Newcastle University has committed, following its Climate Emergency Statement, to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. Achieving this 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 of central funding from the University, alongside SALIX funding and funding from other grants where bids have been successful.

Climate Action Plan

Newcastle University's Climate Action Plan (PDF: 5,393) 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 part 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:

1. Energy origin and procurement
2. Energy use
3. Capital goods
4. Purchased goods and services
5. Travel
6. Investments
7. Circular economy
8. Research and education
9. Leadership and governance
10. Engagement

Please see our five page Executive Summary (PDF: 1,204 KB) for a concise outline of the plan, and the full Climate Action Plan (PDF: 5,393 KB) to read the details of our journey so far and the plan for the future.

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.

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.

Reporting

Below is an exerpt from the 2021/22 EMS/EnMS Management Review which is conducted by the Environment and Sustainability Committee each year.

This graph shows the reduction in the University's Scope 1 & 2 emissions over time.

We are currently working on Phase II of the Climate Action Plan, which will include enhanced reporting on the breakdown of emissions by area of the University estate, such as our in-house accommodation facilities which accounted for 3621 tCO₂e in 2020/21.

Scope 1 and 2 Emissions from 2005/06 to 2020/21

What can I do?

Find out how you can reduce your impact in key areas and reduce the carbon footprint of your University: