The Higher Education Carbon Challenge Report

17th September 2015

Over the last decade the higher education sector has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable development, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

The Higher Education Carbon Challenge report has been released today by Carbon Credentials. This report gives an overview of some of the trends in carbon emissions and carbon performance in UK higher education institutions. Furthermore, it looks at a number of ways to develop a carbon management programme and how to go about achieving the 2020 carbon reduction targets.

There are a number of case studies within the report from EAUC Members, Bath Spa University, Birkbeck, University of London, The University of Nottingham and University of Exeter. Examples include engaging stakeholders through a carbon management plan, delivering long-term carbon targets and reductions and data-driven carbon performance.

Iain Patton, CEO, EAUC comments, "This report is a valuable contribution to the sector’s understanding of its performance. There is a clear disconnect between our carbon reduction targets and the rush to grow student numbers.

The view of the EAUC is that it’s time to look again at investing in carbon management. By aggregating projects, new finance mechanisms such as Energy Performance Contracting become increasingly attractive. We will continue to support universities and colleges to take a leadership role across all aspects of sustainability, and, with respect to carbon management, we will ensure their voice is heard at the forthcoming UN Climate Change COP21 talks as we lobby for more effective climate change policy".

To find out more you can download the full report here.

Following on from this report, Carbon Credentials will be hosting a free Carbon Management Planning workshop on Thursday 12th November in central London. To learn more and to register your interest in attending, please send an email to Russ Avery – russell.avery@carboncredentials.com.