Carbon
Working towards net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
Newcastle University has committed, following its Climate Emergency Statement, to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. Realising this target is going to involve improving activities and infrastructure across many areas of the University.
Delivery of the Climate Action Plan and ongoing carbon reduction measures is supported by £15 million per year of central funding from the University, alongside SALIX funding and funding from other grants where bids have been successful.
Find out about current Estates and Facilities projects delivering carbon reduction at our Projects webpage.
Climate Action Plan
Newcastle University's Climate Action Plan outlines the action to be taken in response to the climate crisis, as part of the University's commitment to social and environmental justice.
It summarises the work carried out to date in reducing emissions, the actions required to meet net zero by 2030, our aspirational scope 3 carbon targets, and the parts to be played by all members of the University community.
Targets and action plans are set out for each of the focus areas of the 10-point plan:
- Energy origin and procurement
- Energy use
- Capital goods
- Purchased goods and services
- Travel
- Investments
- Circular economy
- Research and education
- Leadership and governance
- Engagement
For a concise outline of the plan, explore our five-page Executive Summary. To get involved, or offer suggestions for our Climate Action Plan, get in touch with the Sustainability Team at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk.
Carbon management at the University
Since July 2015, the University has successfully maintained an ISO50001-certified Energy Management System (EnMS). The EnMS, and our Energy Policy, are both approved by University senior management. They allow for a robust process in setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and objectives and targets to increase energy efficiency.
Progress to date and further information on carbon reduction measures are included in our Climate Action Plan (PDF: 5,393KB).
In March 2020, we also completed a Scope 3 screening exercise with the Carbon Trust to better measure and enable reductions in our Scope 3 emissions. The report is available to read here: Newcastle University Scope 3 Report.
What can I do?
Find out how you can reduce your impact in key areas and reduce the carbon footprint of your University:
Get involved in events, networks and volunteering opportunities to learn more and play your part.
For further information about carbon management at the University and how you can get involved, please contact us.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) project
What is the project?
As part of Newcastle University’s Climate Action Plan, and our target to increase the amount of renewable energy generation on campus, this project will install solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays on the rooftops of many of our buildings on campus.
It is anticipated that this project will reduce the University’s imports from the national electricity grid by an estimated 1.8 million kWh per year. This is expected to reduce Scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions by over 380 tonnes a year. You can find out more about our carbon scopes and Newcastle University’s net zero ambitions on our Sustainability blog.
What is involved?
Estates and Facilities, at Newcastle University, have appointed a contractor, EES Group, develop designs for the PV arrays and install them on our roofs. To significantly increase the amount of renewable energy we generate on campus we will be seeking to maximise the area of the PV array installed on each building.
Once the arrays are in place, data showing the amount of electricity being generated will be shown on a website so that students, colleagues and visitors can see how much electricity we are generating from the sun, rather than buying from the grid.
How long will this take?
We envisage a two-year programme to complete the works across 32 academic buildings and accommodation sites.
Who is involved?
The Estates and Facilities project manager is Tony Douglass, and the University has appointed EES Group to carry out the work.
Oversight of the project will be done by the Climate Project Steering Group, co-chaired by Nick Collins, Executive Director of Finance, and Richard Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global and Sustainability.
There is a stakeholder group meeting every two weeks with representatives from all the University faculties and wider interested groups – if you think you should be part of this group, and are not, then please contact Tony Douglass directly.
How will the project impact me?
There will be limited impact on building users during these works. Most of the work will be carried out on building rooftops, limiting the noise and visual disruption to users.
However, some short power isolations may be necessary to connect the PV array to the building network. It may occasionally be necessary to have a crane situated outside the building to lift materials onto the roof. Building users will be notified via their faculty representative if this is required.
Further updates will be provided via this webpage and the stakeholder group following initial assessments by the contractors.
Restoration of the King George VI Building
What is the project?
The King George VI building was first opened by King George himself in 1939 and is Grade II listed. Recently, the condition of the brick façade has deteriorated, and structural repairs now need to be carried out. When investigating these issues, we will also be assessing the opportunity to make energy efficiency improvements to the building in order to reduce carbon emissions and help us reach our 2030 net zero target.
What is involved?
Phase 1 of the project will include a full structural survey of the building. Contractors will be removing a number of bricks to open a hole in the external walls of the building to determine the underlying cause of the issues with the brickwork.
How long will this take?
The initial survey work will be short-term, lasting a few weeks, but disruption will be limited to a few hours at each site. The programme for future works is not yet known, pending the outcome of the investigation works, but the full restoration and carbon reduction works are likely to extend into 2024.
Who is involved?
The Estates and Facilities project manager is Tony Douglass, and the University has appointed an experienced project team, including the main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine - who carried out our Henry Daysh Building refurbishment. The project team have already begun engagement with key stakeholders and a stakeholder group has been established.
How will the project impact me?
Building users should be aware that there will be some short-duration noisy works as investigations are carried out – these works are being planned with the stakeholder group to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Further updates will be provided via these pages and the stakeholder group following the contractor’s assessment.