This is our fourth annual University Carbon Report on the carbon performance of HEFCE-funded universities. We are pleased that the report is supported this year by Salix.
Universities in England have achieved their best year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions to date, although the sector is still not on track to meet its 2020 target.
Request a copy of the 2015/16 report and league tables
Our latest analysis for this year’s University Carbon Report reveals that total emissions for English universities fell by 7% in the 2015/16 academic year, in comparison to a 10% reduction over the previous 10 years. This is the sector’s best year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions to date.
Universities have made important progress, however the sector remains off track to meet its 2020 carbon reduction target of 43% set by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). If emissions continue to fall at the current rate, the sector is forecast to achieve only a 23% reduction by 2020. Universities now have less than 5 years to deliver the significant carbon reductions needed.
University Carbon League Tables
It is with great pleasure that we can announce that London Metropolitan tops the league table for absolute emissions reductions, having reduced their emissions by 57% since 2005. This is a remarkable achievement. Aston University have claimed top spot on the emissions intensity league table for income, and The Royal Agricultural University have retained their place at the top of the emissions intensity league table for floor space.
Request a copy of the 2015/16 report and league tables
Request a benchmarking report for your institution
As in previous years, you can request a benchmarking report for your university. The reports include detailed analysis of your carbon performance and a breakdown of your performance against targets, peers and sectors. You can request a copy with a valid university email address.
Request a copy of the 2015/16 report for your institution
Good practice guide for carbon management
We have also published a good practice guide for carbon emissions for the sector. The guide is designed to give practical advice and insights, and includes detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities for institutions.
The guide draws on key principles from management system standards, the results of our first higher education sustainability management survey, and interviews with managers from across the sector. We have included case studies and comments from practitioners from across the UK to explore the common challenges and to showcase the extraordinary work that is being done to drive performance.
Request a copy of the Good Practice Guide