Climate Action So Far
Climate Action So Far
The Climate Action Plan was published in 2021, but climate action has been happening at Newcastle University long before this.
2021
2021- Divestment of all endowment funds fromin fossil fuel companies
- The Shaping Futures campaign, with a focus on climate action, was led by NUSU
- Net-zero carbon dioxide emissions target brought forward to 2030
- Phase 1 of the Climate Action Plan (PDF: 5,393 KB) published
- Shortlisted in the Green Gown Awards in the ‘2030 Climate Action’ category for the University’s Climate Action Plan and the ‘Benefitting Society’ category in recognition of ‘Climate Change Catastrophe’, a collaborative theatre project between the University and Cap-a-Pie
- First Climate Action Plan engagement workshop conducted with Estates & Facilities’ Senior Management Team
- Extended King’s Gate PV array to 116.4kWp, produced by 284 panels
- Second phase of Solar PV project underway across four more sites, with plans for more phases over the coming years
- Retained ISO 14001 and 50001 certifications for Environmental and Energy Management Systems
- Achieved BEIS carbon pledge of 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to 2009/10 baseline
2020
2020-
Opening of The Catalyst, the University’s first BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ Building and one of only two in the region
- Sustainable Framework for Construction is published
- Secured £2.9 million of government funding via the Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) for a biofuel CHP (Combined Heat and Power) unit to serve eight buildings on campus, saving approximately 11.5% of University scope 1 and 2 emissions
- Commissioned largest Solar PV array to date on our King’s Gate building with 93.4 kWp being produced by 230 panels
- Student Environment and Sustainability Committee (ESC) launched
2019
2019- Declared a climate emergency and net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2040 target
- Ventured into TEC Power Purchase Agreement to purchase Blyth wind-generated electricity
- Release of Staff Engagement Programme, 'Action 2020'
- Began working with Carbon Trust on our Scope 3 Carbon footprint
- Hosted the Climate Conversation Event
- Became member of Newcastle City’s Net-Zero Taskforce
2018
2018- Signed up to the BEIS HE carbon pledge
2017
2017- Work began onsite with our £2.4million campus LED retrofit scheme
- Opening of the Urban Sciences Building
2016
2016- Carbon Advisory Report produced including investment commitment
2015
2015- Energy Policy established
- ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification achieved
- First Celebrating Success: Environment Awards
2013
2013- First audit on sustainability in the curriculum carried out as part of a student project
2012
2012- Achieved People and Planet University League ‘First’ ranking
- EcoCampus ‘Platinum’ Award and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification achieved
2009
2009- Environmental Sustainability Policy established
2008
2008- Opened our Salix Recycling Fund for energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects
2007
2007- First Carbon Management Plan published
- Established the University’s Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC)