Green Gown Awards 2020 - University College London - Winner

WINNER: Change Possible: Action for a zero carbon UCL by 2030 

University College London’s (UCL) Positive Climate campaign is a sector-leading commitment to become a carbon-zero institution by 2030. We are an energy and research intensive university, operating across ~250 sites. The campaign will deliver a paradigm shift in the way we operate as an institution. By combining a people-centric approach with data driven insights, we are empowering our staff and students to be part of the change; for instance, through innovative dashboards and carbon awareness programmes that draw on latest research by UCL’s behavioural scientists.  

Information and nudging is backed up by robust action; this includes improved estate management and £1.25bn investment to deliver zero carbon buildings by 2024, a roadmap to be powered by 100% UCL owned renewable energy by 2030, and innovative programmes to tackle scope 3 emissions. UCL’s climate action programme is already set to deliver 25,000 tonnes CO2/year savings, improving air quality, and saving money.  

As part of our commitment to embed sustainability across our teaching, our programme will also become a demonstrator, inspiring other institutions and our students to see how a zero carbon future is not only possible but healthier, happier and more equitable. 

Top 3 learnings:

1. Our community have the solutions, by connecting and supporting them they make change possible. 
2. Our biggest climate wins were not the obvious ones, from laboratories to data centres and concrete.  
3. Carefully presented data is key to helping people take impactful climate action. 

Videos

• Video #1 (click to hide)