University Carbon Reduction Targets

6th October 2015

Recent reports show that around three-quarters of England’s universities are set to miss their 2020 carbon reduction targets.

Iain Patton, Chief Executive of the EAUC, has said, “The findings in the latest Brite Green report outline the dilemma the university sector faces in meeting its carbon reduction targets with rising student numbers. An independent light being shone on us may be uncomfortable, but it’s vital. With a near collapse of carbon reduction policy drivers and funding, the English university sector stands at a crossroads.

"Universities have led our understanding of climate science, climate adaptation and mitigation. This has to shape what they teach and the way they operate and manage their own carbon footprint. With the marketisation of an ever more competitive sector, universities have to up their carbon game to attract students. It’s time to look again at investing in carbon reduction and universities should review their carbon management plans to ensure they are doing all they can to reduce their and their graduates' impacts.”

The sector still has a long way to go in terms of carbon reduction and there are certainly lessons to learn from the findings of this report. That said there is real commitment amongst the EAUC’s members to drive sustainability forward and we celebrate the high number of excellent entries into the 2015 Green Gown Awards as evidence of this.