Carbon
Carbon
Working towards net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2040.
Newcastle University has committed, in its Climate Emergency Statement, to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2040.
Achieving this is going to involve improving activities and infrastructure across many areas of the University.
What does our net-zero target mean?
We have to define which carbon emissions we are going to include in the net-zero carbon target and we want to be as transparent as we can whilst planning and reporting progress.
May 2020 update:
- all Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions are included in the target
- we are currently looking into which Scope 3 emissions sources we're going to include within our target, as well as improving our accounting methodologies for these
- developing the Climate Action Plan which will report on University emissions and the plans to achieve net-zero carbon
Roadmap to net-zero
November 2019's Climate Conversation brought together colleagues, students and external stakeholders to collaborate on the development of the roadmap to net-zero.
You can see a summary of the suggestions below split into the three environmental themes discussed on the day.
Keep an eye on this page for more net-zero updates.
What is the University doing?
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.
Within this management system and as outlined within our Carbon Management Plan (PDF: 2034KB), we have committed to three carbon emissions reduction targets:
- a 30% reduction by July 2021, against a 2009/10 baseline (BEIS HE Carbon Pledge)
- an aspirational 43% reduction by July 2020, against a 2005/06 baseline
- net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by July 2040
Progress to date and further information on measures to reduce our carbon footprint are included in our latest Carbon Management Plan (link above).
Current carbon reduction projects include:
- research and investment in renewable energies
- decarbonising heating and cooling
- heating and ventilation system upgrades
- boiler replacement programme
- CHP installation
- pipework insulation
- draught proofing (window sealing)
- replacing laboratory equipment with more energy efficient models – e.g. fume cupboards, –80°C freezers, fridges, drying cabinets, autoclaves
- replacing light fittings with LEDs
- upgrading our Building Management Systems (BMSs)
- sub-metering
- water usage reduction measures, including Automatic Meter Reading unit rollout
- PC remote shutdown
- implementing a 100% recycled paper only policy
- reducing staff commuting by car
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 you do?
Calculate your carbon footprint and see how you can take steps to reduce your impact on the planet.
Join Action 2020 to decrease the carbon emissions from your area of work and the University as a whole by completing actions and raising awareness.
Find out how you can reduce your impact in key areas and reduce the carbon footprint of your University:
For further information about carbon management at the University and how you can get involved, please contact us.