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.
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 environmental justice and sustainability. It summarises the work carried out to date in reducing carbon emissions, the actions required to meet net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2040 and the part to be played by all members of the University community.
A draft of the Climate Action Plan (2438 KB) is available and we welcome feedback. Please email sustainable.campus@newcastle.ac.uk with any comments.
Please note that the plan is currently going through the University governance process. It was considered at Environment and Sustainability Committee on 24th September 2020, by University Executive Board on 10th November 2020, and will be considered by University Council in December 2020.
The final version of the Plan will be uploaded to these pages once approved, with events to accompany its launch in early 2021.
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.
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.
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?
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.