Currently, we emit nearly 100,000 tonnes of CO2 each year. This falls under three types of emissions:
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Scope 1: Gas and Fuel
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Scope 2: Electricity
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Scope 3: Waste, water, construction, purchase of goods and services, staff and student business travel and commuting.
Our target is to reach net zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2035, and Scope 3 by 2050. As part of this, the University is taking positive steps to raise awareness and embed sustainability across our Schools, Professional Services and accommodation on campus.
What is the Carbon Action Planner?
The Carbon Action Planner has been developed to support Schools and Services to develop their own bespoke Carbon Action Plan to contribute to our institution-wide carbon reduction goals.
The online software has been designed to help local areas work as a team to create, deliver, and manage their own carbon reduction plan. All Schools and Services have been invited to use the software and resources to create their own personalised Plan.
The actions are all based on reducing carbon emissions and were developed by consulting with a number of central services across the campus. The aim has been to develop actions which have been tailored to ensure centrally we are implementing changes to operations, policies and processes that will have a positive impact on our carbon emissions and these are being embraced across schools and services.
How can I contribute?
If you would like to be involved in the delivery of your School or Service Carbon Action Plan, please contact your Operations Management to find out more.
Over the coming months, there will be a range of workshops and a resource made available to aid the delivery of the Carbon Action Plan and share ideas and best practice, so please watch the events page for upcoming opportunities to get involved.
If your building has labs, check out the Labs Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) which has recently been launched by the Technicians Network.
How can halls of residence contribute?
A halls version of the Carbon Action Plan was launched in October 2022 and forms a significant part of the Student Green League – where each hall is judged and ranked on how well they are completing actions within the Carbon Action Planner. Examples include reducing energy use, recycling correctly, promoting sustainability, and encouraging sustainable travel options.
Each Hall Campus and Sustainability (CAS) rep will be recording the progress of their hall within the Planner.