Carbon
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. 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 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:
- Energy origin and procurement
- Energy use
- Capital goods
- Purchased goods and services
- Travel
- Investments
- Circular economy
- Research and education
- Leadership and governance
- 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.
Climate Conversation
November 2019's Climate Conversation brought together colleagues, students and external stakeholders to collaborate on the development of the roadmap to net zero.
The event helped to further raise awareness of the climate crisis, demonstrated our community's enthusiasm for positive change, and the outcomes helped to shape the University's Climate Action Plan.
You can see a summary of the suggestions below split into the three environmental themes discussed on the day.
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
What can you 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.