University for the Creative Arts reduces carbon emissions by more than a third

6th February 2018

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has reduced its carbon footprint from energy consumption by more than a third since 2010, saving 2,286 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

The 37 percent reduction means that UCA has achieved its 2020 target emissions rate three years early, made possible by the introduction of 26 energy-reducing projects over the last eight years. Savings have been achieved across each of UCA’s four campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham and Rochester.

Scott Keiller, Sustainability Officer at UCA, said: “Since establishing targets to significantly reduce our emissions in 2010, we have worked incredibly hard to achieve the savings we are now observing. Reaching our absolute emissions reduction target for 2019/20 in the 2016/17 year – a saving equivalent to cutting annual emissions of 560 average UK households – is testament to the commitment of the University to safeguard the climate for present and future generations.” 

Last year, UCA joined a growing number of UK universities in declaring that it has no direct investment in companies involved in the carbon energy industry, including those involved in extracting fossil fuels. UCA also publicly committed to ensuring that adverse climate impact would be avoided in any future corporate investments made by the University.

Initiatives since 2010 that have contributed towards the 37 percent reduction have included the phased installation of more efficient space and water heating, lighting and control systems. Last year, Electric Vehicle Charge points were installed at UCA’s Farnham and Rochester campuses, and UCA Farnham’s new administrative building, Hopfield House, was equipped with solar panels which are expected to produce around a fifth of the building’s energy needs.

In addition to UCA’s efforts to reduce its own carbon emissions, the University is also home to the Centre for Sustainable Design – a worldwide recognised research centre that has led and participated in a range of research projects, conferences, workshops and training courses focused on sustainable innovation and product sustainability.

To find out more about sustainability at UCA, visit uca.ac.uk