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.

August 2019 progress:

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

For more information on our current carbon emissions across all three scopes, please see our Carbon Management Plan.

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

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.