last Thursday in the Curle Room, Kings Buildings House, a room full of people got to grips with the impacts our food habits have on the future of food and more importantly what we can do to about it!

Food, as with any consumption, contributes to our carbon emissions. The way it is produced, packaged, transported, and even cooked, all make a difference, and, given that most of us eat three times a day, it’s worth thinking about what we can do about it. So we asked our speakers: What does sustainable food taste like? What should we be eating? Where should we be getting it from?

Transition Edinburgh University’s Ric Lander was first up relating how food fits into the university’s carbon footprint, (making up no less than a whopping 15%). Peter Smith (Msc Carbon Management) linked carbon emissions to the cycle of food from field to landfill. Rob Kyle (Abundance Edinburgh) motivated us to get involved in edible projects going on right here, right now in Edinburgh (see links below) and Donald Reid (Slow food Edinburgh) spoke to us about the wonders of slow, real food and sourcing local food through the prospective Forth Diet Project.

A huge thank you to all the speakers and all who came, it was a truly inspiring event.

It’s an exciting time to get involved in food. Here at TEU many plans and ideas are afoot for a programme of workshops and educational events, but we want more… we want to hear from you! If you are interested in getting involved with TEU food in any way, shape or form email Abby at abby@teu.org.uk. And see here for our next tasty gathering.

Finger licking good links:

Foraging map of Edinburgh: http://forage.rs/

Abundance Edinburgh: http://www.abundanceedinburgh.com/

Edinburgh Permaculture: http://permacultureedinburgh.ning.com/

Slow Food Edinburgh: http://www.slowfoodedinburgh.co.uk/

The Green Fork: http://greenfork.org.uk/

Transition Handprint Social: Keeping Our Homes Warm in a Low CO2 World

written by Ric Lander on March 5, 2010

Right now, pollution is changing our climate and cheap oil is running out. How can we warm our buildings without warming the climate?

Thought provoking bite-size presentations including Dr. Claire Haggett, Councillor Maggie Chapman, and David Somervell, University Sustainability Advisor. Followed by drinks and sandwiches.

Wednesday 17th March, 5.45-7.30pm (later than previously billed). McEwan Hall Reception Room (Entrance in Medical College Quad, map: http://www.ed.ac.uk/maps/buildings/medical-school).

  1. Edinburgh’s Big Green Makeover – Sion Lanini, Transition Edinburgh University. Volunteer run project reducing energy usage in student flats. Transition Edinburgh University.
  2. Warm Scotland – Councillor Maggie Chapman. The Warm Scotland campaign and what the Government could do to improve energy efficiency nation-wide.
  3. Big Switch @ Pollock – Ben Miller, Transition Edinburgh University. Inter-house energy competition run in University residences with Accommodation Services. Transition Edinburgh University.
  4. Making Micro-generation Effective - Dr. Claire Haggett. What effect does installing micro-generation in homes have on resident’s energy consumption?
  5. Energy Performance Certificates – Sion Lanini, Transition Edinburgh University. What EPC legislation means for Edinburgh residents. Transition Edinburgh University.
  6. Combined Heat and Power at Edinburgh University – David Somervell, University Sustainability Advisor. George Square, Pollock Halls, and Kings Buildings are powered by Edinburgh University’s own power plants.

Contact Ric Lander at ric@transitionedinburghuni.org.uk or 0131 65 040 65.

Drinks, free food and short films with the Big Green Makeover project

written by Sion Lanini on February 24, 2010

Join us for drinks, free food and short films next Monday 1st March, from 9-11pm in Teviot Middle Reading Room.

Read more →

Carbon Speed Dating: matchmaking with a 10:10 twist

written by Joseph Farthing on February 8, 2010

It’s getting hot in here. With Valentine’s just round tCome home with me and turn down the lightshe corner, join us in a speed dating event with a 10:10, climate-friendly twist! Measure your carbon footprint, find your ‘sole’ mate and change your luck in love not the climate!

Registration from 8pm, Sunday 14th February, +bar open till midnight, Lounge/Middle Bar, Teviot Row House, Bristo Square.

Read more →

Alleycat: Bike Treasure Hunt around the city

written by Joseph Farthing on

Discover fantastic new places and paths around Edinburgh while following clues towards the treasure. Bring a bike if possible but some will be provided, email Ben if you need one. Ends with tea and cake in a warm place!

Meet outside Teviot Row House, Bristo Square at 2pm, Saturday 13th February.

Organised by Transition Edinburgh University.

10:10 DIY Fayre, make your own 2010

written by Joseph Farthing on

Join us in learning how you can fix/make/swap your clothes so that they are loved once again, make original presents to wow your friends and loved ones, get musical on the cheap and have fun for free! With governments taking ages to act on climate change, we can do so much in true ‘Do It Yourself’ spirit to cut our emissions by 10% in 2010.

11am-4pm, Thursday 11th February, Lounge/Middle Bar, Teviot Row House, Bristo Square, with free food and drink

Workshops Programme (meet in Teviot Lounge), free and open to all!

12-1pm, ‘Junk to Funk: make your own eco-accessories, musical instruments and other magic’, hosted by Fiona Macpherson, Waste Innovations

1-2pm, ‘Safe hitching: a how to’, hosted by Hitch Society

2-3pm, ‘Tips, tricks and gadgets to help you save money and the planet’, hosted by the Big Green Makeover project

3-4pm, ‘Home composting made easy’, hosted by Miriam Adcock, Waste & Resource Action Programme Scotland

Cabbage Crudité Ambassador? Foods, frolics and folk

written by Joseph Farthing on

Think parsnips are just for roasting? Know the difference between a Bonnie Dundee and a Pentland Lustre?

Sample an intriguing range of fancy finger foods that say no to the poly-tunnel tomato and say yes to a good old local carrot! Brussel Sprout Hors d’Oeuvre anyone?

Sculpt the best potato sculpture and win a prize! Blindfolded ‘Taste the Difference’! Local folk music for authenticity! And a “Cabbage Crudite” recipe card pack to take home and inspire your friends!

Be there from 7-9.30pm, Wednesday 10th February, Quaker Meeting House, Victoria Terrace. You can also join the convoy from George Square by meeting outside the Chaplaincy, Bristo Square at 6.50pm.

Organised by Transition Edinburgh University.