Carbon footprint
We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a goal of net zero carbon by 2030.
Your Zero Carbon University
The University started reporting on its annual greenhouse gas emissions in 2007. Since then we have reduced emissions by 20 percent despite increased staff and student numbers. However, if the world is to deliver on the Paris Climate Agreement and avert the potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change, and for the University to play its part as a leader in climate action, more ambitious goals are needed. That is why we have committed to a net zero carbon goal. Within that goal is a plan to cut the University’s gross greenhouse emissions by 40 percent by 2030, compared to 2017.
Each year we calculate our carbon footprint in accordance with the greenhouse gas protocol. The majority of our carbon emissions come from energy used in our buildings and from transport, in particular, air travel by staff.
The University has developed a five-point emission management plan, which includes tree-planting, a carbon levy on staff air travel, introducing on-site solar power and investigating the use of marginal farm land for the development of a carbon forest.
The plan also sets out teaching and research opportunities, including new Master’s Scholarships for postgraduate research in support of our zero carbon goals and the campuses as a Living Lab, with sustainability projects built into the teaching programme.
Low carbon features will be a part of new campus development and refurbishment. The Living Pā project is an example of a proposed development with sustainability at its heart. The project aims to meet the principles of the internationally recognised Living Building Challenge for sustainable development.
What can you do?
- Conserve energy while on campus or in student accommodation.
- Join one of the many environmental groups on campus.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle to minimise waste to land fill.
- Use sustainable transport options.