Published on 29 July 2022
The University of Sunderland has been working hard regarding the contribution it can make to minimising the use of carbon in all its activities.
With much focus locally, nationally, and internationally on the impact of climate change, The University is committed to taking urgent, practical action.
The 43% CO2 reduction target for 2020-21 in the University’s current Carbon Management Plan has already been exceeded and is likely to be closer to a 60% reduction.
The University is now committing to new targets, underpinned by a quantified programme of projects and actions with a dedicated investment plan:
- To reach net-zero by 2040 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions (ie our direct emissions, such as energy costs and vehicles);
- To reach net-zero by 2050 for our Scope 3 emissions (ie all our emissions, including procurement and business travel).
These targets are more ambitious than the national minimum requirements, but bosses at the University believe they are practical, manageable and deliverable, and align with Sunderland City Council’s targets for the city.
The carbon reduction target is just one aspect of a broader range of initiatives to reduce the University's climate-related impact, covering recycling and waste, biodiversity across all campuses, staff and student engagements, sustainability education and low carbon travel.
Read more about how the University is embedding sustainable practices here Environmental Sustainability Plan.
